When nursing home residents develop pressure ulcers (bedsores) due to neglect, the consequences can be devastating. At Bizer & DeReus, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents in Lafayette and throughout Louisiana who have suffered from preventable injuries and abuse.
The Impact of Pressure Ulcers in Louisiana Healthcare Facilities
Recent data reveals concerning trends in Louisiana’s nursing homes regarding pressure ulcer rates. Louisiana currently ranks among the states with the highest prevalence of pressure ulcers in long-term care facilities, significantly exceeding the national average. These injuries not only cause severe pain and suffering but can lead to life-threatening complications when left untreated.
Essential Monitoring and Prevention in Nursing Care
Proper monitoring is crucial in preventing pressure ulcers and protecting vulnerable residents. Nursing home staff must conduct regular skin assessments and maintain detailed documentation of any changes. This includes:
Healthcare providers should evaluate residents’ skin condition daily, paying particular attention to areas prone to pressure injuries. Staff must promptly report and document any complaints of pain or discomfort, changes in skin appearance, or early signs of tissue damage. The facility’s care team should develop comprehensive prevention plans with measurable outcomes, incorporating regular repositioning schedules and specialized support surfaces when needed.
Weekly comprehensive skin assessments are essential, with more frequent monitoring required for residents using medical devices or those at elevated risk. Early intervention and consistent documentation play vital roles in preventing these serious injuries.
Lafayette Area Nursing Facilities
The following nursing homes operate in the Lafayette area:
- Amelia Manor Nursing Home – 903 Center Street, Lafayette
- Camelot of Broussard – 418 Albertson Parkway, Broussard
- Camelot Rehabilitation At Magnolia Park – 1511 Dulles Dr., Lafayette
- Cornerstone at the Ranch – 103 West Martial Ave, Lafayette
- Courtyard Manor Nurse Care Ctr & Assisted Living – 306 Sidney Martin Rd., Lafayette
- Evangeline Oaks Guest House – 240 Arceneaux Road, Carencro
- Lady of the Oaks Retirement Manor – 1005 Eraste Landry Road, Lafayette
- Louisiana Extended Care Hospital of Lafayette – 2810 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette
- Maison de Lafayette – 2707 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette
- River Oaks Retirement Manor – 2500 E. Simcoe Street, Lafayette
Our Experience in Litigation
Based in New Orleans, Bizer & DeReus has established a strong track record of successfully advocating for our clients’ rights across Louisiana and beyond. Our firm has secured numerous significant victories, including settlements requiring accessibility improvements, successful trial verdicts, and landmark cases that have led to systemic changes in public transportation and healthcare access.
We have successfully litigated cases in federal courts throughout Louisiana, including the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Our attorneys have particular expertise in complex litigation involving government entities, healthcare providers, and corporations that fail to meet their legal obligations to individuals. Whether fighting for wheelchair accessibility, communication access for deaf individuals, or the rights of injured patients, we bring a thorough, strategic approach to the cases we handle.
Our firm’s litigation experience has given us deep insight into the investigative processes, evidence gathering, and legal strategies needed to build compelling cases that achieve results for our clients. We understand how to effectively navigate both state and federal court systems while maintaining our commitment to individual client advocacy.
The Importance of Thorough Medical Record Review
When investigating nursing home negligence cases, one of the most crucial aspects is the comprehensive review of medical records. Nursing home residents often generate extensive documentation – sometimes thousands of pages of records spanning multiple care providers, facilities, and time periods. These records can include:
Daily nursing notes, medication administration records, physician orders, care plans, skin assessments, dietary records, therapy notes, hospital transfer documents, and facility policies and procedures. Each of these documents may contain vital information about the quality of care provided and potential signs of neglect that were missed or ignored.
Our attorneys have extensive experience analyzing these medical records to identify crucial evidence. We look for patterns of inadequate care, missed warning signs, documentation gaps, and deviations from the standard of care. This detailed review process helps establish how and why injuries occurred, and who should be held accountable.
For families trying to understand what happened to their loved one, navigating these records alone can be overwhelming. Having skilled attorneys who understand both the medical and legal aspects of nursing home care can make a critical difference in building a strong case and achieving justice for injured residents.
Contact Bizer & DeReus for a Free Consultation
If your loved one has suffered from bedsores or other injuries due to nursing home neglect or abuse in Lafayette, Louisiana, contact Bizer & DeReus for a free consultation. Call 504-619-9999 or email Garret DeReus at [email protected] to discuss your legal options. We are committed to helping families seek justice and improving care standards across Louisiana’s healthcare facilities.