Report Abuse
Free Consultation
Free Consultation
855-880-4500
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are one of the most devastating yet entirely preventable injuries suffered by elderly residents in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. These wounds develop when prolonged pressure restricts blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to skin breakdown, deep infections, and, in severe cases, fatal complications.
At The Elder Justice Firm, we specialize in representing victims of elder neglect, holding negligent nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and hospitals accountable for failing to prevent these horrific injuries. Our California Bed Sore Lawyer has successfully recovered over $200 million for victims of negligence and wrongful conduct, and we have the legal and medical expertise required to build strong cases that force facilities to take responsibility for their misconduct
If your loved one has developed bed sores due to neglect, the law provides avenues for justice. California has some of the most robust elder abuse statutes in the country, allowing families to seek compensation for medical treatment, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages against facilities that acted with reckless disregard for patient safety.
Bed sores develop due to prolonged, unrelieved pressure on certain areas of the body, which cuts off circulation and deprives tissues of oxygen and nutrients. Without proper blood flow, skin and underlying tissue begin to die, creating painful wounds that worsen over time.
The most common locations for bed sores include:
These areas are at the highest risk because they bear the most pressure when a person is lying down or sitting for prolonged periods.
Healthy individuals constantly shift their weight—often unconsciously—to prevent excessive pressure buildup. However, elderly residents who are bedridden, paralyzed, or have limited mobility rely entirely on caregivers to reposition them. When nursing homes fail to do this every two hours, residents are at a significantly increased risk of developing pressure ulcers.
In addition to pressure, several other factors increase the likelihood of developing bed sores,including:
Nursing homes and hospitals are well aware of these risk factors, and federal and state regulations require them to implement comprehensive prevention plans to protect at-risk residents. When they fail to follow proper protocols, resulting in bed sores, they can and should be held legally responsible.
Bed sores develop in progressive stages, with each stage representing increasing severity. The later the stage, the more dangerous and life-threatening the condition becomes.
According to the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP), nearly 60,000 individuals in the United States die annually from complications related to bed sores. These wounds are classified as never events, meaning they should never occur in a properly managed health care facility.
For more information on pressure ulcer classification and treatment, you may consult the Mayo Clinic’s explanation of bed sores and pressure wounds, or click on our in-depth article about bed sore types, their causes, and prevention.
Families suspecting bed sores or neglect often feel overwhelmed, unsure of the next steps. Taking prompt, strategic action can help protect your loved one’s health and strengthen any potential legal claim. Below are key steps you can implement right away:
Keep a detailed log of dates, times, and observations related to your loved one’s care. If staffing seems inadequate or instructions for repositioning are being ignored, note that. Consistent records can highlight patterns of neglect and support your case if legal action becomes necessary.
Visual evidence of bed sores, living conditions, or inadequate hygiene can be powerful. Use a clear, well-lit setting to capture images of the wounds, noting the date each time. If possible, take photos over a series of days to document any progression or worsening.
Whether your loved one is in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility, you have the right to obtain their medical records. These documents can reveal when symptoms first appeared, how staff responded, and the timeline of care—or lack thereof.
Speak with the facility’s administration or patient advocate about your observations. Ask specific questions about wound care protocols, frequency of repositioning, and dietary monitoring. Document every conversation and request written responses wherever possible.
Elder law attorneys are well-versed in bed sore cases and can guide you in navigating regulations, collecting evidence, and holding negligent parties accountable. Consulting legal counsel early on not only protects your rights but also ensures critical evidence is preserved.
By taking these steps immediately, you’ll not only advocate for better care but also lay a solid foundation if you decide to pursue legal action later.
California law imposes strict liability on long-term care facilities that fail to prevent bed sores. The California Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, found in Welfare & Institutions Code § 15600, allows victims and their families to file lawsuits against negligent facilities
Potential damages in a lawsuit include:
Unlike most medical malpractice or wrongful death cases, elder abuse lawsuits in California allow families to recover for the pain and suffering their loved one endured before death—a key legal distinction that can significantly increase the value of a claim
Proving nursing home neglect requires expertise in both medical and legal investigations. Our firm collaborates with:
Our track record of success speaks for itself. We have secure dover $200 million in verdicts and settlements, and our aggressive litigation tactics force facilities to take responsibility for their failures. Many nursing homes settle bed sore cases rather than face trial, knowing that a jury will not tolerate blatant neglect.
If your loved one developed bed sores while under the care of a nursing home, hospital, or assisted living facility, contact us to discuss your legal options. Our California bed sore lawyers will guide you through every step of the process with compassion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
In most cases, yes. Bed sores are classified as "never events" in medical settings, meaning they should never occur when proper care is provided. A well-staffed and properly managed nursing home will have protocols in place to prevent them. When a resident develops pressure ulcers, it is typically because they were not repositioned, kept clean, or provided with the necessary medical attention.
Early-stage bed sores (Stage 1 and Stage 2) can usually be treated if proper care is provided immediately. However, once a bed sore progresses to Stage 3 or Stage 4, the damage can be permanent. In severe cases, the wounds may never fully heal, and complications such as infections, sepsis, or amputations may arise. Treatment for advanced bed sores often involves surgical debridement, long-term wound care, and hospitalization.
A bed sore can begin forming in as little as two to three hours of continuous pressure, but significant damage often becomes visible within one to two days. If left untreated, a Stage 1 sore can progress to a Stage 3 or Stage 4 ulcer in a matter of days, leading to severe medical complications. This is why routine repositioning and vigilant monitoring are critical in nursing homes and hospitals.
Nursing homes and hospitals are required to take proactive steps to prevent bed sores, including:
Failure to follow these basic prevention protocols is a clear indicator of neglect.
Yes. Under California law, nursing homes have a duty to provide a standard level of care, which includes preventing pressure ulcers. If a resident develops bed sores due to improper repositioning, lack of hygiene, malnutrition, or other preventable factors, the facility can be held liable. Our firm investigates these cases by reviewing medical records, staffing logs, and state inspection reports to determine where the breakdown in care occurred.
Proving neglect in a bed sore case requires strong evidence. Our legal team collects:
If a resident passes away due to sepsis, infection, or other complications related to bed sores, the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility. California’s elder abuse laws allow families to recover damages for the pain and suffering their loved one endured before passing, which is not available in standard wrongful death claims. If the nursing home’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be pursued.
Yes. If multiple residents in the same facility develop bed sores, it may indicate a systemic issue of neglect, understaffing, or improper training. Our firm investigates whether the facility has a history of complaints or prior lawsuits. If patterns of neglect are evident, it strengthens the case and may support a class action lawsuit or multiple individual claims.
Nursing homes frequently deny liability, claiming that bed sores were unavoidable or due to the resident’s medical condition. However, in nearly all cases, pressure ulcers can be prevented with proper care. If the facility refuses to provide answers, it is critical to seek legal representation. Our attorneys will obtain medical records, consult with wound care specialists, and take legal action to ensure your family receives the justice it deserves.
The length of a lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case, the facility’s willingness to settle, and whether the case goes to trial. Many nursing home negligence cases settle within six to twelve months, but if the facility contests liability, it could take longer. Our firm aggressively pursues settlements but is fully prepared to take cases to trial when necessary.
The value of a bed sore case depends on several factors, including:
Each case is unique, and settlements or verdicts can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, particularly in cases involving wrongful death or egregious misconduct by the facility. Click here for more information on expected recoveries for bed sore claims.
Nursing home abuse cases are highly complex and require extensive knowledge of medical records, elder care regulations, and litigation strategy. Nursing homes have legal teams that aggressively defend these claims, making it difficult for families to pursue justice alone. Our firm has over $200 million in verdicts and settlements and a track record of winning cases against major long-term care corporations. We have the resources to investigate, litigate, and negotiate maximum compensation for victims and their families.
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered from nursing home neglect, bed sores, or wrongful death due to improper care, contact us to discuss your case. Our team will review the facts, explain your legal rights, and help you take the next steps toward justice.
We have won multi-million-dollar cases against public and private facilities on behalf of our clients. As a result, many institutions and their insurance companies opt to settle with us, based on our attorneys’ reputations.
Take The First Step
"*" indicates required fields
