PKSD is proud to announce an $11 million verdict we recovered on behalf of the estate of a patient at a nursing facility in New Mexico who suffered pressure injuries on her heels and died because of them. The verdict was obtained by Jeff Pitman, Patrick O’Neill and Ben Reyes on January 22.
The verdict includes $5 million for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life and another $6 million in punitive damages.
The victim was a patient at The Medical Resort at Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico in July of 2013. She suffered pressure injuries on both heels and the jury in the wrongful death lawsuit found these injuries were the cause of her death.
The backs of the arms and legs are common sites where pressure injuries develop, particularly on the heels, ankles, shoulder blades, hips and tailbone. When there is constant pressure on a body part it reduces blood flow to the area, denying oxygen and other nutrients to tissues. This can result in the skin dying and the development of a sore. If the injury is not treated properly it can get much worse, going deeper into the skin and affecting muscles and bone, possibly resulting in death.
