It’s easy to think that bedsores (or pressure ulcers) are a “normal” part of aging in nursing homes. After all, families are sometimes told that they’re unavoidable, especially for elderly or immobile residents. But the truth is, bedsores should not be considered normal, and in many cases, they are entirely preventable. With proper care, regular repositioning, good hygiene, adequate nutrition, and timely medical attention, most pressure ulcers never have to develop at all.
Unfortunately, bed sores are allowed to worsen all too often, and they can lead to serious infections, prolonged hospitalization, permanent tissue damage, and even life-threatening complications. For families watching a loved one suffer, the situation can be heartbreaking. You may be left wondering how this happened and whether it could have been prevented. Most importantly, you may be wondering if you can sue the nursing home for failing to protect a vulnerable resident. Our bedsore attorneys are here to answer all of your questions.
What Are Bedsores, and Why Do They Happen?
Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the body. They most often develop on areas where bones are close to the skin, such as the heels, hips, tailbone, elbows, and shoulders.
Pressure ulcers form when constant pressure reduces blood flow to the skin. Without adequate blood circulation, the tissue doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to skin breakdown and, eventually, open wounds. Other contributing factors include friction, moisture from sweat or incontinence, poor nutrition, dehydration, and untreated medical conditions like diabetes.
While certain medical conditions can increase risk, bedsores are not inevitable. They are widely recognized in the medical community as a serious but largely preventable condition when proper standards of care are followed. Residents who are bedridden, use wheelchairs, or have limited mobility are especially at risk.
Common Signs of Early and Advanced Pressure Ulcers
Recognizing bedsores early is critical, as prompt treatment can prevent them from becoming severe. Early-stage pressure ulcers (stage 1 bedsores) may appear as red, discolored, or warm areas of skin that don’t fade when pressure is relieved. The skin may feel tender, firm, or itchy, and residents may complain of pain or discomfort.
As bed sores progress, they can become far more serious. Advanced pressure ulcers may include open wounds, blisters, or deep craters exposing muscle, tendon, or bone. In severe cases, there may be drainage, foul odors, blackened tissue, or signs of infection, such as fever and swelling. These later-stage ulcers (stage 4 bedsores) can be extremely painful and dangerous, often requiring surgery, intravenous antibiotics, or long-term hospitalization.
Why Bed Sores Can Be a Sign of Neglect or Abuse
Because bed sores are usually preventable, their presence, especially advanced-stage ulcers, can be a red flag for neglect. Nursing home residents rely on staff for basic needs like repositioning, skin checks, bathing, and assistance with meals. When staff members are overworked, undertrained, or inattentive, these essential tasks may be skipped or rushed.
Neglect may include failing to turn residents regularly, ignoring hygiene needs, not monitoring skin conditions, or delaying medical treatment once a sore begins to form. In some cases, understaffing or poor facility management plays a major role. While not every bed sore is proof of abuse, serious or untreated pressure ulcers often point to systemic failures in care.
How Nursing Homes Are Supposed to Prevent Bed Sores
Nursing homes are legally and ethically required to take reasonable steps to prevent pressure ulcers. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, creating individualized care plans, and monitoring residents who are at higher risk. Proper prevention measures typically involve repositioning residents every two hours, using pressure-relieving mattresses or cushions, keeping skin clean and dry, and ensuring residents receive proper nutrition and hydration.
Staff should also perform routine skin inspections and document any changes immediately. If a pressure ulcer begins to develop, timely medical intervention is critical. When nursing homes fail to follow these basic standards, residents can suffer severe and unnecessary harm.
When a Nursing Home May Be Legally Responsible
A nursing home may be legally responsible for bedsores if the ulcers resulted from negligence, abuse, or a failure to meet accepted standards of care. This could include situations where staff failed to reposition a resident, ignored warning signs, delayed treatment, or did not follow a doctor’s orders.
Legal responsibility may also arise if the facility was chronically understaffed, failed to properly train employees, or ignored known risks. In Delaware, nursing homes have a duty to protect residents from avoidable harm. When that duty is breached, and a resident is injured as a result, the facility may be held accountable through a nursing home neglect claim.
What Evidence Can Support a Bedsore Lawsuit?
Strong evidence is critical in any nursing home neglect case. Several types of documentation may help support a bedsore lawsuit. For example, photographs of the pressure ulcers over time can show how severe they became and whether they worsened due to a lack of care. Medical records can reveal diagnoses, treatment delays, and complications such as infections or hospitalizations.
Care logs and staffing records may also show whether repositioning schedules were followed or whether the facility was understaffed. Witness statements from family members, other residents, or former employees can provide valuable insight into daily conditions at the nursing home. In some cases, a facility’s inspection history or prior complaints may also demonstrate a pattern of neglect.
What Damages May Be Available in a Delaware Nursing Home Neglect Claim?
If a nursing home is found responsible for bedsores caused by neglect, several types of damages may be available under Delaware law. These can include compensation for medical expenses related to treating the pressure ulcers, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Residents may also be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. In tragic cases where bedsores contribute to a resident’s death, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Every case is different, and the damages available depend on the specific circumstances and harm involved.
So, Can You Sue a Nursing Home for Bedsores?
Yes, you may be able to sue a nursing home for bedsores if they developed due to neglect, poor care, or a failure to follow proper medical standards. While not every pressure ulcer automatically leads to a lawsuit, severe or worsening bed sores often indicate that a facility did not take reasonable steps to protect a resident. When preventable harm occurs, families have the right to pursue legal action and demand accountability.
Call a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer for Help
Nursing home neglect cases are complex, and families often face resistance from facilities and their insurance companies. A nursing home abuse lawyer can thoroughly investigate what happened, review medical records, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to determine whether proper care was provided.
An experienced attorney can also handle communication with the nursing home and fight for accountability, allowing families to focus on their loved one’s well-being. Most importantly, legal action can help protect other residents by exposing unsafe practices and pushing facilities to improve standards of care.
If you believe your loved one suffered bedsores due to neglect, you don’t have to face this situation alone. The Inkell Firm, LLC, is here to help families seek answers, accountability, and justice. Contact our team today for a free consultation to discuss your concerns and learn how we can advocate for your loved one’s rights.