West Virginia Bedsore Lawyer

What is a Bedsore?

A bedsore — also known as a pressure sore, pressure ulcer, or decubitus ulcer — is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. These sores often develop on bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone.

Bedsores range in severity:

• Stage 1: Redness and tenderness without open wounds.
• Stage 2: Partial skin loss and shallow open wounds.
• Stage 3: Deep tissue loss exposing fat tissue.
• Stage 4: Severe damage exposing muscle, tendon, or bone.

Bedsores can develop quickly — sometimes within hours — and, if untreated, can lead to severe infections, sepsis, or even death. Because they are highly preventable with proper care, their presence often signals neglect in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Common Causes of Bedsores

Bedsores usually occur when immobile or bedridden patients are not given the attention and repositioning they need. Common causes include:

• Prolonged Pressure: When a patient stays in the same position for too long, blood flow to certain areas of the skin is restricted, leading to tissue damage.
• Friction: Repeated rubbing against bedding or clothing can wear away the skin, making it more susceptible to injury.
• Shearing: This occurs when the skin moves in one direction while the underlying bone moves in another — often when a patient slides down in a bed or wheelchair.
• Poor Nutrition and Hydration: Malnutrition or dehydration weakens skin integrity and slows healing.
• Moisture: Exposure to urine, sweat, or other bodily fluids can break down skin and increase infection risk.

In most cases, these factors are preventable with attentive care, proper repositioning, and regular monitoring.

Nursing Home Staff Responsibilities

Under West Virginia law and federal nursing home regulations, care facility staff have a duty to protect residents from preventable harm — including bedsores. This includes:

• Regular Repositioning: Bedridden patients should be repositioned at least every two hours.
• Skin Checks: Staff must inspect high-risk areas for early signs of sores.
• Hygiene Care: Residents should be kept clean and dry to prevent skin breakdown.
• Nutritional Support: Adequate meals, fluids, and supplements should be provided to promote skin health.
• Prompt Treatment: If a bedsore develops, immediate medical care is required to prevent worsening.

When staff fail in these responsibilities — due to neglect, understaffing, or poor training — the nursing home can be held liable for resulting injuries.

Compensation for Bedsore Injuries

Victims of nursing home neglect in West Virginia may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical treatment costs (including hospitalization, surgery, and wound care)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)

We fight for maximum compensation to cover both the financial and emotional impact of these preventable injuries.

Why Hire a West Virginia Bedsore Lawyer?

Nursing homes often deny wrongdoing or attempt to blame a resident’s health conditions for bedsores. However, in most cases, these injuries are entirely preventable. An experienced West Virginia bedsore lawyer can:

• Investigate care facility records and staffing logs
• Work with medical experts to prove neglect
• Gather photographic and medical evidence of the injuries
• Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation
• File a lawsuit if necessary to protect your loved one’s rights

At McHugh Fuller Law Group, we understand the legal and emotional challenges families face in these cases. We work tirelessly to ensure nursing homes are held accountable and that victims receive the justice they deserve.

Get in touch with McHugh Fuller Law Group by calling (601) 255-0240.