How Do I Prove Nursing Home Neglect Caused a Bedsore?

 Posted on June 18, 2025 in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

To prove that bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, were caused by nursing home neglect, you must show that the facility failed to provide the care necessary to prevent the injury. Many factors can complicate these cases, and finding sufficient evidence to support your claim may be challenging without assistance from an experienced Hagerstown, MD nursing home bedsore injury lawyer. With a knowledgeable legal representative to help you gather documentation, you may be able to hold the facility accountable for neglect.

What Signs Indicate That a Bedsore Was Caused by Neglect?

Even with proper care, various medical and physical conditions increase the risk of pressure ulcers. For example, patients with diabetes, vascular disease, and autoimmune disorders have an increased risk of bedsores because of impaired blood flow. However, some red flags that may indicate that neglect could have contributed to bedsores in a nursing home include:

• Medical red flags: Deep wounds and signs of infection, like redness, foul odor, and fever, can indicate that a nursing home resident is being neglected. You may notice that the wound will not heal despite treatment.

• Documentation issues: Signs of neglect in documentation include missing or outdated care plans, incomplete or inconsistent nursing notes, or missing documentation of wound progression.

• Staffing and facility issues: Chronic understaffing can lead to negligent care, with immobile residents not being repositioned often enough. You may notice general uncleanliness, like dirty linens or poor resident hygiene.

What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Nursing Home Neglect?

You need clear evidence of the injury and a connection to failure in care to prove that a bedsore was caused by neglect. Medical records regarding wound assessments, witness statements, photos of the injury, and expert medical testimony can be valuable evidence in a nursing home bedsore injury claim. Statute §19–343 under Maryland law stipulates that residents of comprehensive or extended care facilities have the right to receive adequate and appropriate care. Repeated failures in basic care can warrant legal action.

Can I Sue a Nursing Home for Pressure Ulcers in Maryland?

Pressure ulcers caused by nursing home neglect would fall under personal injury claims. Maryland statute §5–101 mandates that a civil action can be filed within three years from the date that the injury occurred. In the case of bedsores caused by neglect, the clock would begin ticking when you discovered the injury. An experienced attorney will guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your claim meets the requirements for proving negligence and connecting the injury to the staff’s actions.

Contact a Hagerstown, MD Nursing Home Bedsore Injury Attorney Today

If your loved one has suffered pressure ulcers due to negligence in a nursing home, the Washington County, MD nursing home bedsore injury lawyer at Serafini Law can help you hold the facility and staff accountable. For over 12 years, he has offered clients compassionate, one-on-one support while taking an aggressive stance against negligent nursing homes. As a lifelong Hagerstown resident, he cares deeply about protecting the elderly in the community. Call 240-744-1600 to schedule a free consultation and find out how you can protect your loved one.