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What is a Pressure Ulcer?

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Pressure ulcers — also known as bed sores or pressure wounds — are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone. People most at risk of bedsores are those with a medical condition that limits their ability to change positions, requires them to use a wheelchair or confines them to a bed for a long time.

Are they dangerous?

Pressure ulcer incidence is associated with an increased Morbidity & Mortality — one study concluded nearly 70% of patients that develop pressure ulcers die within six months. Pressure ulcers can become infected which can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis) — a leading cause of death.

Are they preventable?

100% of National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel members said that most pressure ulcers are avoidable. Stages III and IV pressure ulcers that occur during hospitalization are among the conditions considered preventable “never events” by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Attorney Eric Milles has represented the families of victims in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Mississippi in wrongful death actions related to pressure ulcer injuries. Milles Law is always here to answer your questions.