Background

The patient was a 78-year-old nursing home resident with late-stage dementia and development of a stage-four pressure injury to the buttocks. The case alleged neglect and wrongful death due to development and deterioration of an infected bed sore.

Services Provided

Due to the extensive tissue damage observed with a stage-four pressure sore, questions were raised about whether the infection and/or pressure sore were avoidable or not. Our Legal Nurse Consultant thoroughly reviewed the medical records, looking for information to help our clients uncover the facts. Documents showed that debridement (removal of the damaged tissue) was performed, and the tissue was described as neoplastic (cancerous) in appearance. We noted that records indicated a biopsy was recommended but never performed.