Bedsore Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

A bedsore lawsuit settlement can range from tens of thousands of dollars to several million, depending on how severe the pressure ulcer became and whether the case involves infection, surgery, sepsis, wrongful death, falsified records, or chronic understaffing.

At the Nursing Home Law Center, we have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for victims of pressure ulcers. Our experienced nursing home bedsore attorneys have successfully delivered compensation for clients that covers treatment costs and holds negligent facilities accountable for pressure ulcers. 

What Is the Average Bedsore Settlement?

As of March 2026, the average bedsore settlement in nursing home lawsuits is $1,616,228.

The above figure is obtained from the VerdictSearch legal database, and does not mean every case falls near that number. Bedsore settlements can vary widely depending on the severity of the wound, the quality of the evidence, and the harm the resident suffered.

The following are some general value ranges:

• $150,000 to $300,000 in bedsore neglect cases where the resident recovers without severe long-term harm
• $500,000 or more where the bedsore causes infection, hospitalization, or serious medical complications
• Well above $500,000 where Stage 4 bedsores lead to major pain, underlying tissue loss, surgery, or permanent harm
• $1 million or more in wrongful death cases where a severe bedsore is shown to have contributed to the patient’s death

A 2019 study of the same database found that, among bedsore lawsuits, 75.9% of cases were related to negligence and 22.7% to medical malpractice. The most common defendants were hospitals (61.7%), nursing homes (31.2%), and individual medical providers (7.1%).

25.5% of bedsore lawsuits resulted in a settlement. When cases went to trial, verdicts were in favor of plaintiffs in 34.8% of cases and in favor of defendants in 36.2% of cases. Data by defendant type revealed nursing homes were the least likely to win (25%) compared to hospitals (37.2%) and individual providers (80%).

Factors Affecting Bedsore Settlement Amounts

It’s crucial to understand the elements that influence bed sore settlement amounts in nursing home lawsuits. Pressure ulcers settlement evaluations typically consider a variety of factors:

Severity of the Injury

The severity of bedsores, categorized from Stage 1 to Stage 4, greatly impacts bed sore settlement amounts. More serious bedsores, such as those at Stage 3 or 4, often result in higher bed sore settlements due to the extensive wound care required and the potential for lasting physical effects.

Severity and Duration of the Neglect

The level of medical negligence or recklessness exhibited by staff or administration at nursing homes is a critical factor in determining the settlement amounts in bedsore cases. When the negligence is severe, settlements tend to be significantly higher.  

If a nursing home resident suffers from untreated bedsores for a prolonged period, the resulting physical and emotional distress, compounded by the requirement for extensive treatment, will likely result in a higher settlement.  

Medical Expenses

When calculating settlement amounts in bed sore cases, medical costs play a substantial role. These costs can include hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation services, and any other type of treatment. 

Each of these factors directly influences the settlement of the average pressure ulcer claim. The reasoning is straightforward: The larger the medical bills, the greater the financial burden placed on the victim and their family. Naturally, victims aim to recover these necessary costs from the pressure wound legal payout.  

Emotional Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering in bed sore cases go beyond just physical discomfort. Emotional distress and the mental toll of dealing with such painful conditions are factored in when determining pressure ulcer compensation amounts for victims in nursing homes. 

When calculating these non-economic damages, the focus is on how much pain and emotional suffering the victim has endured and how this has impacted their quality of life. The compensation is usually awarded in proportion to how much the living or deceased party suffered. Essentially, more severe injuries mean a larger settlement. 

Wrongful Death 

When bedsores contribute to death, the compensation through wrongful death lawsuits can be significant. In these tragic situations, families may seek additional damages for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and the emotional pain of surviving family members.

A wrongful death lawsuit acknowledges the profound impact on those left behind, attempting to provide financial relief to help them cope with their loss. 

It’s crucial to make certain that families receive maximum compensation, reflecting the deep emotional and financial void left by the untimely passing of their loved one due to untreated pressure ulcers.  

Understanding What Is a Bedsore Lawsuit Worth Through Case Examples

$13.5 Million Settlement in a Wrongful Death Bedsore Lawsuit

An elderly patient developed massive infected pressure injuries, severe malnutrition, dehydration, and repeated falls. The lawsuit alleged that understaffing and failures to follow care policies, notify physicians, and provide timely basic care led to the resident’s injuries and death.

$4.25 Million Settlement for Stage IV Bedsore

A nursing home resident developed multiple pressure sores. The constant pressure on her blood vessels led to a foul-smelling Stage IV coccyx ulcer, along with life-threatening infections, major weight loss, and severe physical decline. The lawsuit alleged chronic understaffing, failure to treat the wounds, failure to prevent dehydration and malnutrition, and poor hygiene.

$500,000 Settlement for an Infected Early-Stage Bedsore Leading to Life-Threatening Complications

A nursing home resident’s early Stage II sacral bedsore rapidly worsened into a deep, infected ulcer with necrotic tissue and bone visible. The lawsuit alleged delayed physician consultation and failures in nursing care allowed further complications, leading to sepsis and wrongful death.

Do All Bedsore Lawsuits End in Settlements? 

While many bed sore lawsuits do end in settlements, it’s important to know that not all cases follow this path. A nursing home settlement results when both parties agree on a compensation amount without going to trial. This is a common outcome because settlements can save time and legal expenses, offering a quicker resolution for all involved.

When Do Bedsore Cases Go to Trial?

Despite the prevalence of settlements, some of these pressure ulcer injury cases still go to trial. This usually happens when an agreement can’t be reached between the parties. 

Factors that might prevent a settlement include disagreements over the extent of the injuries or the compensation amount. Additionally, if there is a lack of clear evidence or if the assisted living facilities want to contest responsibility for the pressure ulcers, a trial may become necessary.

Factors That Encourage Settlements 

There are several important factors affecting the likelihood of settling a case. Clear and compelling evidence of nursing home negligence can prompt a facility to settle, as they are likely to want to avoid a lengthy, public trial that could harm their reputation. 

Additionally, if a bedsore case presents a strong likelihood of the victim winning in court, nursing facilities may opt for bedsore settlements to control costs and outcomes.

Bedsore Lawsuit Settlements vs. Trial Verdicts  

In a bed sore lawsuit, victims and families often face a choice between accepting a settlement and pursuing a nursing home lawsuit trial verdict. Understanding the benefits of each can help make this decision easier. How much a bedsore case is worth can depend on the avenue. 

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Pressure Ulcer Lawsuit Settlement?

The timeline for receiving bedsore settlements can vary, and it’s important to set realistic expectations. Once you file a claim, it typically takes several months to start seeing progress. Here is an example of a timeline you can expect. 

Initial Pressure Ulcer Case Review and Evidence Gathering

After filing your claim, the first step is the initial case review by your attorney. Your pressure injury attorney will gather evidence, such as treatment records and witness statements, which can take a few weeks or several months, depending on the complexity of the case. 

Negotiation Phase

Once the evidence is gathered, negotiations typically begin. During this phase, your attorney will present the pressure ulcer evidence to the opposing party (often the nursing facility or its insurer) in hopes of reaching a settlement. 

Negotiations can take several months, particularly when there are multiple issues to resolve, such as disputes over liability or the severity of the injuries. In some cases, negotiations may take longer if the complexity increases.

Pressure Ulcer Trial

If a settlement is not reached during the negotiation phase, the case may proceed to trial. Trials can take 1 to 2 years to conclude, depending on the court’s schedule and the case’s complexity. This process involves discovery (where both parties exchange evidence), pre-trial motions, and the actual trial, which can take several days to weeks.

Evidence Needed to Maximize a Bed Sore Lawsuit Settlement

Evidence plays a critical role in determining the potential settlement amount in a pressure ulcer lawsuit. Comprehensive documentation serves as the foundation for establishing liability and the extent of harm suffered. This often includes:

Medical Records

These are indispensable in a nursing home bedsore lawsuit. They document the injury, the medical treatment received, any serious complications, and whether quality medical care was provided. Without solid records, valuing your medical costs and establishing the extent of your loved one’s suffering and emotional distress from pressure ulcers can be challenging.

Witness Testimonies

Words from staff, family members, and others who observed the nursing facility residents and their condition can add significant weight to bed sore cases. Their firsthand accounts offer a glimpse into the environment inside nursing facilities, highlighting the severe neglect or abuse in care facilities. 

Expert Opinions

Obtaining medical expert testimony is crucial in nursing home lawsuits. These professionals can testify about care standards and the elements of medical malpractice cases, providing an authoritative perspective on whether the medical care was consistent with industry norms.

How to Get a Fair Bedsore Lawsuit Settlement  

When pursuing a bedsore lawsuit, negotiating a fair settlement is a key step. The process requires a thorough understanding of the lawsuit’s potential worth and the expertise to engage effectively with insurance providers and opposing counsel. 

An attorney is indispensable in this process, as they bring a detailed knowledge of bedsore and bed sores settlements and a strategic mindset to achieve the best outcome for nursing facility residents.

Don’t Accept the Initial Offer

It’s crucial not to accept the first offer presented. Initial offers frequently underestimate the extensive medical treatment and ongoing care required for nursing patients suffering from pressure ulcers. 

By being patient and willing to negotiate, victims and their families can obtain amounts that more accurately reflect the financial impact and emotional toll of the bedsore injury.

Our firm takes pride in fighting against neglect in care facilities and getting victims and surviving family members their rightful compensation. No matter if you’re dealing with a wrongful death lawsuit or less severe pressure ulcer claims, we promise to stand by you every step of the way.  

Hire a Skilled Attorney

Hiring a skilled attorney can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome in a bedsore lawsuit. Nursing home abuse cases require a deep understanding of both medical and legal aspects. Without an experienced attorney by your side, important details might be overlooked, resulting in an unfair outcome in your pressure ulcer case.

A knowledgeable lawyer knows how to present the facts clearly and convincingly so the story of the victim is heard. They work closely with medical experts to build a strong case that communicates the extent of the injury from decubitus ulcers and its impact on both the victim and their family. 

Bedsore Settlements Recovered by the Nursing Home Law Center

Here are a few noteworthy settlements and verdicts our nursing home neglect attorneys have recovered for our clients:

• $12,800,000: This substantial verdict was awarded in a nursing home wrongful death claim based on the facility’s failure to treat bedsores. The negligent nursing home also failed to reposition the immobile patient regularly. 
• $3,000,000: This settlement was reached in a case involving a woman whose husband was admitted to a skilled care facility after hip replacement surgery. He had limited mobility, and the facility failed to reposition him regularly. He developed stage 4 bedsores, which ultimately led to his death.
• $1,095,000: In this case, a 62-year-old woman was admitted to a well-regarded nursing home for rehabilitation after hip surgery. Despite her doctor’s instructions, the staff failed to assist her out of bed regularly. Due to restricted blood flow, she developed bedsores on her buttocks, requiring multiple debridement procedures and a ‘flap-reconstruction’ surgery.

Book a Free Consultation

When it comes to nursing home abuse cases, securing expert legal representation is crucial to obtaining justice and fair compensation. Nursing Home Law Center specializes in these sensitive matters, and our experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys are committed to standing with you every step of the way. 

We understand the community’s needs and fight aggressively to attain the best possible settlement for victims and their families. Call or complete our online contact form to book a free consultation.

FAQs

Do nursing home bedsore settlements award damages for emotional pain and suffering?

Yes. Bedsore cases may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the overall loss of dignity and quality of life caused by the injury. Compensation may include:

• medical expenses;
• physical pain and suffering;
• costs of additional treatment or hospitalization;
• permanent disability;
• wrongful death damages in fatal cases; and
• punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence.

How long do bedsores take to heal?

Some mild sores may heal in days or weeks, while severe pressure ulcers can take months and may never fully heal. It depends on the stage of the bedsore, the resident’s overall health, and whether complications like serious infection are involved. 

Can nursing homes prevent pressure ulcers?

An estimated 8%-28% of nursing home residents experience a pressure ulcer at least once. Long-term care facilities have a duty to prevent these painful injuries by following strict care standards. This includes regularly repositioning nursing home patients, providing proper nutrition, and relieving prolonged pressure to maintain skin health. 

It is estimated that, if healthcare facilities followed their duties of care when it comes to bedsore prevention, they could save $11,389,989 in 20 lawsuits.

How much does a nursing home neglect lawyer cost?

Most nursing home neglect lawyers handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. That usually means there is no upfront fee, and the lawyer is paid only if there is a recovery through a settlement or verdict.