Families, who entrust the care of their loved ones to nursing homes, expect that they will provide residents with comprehensive medical care including proper wound care management. The lack of proper wound care in nursing homes is a pervasive issue, however, that can lead to severe infections, unnecessary pain, and even life-threatening complications. The failure to provide appropriate care often constitutes negligence, and facilities that carelessly harm their residents can be held legally accountable for the harm they cause. If you or a loved one suffered because of the lack of proper wound care in a nursing home, it is important to understand your rights, and it is wise to consult an attorney to explore what claims you may be able to pursue. Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, P.C., is a dedicated Rockland County nursing home negligence attorney who fights to protect the rights of nursing home residents, and if you hire her, she will diligently pursue any available compensation on your behalf. Ms. Crown represents individuals in cases against negligent nursing homes throughout Rockland, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam Counties, and also in the greater metropolitan area.
The Consequences of the Lack of Proper Wound Care in Nursing HomesThe lack of proper wound care in nursing homes can result in devastating consequences for residents, many of whom are elderly, bedridden, or suffering from chronic conditions that make them especially vulnerable to infections and slow healing. Pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and diabetic ulcers require diligent care including frequent monitoring, proper cleaning, and timely medical intervention.
When nursing homes neglect these crucial responsibilities, residents may develop severe infections such as cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or sepsis. These conditions can lead to hospitalization, significant pain, prolonged recovery, or even death. Additionally, untreated or improperly managed wounds may worsen—leading to the need for surgical interventions, including amputations.
Legal Liability for Inadequate Wound Care in Nursing HomesUnder New York law, nursing homes have a duty to provide proper medical care to their residents, which includes effective wound prevention and treatment. Federal regulations, including those imposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), mandate that nursing homes follow specific wound care protocols. When a nursing home fails to meet these standards and a resident suffers harm as a result, the facility may be liable for negligence.
A plaintiff, bringing a negligence claim based on the lack of proper wound care in a nursing home, must prove that the facility owed the resident a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the resident’s injury and resulting damages. Nursing homes have a duty to assess residents for the risk of developing wounds, implement preventive measures, and properly treat any wounds that do arise. A breach can occur when a facility fails to take reasonable steps to provide appropriate care such as neglecting to reposition immobile residents, failing to clean and dress wounds correctly, or not consulting medical professionals when necessary.
Proving that a nursing home’s negligence caused harm often requires testimony from medical professionals with expertise in wound care and geriatric medicine, who can explain the appropriate standard of care and how the facility’s actions—or lack thereof—deviated from accepted medical practices. Experts can also establish a direct link between the facility’s negligence and the resident’s injuries.
Victims, of the lack of proper wound care in nursing homes, may be entitled to various forms of compensation under New York law. Residents, who suffer due to inadequate wound care, may seek damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. Other damages can include reimbursement for medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, and physical therapy. Additionally, families of residents, who pass away due to complications from untreated wounds, may also pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for the pain and suffering of their loved ones, funeral expenses, and other related losses.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Rockland County Nursing Home Negligence AttorneyIf lack of proper nursing home wound care injured you or a loved one, it is crucial to understand your rights, and you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, P.C., is a knowledgeable Rockland County nursing home negligence attorney who is committed to fighting for justice on behalf of vulnerable residents, and if you hire her, she will zealously pursue the best result possible in your case. Ms. Crown represents clients in nursing home negligence cases in Rockland, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam Counties, as well as the greater metropolitan area. You can contact her office at 845-708-5900 or reach her directly at 845-598-8253, where she is available 24/7. You may also complete an online form to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case.