Atlanta Bedsore Attorney

What Is a Bedsore?

A bedsore, also known as a pressure ulcer, pressure sore, or decubitus ulcer, is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on a specific area of the body. Bedsores most commonly develop over bony areas such as the heels, hips, tailbone, elbows, shoulder blades, and ankles — places where a resident's body weight presses against a mattress, wheelchair, or medical device for extended periods without relief.

Bedsores are typically classified into four stages based on severity:

• Stage 1 – Skin is intact but appears red, discolored, or irritated, and may feel warm or tender to the touch.
• Stage 2 – The outer layer of skin is broken, creating a shallow open wound or blister.
• Stage 3 – The wound extends into deeper tissue layers, often resembling a crater and potentially exposing fat tissue.
• Stage 4 – The most severe stage, where the wound extends through tissue and may expose muscle, tendon, or bone. Stage 4 bedsores carry serious risk of infection and life-threatening complications.

Bedsores can progress rapidly — sometimes within a matter of hours — if a resident is left in the same position without being repositioned or monitored, making early detection and consistent care essential.

Common Causes of Bedsores

Bedsores are considered a "never event" in much of the medical and long-term care community, meaning they should seldom occur when proper care standards are followed. Common causes and contributing factors linked to nursing home neglect include:

• Failure to reposition residents regularly, particularly those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound
• Understaffing, which limits the time and attention staff can devote to each resident
• Poor hygiene practices, allowing moisture, urine, or feces to remain in contact with skin
• Inadequate nutrition and hydration, which weakens skin integrity and slows healing
• Failure to conduct routine skin assessments to catch early warning signs
• Improper use of medical equipment, such as ill-fitting wheelchairs or catheters that create friction or pressure points
• Lack of proper training among caregiving staff on pressure ulcer prevention

While some residents may be at higher risk due to age, diabetes, or limited mobility, nursing homes are still required to implement individualized care plans to prevent bedsores from developing or worsening.

The Aftermath of Bedsores

Bedsores are far more than a cosmetic or minor medical issue — left untreated, they can lead to serious, sometimes fatal complications. The physical and emotional toll on both residents and families can be significant.