Bed Sore

Holding Facilities Accountable for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Chicago bed sore lawyer representation is essential when a loved one suffers from preventable pressure sores in a nursing facility. At Rosenfeld Injury Law, we have decades of experience handling nursing home negligence cases and have recovered over $450 million for our clients.

While financial compensation can’t undo the harm, it plays a critical role in holding negligent facilities accountable. Below are some of the recent settlements our Chicago bed sore lawyers have secured for victims and their families:

• $3,000,000: Wrongful death settlement for a woman whose husband developed bed sores after entering a nursing facility post-hip replacement surgery.
• $2,150,000: A family whose loved one developed bedsores and sepsis at a care facility.
• $3,245,000: A patient who developed pressure sores during a long-term hospital stay.
• $1,095,000: A 62-year-old woman requiring multiple surgeries, including flap reconstruction, due to severe bedsores from staff neglect.
• $875,000: An 88-year-old man who developed bed sores during a hospital stay, resulting in a prolonged long-term care stay.

If you or someone you love has experienced neglect or abuse in a nursing facility, contact Rosenfeld Injury Law for a free consultation.

Understanding Bed Sores

Bed sores, also called pressure ulcers, arise when there is prolonged pressure from the bed surface on certain parts of the body, cutting off blood supply to the surrounding skin. They most often appear on areas that bear weight against the bed, like the lower back, hips, heels, and elbows, particularly in people who cannot easily change position independently.

Common Causes of Pressure Sores

Bed sores often develop when nursing home patients or elderly individuals remain in the same position for too long, cutting off blood flow to the skin. Here’s how bed sores happen and some of the reasons why:

• Nursing facility staff may fail to reposition residents frequently.
• Poor nutrition can weaken the body’s healing ability, turning small sores into open wounds.
• Ignoring early signs, such as redness, can result in severe complications like dead tissue.
• Limited mobility increases the risk of pressure ulcers.
• Wet or soiled bedding accelerates skin breakdown and pressure ulcer development.
• Short staffing may prevent caregivers from giving adequate attention to residents.
• Neglected infections can cause sores to worsen over time.

By recognizing these risk factors and staying informed, families can better protect their loved ones and know when to seek medical assistance or help from a pressure sore lawyer.

People at Risk of Developing Bedsores

Elderly individuals, nursing home patients, and anyone with limited mobility or serious medical conditions face a high risk of developing bedsores.

Poor nutrition, lack of medical care, and ignoring signs of an open wound can also put nursing home residents in danger and even be life threatening. This could lead to a personal injury claim or medical malpractice claim from a pressure injury lawyer.

The Consequences of Developing Pressure Ulcers

When bed sores are left untreated, they can cause serious health problems, including:

• Infection leading to sepsis
• Chronic and significant pain
• Deeper and more difficult-to-treat injuries when ignored
• Additional surgeries
• Emotional distress

By recognizing early warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention, many of these complications can be prevented.

Are Bed Sores a Sign of Neglect?

Bed sores are often a clear indicator of nursing home neglect, particularly when residents rely on staff for repositioning and daily care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) classify advanced-stage bed sores (stage 3 or 4) as “never events”, preventable issues that should not happen in healthcare settings.

It’s critical to investigate whether proper treatment was provided if you notice such sores on a loved one. A Chicago nursing home bedsore attorney can help.

Pressure Sore Stages & Medical Negligence Claims

The stage of a bedsore plays a significant role in lawsuits against Chicago-area nursing homes, as it reflects both the severity of the condition and the potential level of negligence.

• Stage I: Skin is red and warm with no open wound, but the area may be painful.
• Stage II: The skin breaks, forming an open sore or blister. This may suggest earlier warning signs were ignored.
• Stage III: The wound deepens, forming a crater and possibly becoming infected. These are categorized as “never events” by Medicare.
• Stage IV: Severe sores expose muscle, tendons, or bone and often lead to infections. Their occurrence is strong evidence of inadequate care.

The four stages of a bed sore directly affect how medical negligence is determined and the potential outcomes of a lawsuit.

Can You Sue a Nursing Home for Bed Sores?

When nursing home staff fail to meet care standards, a lawsuit against the assisted living facility may be warranted. Below is an overview of some legal grounds and regulations that support this right:

• The Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/) in Illinois ensures residents are protected from nursing home neglect and harm. Bedsores often indicate neglect.
• Illinois Administrative Code Title 77, Section 300.1210, requires facilities to prevent bedsores and treat bedsores by following residents’ care plans.
• Federal standards in 42 CFR § 483.25 mandate proper care to prevent and treat bedsores, control infections, and keep new sores from forming.

Contact a qualified nursing home negligence attorney for help with a medical negligence case.

Proving a Pressure Sore Claim

To pursue compensation for a pressure sore caused by neglect, your nursing home bedsore lawyer must show it resulted from a failure to provide proper care by demonstrating the following:

• Duty of Care: Nursing homes are obligated to prevent and address bedsores.
• Deviation From Duty: Neglect occurs when staff fail to meet care standards.
• Direct Cause: A clear link must connect the bedsores to the facility’s neglect, such as failing to reposition a resident.
• Damages: Untreated bed sores can lead to physical pain, emotional suffering, and financial costs.

A nursing home bedsore lawyer can help prove these elements.

Bed Sore Statistics in Chicago Nursing Homes

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), studies show a significant association between pressure ulcers/decubitus ulcers and increased hospitalization rates among nursing home residents.

Between 2011 and 2012, data from the Illinois Department of Public Health linked over 41% of the most severe pressure ulcers in Illinois nursing homes to negligence.

However, these injuries are significantly underreported, leaving families without a full understanding of the risks

While reports suggest a decline in cases, underreporting raises concerns about the accuracy of these assessments.

Pressure Sore Treatment

Treating bed sores may involve wound cleaning, removal of damaged underlying tissue, specialized dressings, or surgery in severe cases. The emotional and financial impacts are substantial as well, with costs for medical care and reduced mobility diminishing quality of life. Facilities that fail to provide appropriate patient care neglect their duty.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Pressure ulcer prevention is a critical responsibility for healthcare facilities. Staff must be trained to identify early signs of skin breakdown, ensure regular repositioning, maintain hygiene, and support skin health through proper nutrition and hydration.

Neglecting these measures harms elderly patients and risks legal accountability, as families often seek justice for a lack of appropriate care.

Filing Pressure Sore Negligence Claims with Rosenfeld Injury Law

Filing a bed sore lawsuit involves several key stages, each requiring thorough preparation and expertise from a pressure injury law firm. The process generally includes the following steps:

• Evidence Collection: Medical records showing constant pressure on a patient’s body, witness statements, and documentation of unsafe practices at the nursing home are critical.
• Interviews: Chicago bedsore lawyers speak with the nursing home facility/hospital patients, family members, and staff to gather information.
• Medical Documentation: Your Chicago bed sore law firm obtains treatment records showing medical staff failed to relieve pressure often serve as evidence of negligence.
• Settlement Negotiations: Both parties work toward resolving the nursing home abuse and neglect claim.
• Trial Preparation: Chicago bed sores attorneys prepare for trial, potentially extending the process.
• Appeals: Either party’s nursing home abuse attorneys/pressure ulcer law firms may file an appeal.

Experienced Chicago bedsore attorneys provide essential guidance to achieve fair outcomes.

Damages That Can Be Recovered in a Pressure Ulcer Lawsuit

Victims of pressure ulcers, or their families, may be entitled to various damages in a lawsuit, including:

• Current and Future Medical Bills
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Consortium
• Punitive Damages
• Legal Fees
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life

These damages help families seek accountability and fair compensation for the suffering caused by neglect.

The Time It Takes Nursing Home Residents to Win a Bed Sore Settlement

The amount of time it takes to obtain a bed sore settlement can vary. The more complex the case, the longer it may take to reach trial, sometimes spanning years.

Lawsuits involving significant medical treatment and advanced stages of bed sores are more likely to proceed to legal action and often take longer due to the severity of the medical condition and the need for comprehensive evidence.

How to Strengthen a Nursing Home Bed Sore Case

Building a strong case for a nursing home bed sore claim requires taking certain steps. Here’s how to increase the strength of your claim:

• Take photographs of the bed sores
• Collect and organize medical records related to the injury
• Keep a detailed record of dates, symptoms, and any signs of neglect
• Report the issue immediately to facility management and request an official incident report.
• Gather contact information for potential witnesses
• Secure a copy of the facility’s policies on care and safety for residents
• Consult a qualified pressure injury attorney

By staying organized and proactive, you can help ensure your case is supported with strong evidence.

Reporting Nursing Home Pressure Ulcers

If you suspect neglect or abuse leading to pressure ulcers, it is essential to report the issue. Here are some resources you can contact for assistance and to file a complaint:

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Central Complaint Registry

The IDPH Central Complaint Registry handles complaints regarding facility violations and care concerns.

• Phone: 1-800-252-4343 (available 24/7)
• TTY: 1-800-547-0466
• Online Complaint Form: IDPH Complaint Submission

Chicago Department of Family & Support Services – Senior Services Division

The Senior Services Division investigates potential elder abuse or neglect within Chicago nursing facilities and provides support to affected families.

• Phone: 312-744-4016
• Email: Ag***@***********go.org

Illinois Department on Aging Elder Abuse Hotline

For individuals aged 60 and over, the Illinois Department on Aging offers a hotline to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

• Phone: 1-866-800-1409 (available 24/7)
• TTY: 1-888-206-1327

Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Ombudsman Program advocates for nursing home residents and addresses concerns about care and safety standards.

• Contact a Regional Ombudsman: Call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 to find the ombudsman in your area.

Speaking with a Chicago pressure sores attorney can be helpful too.

How to Check a Chicago Nursing Home’s History of Bedsore Injuries

When investigating a Chicago nursing facility’s history of bedsore injuries and other issues, several tools can help.

Visiting a facility in person offers insight into the care provided, while online resources reveal its track record.

The Illinois Department on Aging’s search tool provides details on licensed facilities, and the Illinois Department of Public Health’s quarterly reports highlight care violations.

Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool rates facilities based on inspections, staffing, and care quality, listing past complaints or citations.

Our pressure ulcers lawyers are here to help.

Hire a Chicago Nursing Home Bed Sore Attorney Today!

Our Chicago nursing home bed sores lawyers accept all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive a payment if we recover bed sore compensation on your behalf. Call our nursing home abuse attorneys in Chicago at (888) 424-5757 for a free case consultation!

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Decatur, Evanston, Naperville , Schaumburg and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.