Albuquerque Bedsore Attorneys

What is a Bedsore?

A bedsore, or pressure ulcer, is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure. When a person remains in the same position for too long—especially on bony areas like the heels, hips, shoulders, elbows, and tailbone—blood flow decreases. Without proper circulation, the tissue begins to break down, resulting in sores that can become extremely painful and dangerous.

Bedsores typically progress through four stages:

• Stage 1: Red, irritated, or warm skin
• Stage 2: Open wound or blister
• Stage 3: Deep wound extending into fat tissue
• Stage 4: Exposed muscle or bone with a high risk of infection

In nursing homes, these wounds are considered “never events”, meaning they should rarely occur when proper care is provided.

Common Causes of Bedsores

Most bedsores are a direct result of inadequate care. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to follow strict protocols that prevent pressure injuries. When staff ignore or fail to implement these procedures, residents suffer.

Common causes include:

• Lack of Repositioning: Residents with limited mobility must be repositioned every 1–2 hours. Failure to do so is one of the leading causes of pressure ulcers.
• Poor Hygiene: Moisture from sweat, urine, or feces weakens the skin and increases the risk of sores. Neglecting bathing or changing soiled clothing can dramatically increase injury risk.
• Malnutrition and Dehydration: Insufficient nutrition and hydration slow healing and weaken the skin, making residents more vulnerable to injury.
• Inadequate Staffing: Understaffing is a major problem in nursing homes. When facilities fail to employ enough caregivers, essential tasks—including mobility assistance—are often skipped.
• Failure to Provide Mobility Assistance: Residents who need help moving, standing, or walking may be left in the same position for too long, especially if the staff is inattentive or untrained.
• Untrained or Negligent Employees: Facilities are legally responsible for ensuring that staff understand how to prevent pressure ulcers. Improperly trained employees increase the risk of injury.

Any of these causes may indicate neglect, and families have the right to demand accountability.

Identifying Bedsores

Early detection is essential. Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to notice—or fail to report—bedsores until they have progressed to a dangerous stage.

Common warning signs include:

• Red, irritated, or discolored patches of skin
• Swelling or warmth
• Blisters, open wounds, or drainage
• Foul odor coming from the affected area
• Complaints of pain or sensitivity
• Visible tissue damage

The Harm Caused by Bedsores

Bedsores are far more than simple skin injuries—they can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening complications.

• Infections: Untreated pressure ulcers can become infected, leading to cellulitis, sepsis, or gangrene.
• Tissue and Bone Damage: Advanced sores can expose muscle, tendons, or bone, causing permanent damage.
• Extreme Pain and Suffering: Bedsore wounds are often intensely painful and emotionally distressing for the victim.
• Extended Hospitalization: Severe cases may require surgery, debridement, or prolonged medical treatment.
• Increased Risk of Death: For elderly or medically fragile residents, serious bedsores can be fatal.

Because these injuries are so preventable, their presence often reflects systemic problems such as understaffing, poor management, or gross negligence.