When a loved one enters a nursing home, families trust that they will receive proper care, respect, and dignity. Unfortunately, that trust can sometimes be broken. One of the clearest signs of possible neglect is the development of bedsores, also called pressure ulcers. These painful injuries are not just medical issues—they can be strong evidence that a nursing home has failed in its duty of care.
Bedsores are largely preventable with attentive, routine care. When they appear, it often means that staff members have not been repositioning patients, monitoring their skin condition, or addressing early warning signs. For residents who rely on caregivers for mobility and hygiene, such neglect can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation.
In this article, we’ll explain what bedsores are, how they can indicate nursing home neglect, and what your legal options may be if a loved one suffers from them. We’ll also discuss the role of federal and state laws, how to prove a claim, and the steps you should take right away to protect your loved one.
Understanding Bedsores and How They Develop
Bedsores form when prolonged pressure cuts off circulation to the skin and underlying tissues. Without blood flow, the tissue begins to die, causing painful open wounds. These sores are most common in residents who are bedridden or use wheelchairs for extended periods without being repositioned.
Common areas where bedsores develop include:
- Tailbone and buttocks
- Heels and ankles
- Shoulder blades and spine
- Back of the head
Certain conditions—such as poor nutrition, dehydration, diabetes, and vascular disease—can make a resident more vulnerable. However, proper care and regular repositioning can prevent most pressure ulcers from forming.
The Four Stages of Bedsores and Their Implications
Bedsores progress in severity through four stages:
- Stage 1: The skin appears red or discolored and may feel warm to the touch. At this stage, the damage is reversible if addressed immediately.
- Stage 2: The skin breaks open or forms a blister, exposing the top layers of tissue.
- Stage 3: The sore deepens into the tissue beneath the skin, creating a crater-like wound.
- Stage 4: Damage extends into muscles, tendons, or even bone, often leading to severe infections.
The higher the stage, the more likely that serious complications—such as sepsis or gangrene—could occur, putting the resident’s life at risk.
How Bedsores Can Signal Nursing Home Neglect
While some medical conditions make residents more prone to bedsores, nursing home staff are trained to prevent them. Failure to follow basic care protocols can be a strong indication of nursing home neglect.
- Residents are not repositioned every two hours
- Skin checks are skipped or poorly documented
- Nutrition and hydration needs are ignored
- Incontinence is not managed promptly
- Wounds are left untreated or improperly dressed
In many cases, understaffing is a root cause. Fewer staff members often means less time spent on basic, preventive care.
Laws and Regulations Protecting Nursing Home Residents
Federal law, specifically the Nursing Home Reform Act, requires facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding to maintain each resident’s highest possible physical well-being. This includes preventing avoidable bedsores and treating existing ones promptly.
Individual states may also have additional nursing home regulations that go beyond federal standards. For example, some states have specific reporting requirements for pressure ulcers or impose higher staffing ratios. While laws differ from state to state, nursing homes nationwide are expected to provide safe and adequate care.
If a facility fails to meet these standards, it may be held legally responsible for any harm caused.
Proving a Nursing Home Neglect Case Involving Bedsores
In most jurisdictions, a successful nursing home neglect case must prove four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The nursing home had a legal obligation to provide reasonable care to the resident.
- Breach of Duty: The facility failed to meet that obligation, such as by not repositioning the patient regularly.
- Causation: The neglect directly caused the bedsores or worsened an existing condition.
- Damages: The resident suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result.
Evidence that may help your case includes:
- Medical records and wound care charts
- Photographs of the bedsores
- Testimony from healthcare experts
- Witness statements from staff, other residents, or family
Damages You Can Seek in a Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit
If your case is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to treating the bedsores
- Costs of transferring your loved one to a safer facility
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- In extreme cases, wrongful death damages
Punitive damages may also be available in cases of severe or intentional misconduct, although these vary by state.
What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect
If you believe a loved one is suffering from neglect, take action quickly:
- Document everything: Photograph the injuries and keep notes of conversations with staff.
- Seek immediate medical evaluation: Ensure the resident receives proper wound care from a qualified professional.
- Request care records: Ask for daily care logs, wound assessments, and staff shift reports.
- Report the neglect: Contact your state’s long-term care ombudsman or health department.
- Consult a nursing home abuse lawyer: An attorney can guide you on how to preserve evidence and protect your loved one’s rights.
Acting fast is important—bedsores can worsen rapidly, and legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) vary by state.
Why Legal Help Matters in Bedsore Neglect Cases
Bedsores are often just the visible sign of deeper problems within a facility. Holding a nursing home accountable requires understanding complex medical evidence, state and federal regulations, and how to present a compelling legal argument.
An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can:
- Investigate the facility’s care practices
- Obtain critical medical and staffing records
- Work with medical experts to prove negligence
- Negotiate a settlement or represent you in court
Without legal representation, families often struggle to get fair compensation or bring about changes to protect other residents.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
If your loved one has suffered from bedsores in a nursing home, it may be more than just poor luck—it could be nursing home neglect. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we understand the pain and frustration families feel when a facility fails to provide safe, dignified care.
Our legal team will work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the justice your loved one deserves. We offer compassionate, results-driven representation and a free initial consultation.
Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your loved one and hold negligent nursing homes accountable.