The Hidden Epidemic of Bedsores in Elder Care

In nursing homes across the country, one of the clearest and most tragic indicators of neglect is the development of bedsores—also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. These painful skin and tissue injuries form when a resident remains in one position for too long without relief, especially in bony areas like the heels, hips, lower back, and shoulders.

For many residents, especially those with limited mobility, the simple act of turning or repositioning every few hours can mean the difference between safety and serious injury. Yet in far too many facilities, this basic aspect of care is neglected due to understaffing, poor training, or carelessness.

At Michael Hill Trial Law, we view these injuries not just as medical issues but as legal red flags—signs that a vulnerable individual has been failed by those entrusted to protect them.

What Are Bedsores—and Why Are They So Dangerous?

Bedsores form when constant pressure on the skin restricts blood flow, causing tissue to break down. While they may start as a small red spot or mild discomfort, they can rapidly progress into open wounds, deep infections, and irreversible damage if left untreated.

There are four recognized stages of bedsores:

• Stage I: Skin is red or discolored but intact. Area may be warm or tender.
• Stage II: Partial-thickness loss of skin, resembling a blister or shallow ulcer.
• Stage III: Full-thickness skin loss with visible fat or tissue damage.
• Stage IV: Deep wound exposing muscle, bone, or tendons—often accompanied by infection.

If left unchecked, these sores can lead to serious complications, including:

• Sepsis – a potentially fatal bloodstream infection
• Osteomyelitis – infection of the bone
• Gangrene – tissue death requiring amputation
• Chronic pain and reduced mobility
• Long-term hospitalization and decreased life expectancy

These are not mild or inevitable consequences of aging. They are preventable injuries that, when present, raise questions about whether a resident’s basic needs are being met.

How Do Bedsores Happen?

Despite their serious nature, bedsores are almost always preventable with proper care. Key prevention measures include:

• Regular repositioning of immobile residents (every 1-2 hours)
• Daily skin checks for early warning signs
• Clean and dry bedding, especially for incontinent residents
• Nutritious meals and hydration to support skin health
• Proper mattress support, including pressure-relieving cushions

Bedsores become a problem when these preventative steps are skipped—often due to facility-wide negligence. Some of the most common causes we encounter include:

1. Understaffing

When too few caregivers are responsible for too many residents, essential tasks like turning and bathing residents may be skipped entirely. Overworked staff may prioritize emergencies over basic care, leading to deterioration that goes unnoticed until it's too late.

2. Inadequate Training

Many nursing assistants lack proper education on pressure ulcer prevention. Without the right skills or supervision, early symptoms may be overlooked or dismissed.

3. Lack of Monitoring Systems

Nursing homes should have protocols in place to flag high-risk residents and ensure routine skin assessments. When systems fail, so does accountability.

4. Failure to Communicate

Communication between nurses, aides, and physicians is essential. A resident’s changing condition must be documented and acted upon. When records are incomplete or ignored, injuries occur.

Signs Your Loved One Is Suffering from Bedsores

Families are often the first to notice something is wrong. If you see or suspect the following, it's time to ask questions:

• Visible open wounds, red or swollen areas on the body
• Frequent complaints of pain, especially when lying down
• Foul-smelling discharge or infection
• Rapid health decline without explanation
• Staff being evasive or unwilling to provide updates on care routines

Even if a sore is in its early stages, swift medical evaluation is critical. If staff are not forthcoming or if the condition worsens, legal guidance may be necessary.

Legal Responsibility: When Is a Nursing Home Liable?

Under both state and federal law, nursing homes have a duty of care to protect residents from avoidable injuries. Bedsores, when they result from neglect, are a breach of that duty. Facilities can be held legally accountable if they:

• Fail to follow a care plan that includes repositioning
• Do not maintain clean and sanitary conditions
• Delay or deny medical treatment for developing sores
• Alter or falsify documentation of care
• Fail to train or supervise staff properly

At Michael Hill Trial Law, we thoroughly investigate each case, reviewing:

• Nursing logs and repositioning charts
• Staff schedules and training records
• Wound care documentation
• Medical expert opinions

We fight to expose the truth and hold negligent parties responsible.

What Compensation Can Families Pursue?

If a loved one has suffered from preventable bedsores, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (including wound care, hospitalization, surgery)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Wrongful death, in cases where infections or complications prove fatal
• Punitive damages, if the negligence was especially egregious

Each case is unique, and we approach every client with the respect and attention their situation deserves.

Michael Hill Trial Law: Fighting for the Dignity of the Elderly

Elder neglect is not just a legal issue—it’s a moral one. Our team at Michael Hill Trial Law is committed to holding nursing homes accountable and ensuring that every resident receives the safe, dignified care they are entitled to.

If your loved one has developed bedsores in a nursing home, don’t let the facility offer excuses. Let us help you uncover what went wrong—and take action to protect your family and others from the same fate.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation.