Wound Care on Limbs

The result of wound care neglect amputation can happen when the wound is not properly monitored and changes of condition are not reported to the physician and family or the patient sent to the emergency room. Nursing homes and assisted living providers often have wound care nurses come in from outside the facility to provide weekly or biweekly wound cares and oversight the daily wound care is often performed by the nursing and aide staff. Wound can progress rapidly and unless there is proper documentation of the all the characteristics of the wound (size, color, depth) and photographed serious changes in condition can go unreported. Avoiding wounds or catching them and having proper medical treatment in the early stages of the injury is critical. Once the skin is serious injured even when it heals it can still be scarred and compromised and more prone to future sores.

Abrasion Wounds from Casts and Braces

Often times the initial injury that causes an open sore is from an abrasion from the cast or brace after a fracture or surgery. Once started the sore can become infected and further aggravated until it is a deep wound. Wounds can also occur in due to unrelieved pressure from prolonged periods of sitting in a wheelchair or lying in bed. These wounds are called pressure sore injuries can usually be prevented with a regular turning and repositioning schedule and a pressure off-loading mattress and wheelchair cushion. The CDC guidelines on wound care treatment and assessment include:

Wounds to Lower Limbs can be Difficult to Heal

Once started a wound on a heel, toe, shin calve, can be very difficult to heal. The area is the furthest from the heart and circulation and blood supply to the area can be compromised. Appropriate care and treatment and nutrition is essential for proper wound healing. When the wound(s) do not heal it is critical that the resident is sent to the emergency room or wound care hospital for assessment and care. Negligent monitoring and timing delays lead to preventable amputation injuries.

Damages Available for Neglect Leading to Amputation

The resident is entitled to compensation for all medical bills, change in housing requirements and care need requirements, future medical treatment, prosthetic devices and the pain and suffering incurred for the period the wound worsened and for the loss of the limb itself.

Contact an Experienced Amputation Neglect Attorney

We have handled dozens of cases involving the loss of limbs and amputation due to neglect in elder care facilities. Call now for a free consultation to discuss your concerns.