Georgia Bedsore Lawyer

What is a Bedsore?

A bedsore, also called a pressure ulcer or decubitus ulcer, is a skin injury caused by prolonged pressure on a specific area of the body. These sores typically develop on bony areas such as the tailbone, hips, ankles, or heels—especially in patients who are bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or otherwise immobile.

Bedsores progress in stages:

• Stage 1: Red or discolored skin that may be painful but without open wounds.
• Stage 2: Blisters or open wounds appear, often causing considerable discomfort.
• Stage 3: The sore worsens and damages deeper layers of skin and tissue.
• Stage 4: Severe damage involving muscle, tendons, or even bone—often leading to infections, sepsis, or death.

Proper care and frequent repositioning can prevent these injuries. When bedsores occur, it is often because a caregiver or nursing home staff member has failed to meet basic standards of care.

Common Causes of Bedsores

Bedsores are considered highly preventable with appropriate medical and personal care. When they occur in a nursing home setting, it often signals neglect or understaffing. Common causes include:

• Failure to Reposition: Immobile patients must be turned regularly to prevent prolonged pressure on one part of the body.
• Poor Hygiene: Damp or soiled clothing and bedding increase the risk of skin breakdown.
• Inadequate Nutrition and Hydration: Malnourished individuals have more fragile skin and slower healing rates.
• Untrained or Overworked Staff: Nursing homes that cut corners on staffing can’t provide the attention each resident needs.
• Lack of Skin Inspections: Routine checks are necessary to catch early signs of pressure ulcers and take preventative measures.

In short, bedsores are rarely a natural result of aging or illness—they are a red flag for abuse or neglect. A Georgia bedsore lawyer at McHugh Fuller Law Group can help you investigate and determine if your loved one’s injuries were preventable.

Nursing Home Staff Responsibilities

Under both Georgia law and federal regulations, nursing homes are legally obligated to provide appropriate care that protects residents from harm. This includes:

• Creating individualized care plans tailored to residents’ mobility and medical needs.
• Repositioning immobile residents every two hours or more frequently as needed.
• Providing clean bedding and proper hygiene to prevent skin breakdown.
• Monitoring skin condition regularly and documenting any changes or issues.
• Ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration to support skin health and healing.

Failure to meet these basic standards can make the facility liable for damages, including medical costs, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in some cases.