The Journal Carrier reported on a recently filed Illinois lawsuit against Jacksonville Convalescent Center involving the death of an 87-year-old man at the facility.  According to reports, the lawsuit was filed based on the poor care provided by the nursing home contributed to the patients death.

Despite having multiple medical conditions such as: prior strokes, hypertension, diabetes and dementia that put the man at an increased risk for falling, the facility allegedly failed to implement the necessary safeguards and he subsequently fell and fractured his hip which necessitated a surgery.

In addition to the fall and resulting injury, the lawsuit further alleges that the facility failed to prevent the development of a diabetic ulcer on the patient's ankle that ultimately resulted in severe medical complications such as gangrene and osteomyelitis. 

Development of gangrene and osteomyelitis in wounds

Few medical conditions are as debilitating and de-humanizing that gangrene and osteomyelitis. Gangrene is a condition that results when the tissue and skin die and decay and toxins form killing the area surrounding the wound.  Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone that generally forms in the area surrounding a wound.

Particularly in patients with diabetic ulcers and decubitus ulcers, medical personnel need to be diligent when caring for the patients wounds.  Strict adherence to the doctors orders is necessary to maximize the ability of the wound to heal.  Certainly, except for the most extreme circumstances, the development of gangrene and osteomyelitis are indicative the facilities failure to provide adequate care.

Related:

If bed sores are not timely treated, can gangrene develop?

Can bed sores cause osteomyelitis?

Are all ‘sores’ considered to be ‘bed sores’?

Nursing Home Injury Laws: Illinois