If you or a loved one has developed pressure ulcers (bedsores) while receiving care at a nursing home in New Orleans, the experienced attorneys at Bizer & DeReus may be able to help. For over 15 years, our firm has successfully represented victims of negligence and discrimination across Louisiana.
Understanding Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure. These injuries typically develop when someone remains in one position for extended periods without movement or repositioning.
The Four Stages of Pressure Ulcers
Stage 1:
- Skin appears red and warm to the touch
- Area may be painful but doesn’t have open sores
- Skin doesn’t blanch (turn white) when pressed
- Early intervention at this stage can prevent worsening
Stage 2:
- Partial loss of skin thickness
- Appears as a shallow, pinkish-red wound
- May present as an intact or ruptured blister
- Painful and tender to touch
Stage 3:
- Full thickness skin loss
- Subcutaneous fat may be visible
- Appears as a deep crater
- May show signs of infection
- Significant medical intervention required
Stage 4:
- Severe tissue loss
- Muscle, bone, or tendons may be visible
- High risk of serious complications
- Requires immediate medical attention
- May require surgical intervention
Emergency Signs of Dangerous Bedsores
Seek immediate medical attention if you observe:
- Black or dark tissue (necrosis)
- Foul odor from the wound
- Fever or chills
- Pus or drainage from the wound
- Severe pain around the ulcer
- Deep craters or exposed bone
- Redness spreading from the wound
Medical Complications from Untreated Bedsores
Untreated pressure ulcers can lead to severe, life-threatening complications:
- Sepsis (bloodstream infection)
- Cellulitis (spreading skin infection)
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Joint infections
- Gangrene
- Deep tissue injury
- Death
Why Choose a Local New Orleans Attorney
When pursuing a bedsore injury case in New Orleans, having attorneys with direct experience in Orleans Parish Civil District Court is an added benefit. At Bizer & DeReus, our office on St. Claude Avenue places us at the heart of New Orleans, just minutes from the courthouse.
Our attorneys have extensive experience navigating the specific procedures and local rules of Orleans Parish Civil District Court. We regularly appear before the local judiciary and understand how to effectively present cases to New Orleans jurors.
New Orleans Nursing Home Facilities
New Orleans is home to several nursing facilities that provide long-term care to residents:
- Willow Wood at Woldenberg Village on Behrman Place
- Chateau De Notre Dame Community Care Center on Burdette Street
- Covenant Home on Magazine Street
- Ferncrest Manor Living Center on Haynes Boulevard
- Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center on General Meyer Avenue
- John J. Hainkel, Jr. Home & Rehabilitation Center on Henry Clay Avenue
- Lafon Nursing Facility of the Holy Family on Chef Menteur Highway
- Our Lady of Wisdom Community Care Center on General De Gaulle Drive
- Poydras Home on Magazine Street
- St Margaret’s on Bienville Street
- St. Anna’s at Lambeth House on Broadway
- St. Bernard Nursing & Rehab on Roneagle Way
- St. Jude’s Health & Wellness Center on S Claiborne Avenue
If you or a loved one has experience injury, harm, or discrimination at once of these facilities, contact us to discuss your experience and legal rights.
Legal Help for Pressure Ulcer Injuries
At Bizer & DeReus, our experienced attorneys understand that that pressure ulcer cases are complex. Our team has handled hundreds of cases in federal court and has the expertise to thoroughly investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in:
- Investigating medical negligence
- Working with experts
- Reviewing medical records and report
- Taking depositions and obtaining documents from defendants
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Handling trials in federal and state court
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights. Our attorneys will review your case, and help you understand the next steps in seeking justice for pressure ulcer injuries.
Protecting patient rights and dignity across New Orleans and Louisiana
Call us at 504-619-9999 or email Garret DeReus at [email protected] to schedule your free consultation.