What are the Stages of a Bedsore?

Recognizing bedsore stages is crucial to ensuring prompt and appropriate care. At Traction Law Group, we aim to provide the information you need to protect your loved ones and understand when legal action may be necessary.

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, progress through four stages depending on their severity. Early detection can help prevent the sores from progressing to more severe and dangerous stages.

– Stage 1: The earliest stage of a bedsore is characterized by persistent redness on the skin. The affected area may feel warm, painful, or itchy, but the skin is not broken.

– Stage 2: As bedsores progress to stage 2, the skin may break open or form a painful ulcer. This stage often presents as a blister or a shallow, pinkish-red wound.

– Stage 3: In stage 3, the bedsore deepens into a crater beneath the skin’s surface. Fat may be visible in the sore, but muscle, tendon, and bone are not exposed.

– Stage 4: The most severe stage, stage 4 bedsores, involve extensive skin and underlying tissue damage. Muscles, bones, or tendons may be visible, and the wound may show signs of life-threatening infection.

Unstageable Bedsores

In some cases, bedsores may be considered unstageable. This typically occurs when the wound’s surface is covered by a yellow, tan, green, or brown crust, known as slough, or by a black hard crust called eschar. These coverings obstruct the view of the wound, making it impossible to determine the true depth and stage of the ulcer.

Recognizing Signs of Progression

Early detection of bedsores and monitoring for signs of progression are critical. If a loved one in a care facility develops worsening redness, swelling, warmth, or other changes in skin condition, it’s crucial to alert the medical team and demand proper care. 

Bedsore Lawsuits

Legal action may be necessary if bedsores progress due to neglect or inadequate care in a nursing home or other care facility. At Traction Law Group, our experienced bedsore lawyers can guide you through seeking justice and compensation for your loved one’s suffering.

Understanding the stages of bedsores is critical to ensuring your loved ones receive the care they need. If you suspect neglect has contributed to the development or worsening of bedsores, contact Traction Law Group. Our expert bedsore lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of victims and their families.