Civil claims relating to pressure ulcers: a claimants' lawyer's perspective

This article addresses attorneys' evolving views of civil claims against nursing homes, hospitals, nurses and doctors relating to pressure ulcers. The author describes measures that healthcare professionals may take to avoid becoming subject to claims, such as properly documenting assessments of patient risks and documenting consistent and appropriate care. Several issues of ethical consideration for nurses are presented relating to the role of nurses as patient advocates, including the issue of under what circumstances may or should a nurse recommend that a patient confer with an attorney. The article describes some common misconceptions about nursing and medical malpractice claims, and identifies ways that some proposed tort reforms appear borne of unsubstantiated fears.