Chicago Bed Sore Lawyer

Pursue Compensation for Nursing Home Bed Sore Injuries in Chicago

Chicago bed sore lawyer services offered by Nursing Home Law Center provide dedicated legal support to families dealing with preventable pressure sore injuries in Illinois facilities. Our team understands how painful and dangerous these wounds can be, especially when they result from nursing home neglect.

We represent victims and their loved ones across the Chicago area who are seeking justice for inadequate care and medical neglect. If a nursing home resident developed bed sores due to prolonged pressure, lack of supervision, or poor medical treatment, we help hold the facility accountable.

Are Bed Sores a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect?

Bed sores are often a clear sign of nursing home neglect. These painful wounds typically develop when medical staff fail to reposition residents with limited mobility or provide proper nutrition and hygiene. Left untreated, pressure sores can lead to severe infections and life-threatening complications. 

Bed Sore Settlements Recovered by Our Law Firm

Our law firm has secured significant compensation for families across Chicago and Illinois in cases where facility-acquired bed sores led to severe injury or wrongful death. Example bed sore lawsuit settlements include:

$12,800,000 Verdict – Margaret, a long-term nursing home resident, developed severe pressure ulcers that staff failed to treat over several weeks. The wounds worsened and eventually led to fatal complications. 

$3,000,000 Settlement – After undergoing hip surgery, Henry was transferred to a skilled nursing facility for post-operative care. Staff failed to monitor his condition, and he developed pressure sores that turned septic. 

$2,150,000 Settlement – Rosa began showing signs of infection from untreated bed sores, but the nursing staff delayed intervention until it was too late. She passed away from complications. 

$1,095,000 Settlement – Diane was admitted to rehab following hip replacement surgery. Despite clear repositioning orders from her physician, staff neglected her care, and she developed deep bed sores on her lower back.

Why Choose Our Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys

With years of experience handling nursing home bedsore cases, Nursing Home Law Center has developed a deep understanding of the challenges nursing home and assisted living facility residents and their families face. We combine legal expertise with compassionate client service, ensuring you feel supported throughout the legal process.

Our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent facilities accountable and have a strong track record of securing just compensation for our clients.

What Are Bed Sores and How Do They Develop?

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure. They often form on bony areas like the tailbone, hips, heels, or shoulder blades. Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility are most at risk, especially in nursing homes.

Are Decubitus Ulcers Inevitable?

Decubitus ulcers are not inevitable. They are preventable with routine repositioning, good hygiene, adequate nutrition, and attentive nursing care. When bed sores appear, especially in advanced stages, it often signals neglect. Proper staff training and oversight can protect residents from these painful and avoidable injuries.

What Causes Bed Sores in Nursing Homes?

Some of the most common causes of bed sores include:

• Failure to Reposition Patients: Many nursing home residents rely on nursing home staff to help them reposition regularly. Failure to move these residents frequently leads to prolonged pressure on specific body areas and lack of blood flow, causing a bed sore. 
• Poor Nutrition and Hydration: Elderly residents and those with serious medical conditions require proper nutrition to maintain healthy skin. Poor nutrition weakens the skin’s ability to recover from constant pressure, making it easier for bedsores to develop.
• Inadequate Staffing: When nursing home facilities are understaffed, residents often do not receive the immediate medical attention and care they need. Staff may not have the time to reposition patients or provide proper nutrition, both of which are essential to prevent a bed sore. 

Which Nursing Home Residents Are at Risk of Developing Bedsores?

Nursing home residents at greater risk of developing bedsores are those with limited mobility, such as individuals confined to beds or wheelchairs. Seniors with medical conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or malnutrition face increased vulnerability. 

Residents who rely entirely on staff for repositioning, hygiene, or feeding are also at higher risk. When nursing homes fail to provide consistent care, these individuals can suffer serious harm from preventable bed sores. Early intervention is key to avoiding long-term damage.

Can Bed Sores Lead to Death?

Untreated bed sores can become life-threatening. When pressure ulcers deepen, they can lead to serious infections like sepsis or osteomyelitis. In severe cases, these complications may result in organ failure or death, especially in elderly or medically fragile nursing home residents who don’t receive proper medical care.

How Much Is a Bed Sore Lawsuit Worth in Chicago?

Settlement values in bed sore lawsuits can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries, liability evidence, and resulting complications. According to available case data at Law.com, the average bed sore settlement in Chicago is approximately $875,000, while the median is $600,000. 

This suggests that while many cases resolve for mid-six-figure amounts, a number of higher-value outcomes—especially those involving wrongful death or egregious neglect—can significantly raise the average. Reported case values range from $100,000 on the low end to $2,800,000 or more in more serious cases.

Example Settlements and Verdicts in Nursing Home Bed Sore Cases

$2,800,000

Arlene Williams, 65, developed multiple stage 4 bed sores while recovering at Renaissance at Hillside nursing home. Despite early signs, staff failed to reposition her or provide adequate care. The ulcers worsened, eventually requiring surgery and leading to serious complications that left her on a ventilator for two years. 

Her legal team argued the wounds could have been prevented with basic care and presented expert testimony and evidence of unauthorized treatment. Just two weeks before trial, Williams was permitted to pursue punitive damages. The facility settled the case for $2.8 million, citing medical costs exceeding $950,000, pain and suffering, and long-term disfigurement.

$1,000,000 

Frank Sue, a quadriplegic man in his late 70s, developed seven stage-IV pressure ulcers while living at Alden Naperville Rehabilitation & Healthcare in the Chicago area. 

Despite an order for a gel mattress and pressure-relieving care, the nursing home failed to adjust treatment, and his condition deteriorated, ultimately leading to complications that contributed to his death.

The estate argued the neglect caused significant pain, suffering, and disfigurement and sought damages for wrongful death and medical malpractice. Frank’s daughter, Dorothy Yee, who visited daily, also sought damages for loss of companionship.

The case settled for $1 million, including $665,000 from Alden and $335,000 from Dr. Seema Gupta. A third physician was dismissed from the case.

$500,000

Ethel Bolton, 84, developed severe bed sores while residing at Glenshire Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Richton Park. Her daughter alleged that the treating physician, Dr. Lance Wallace, failed to monitor her condition or respond to her deteriorating health, leading to infected ulcers and a fatal decline.

The defense argued Bolton’s multiple comorbidities—such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and congestive heart failure—were to blame and that Dr. Wallace was not responsible for ulcer care, which they claimed was the nurses’ responsibility.

The jury rejected the wrongful death claim but awarded Bolton’s estate $500,000 on the survival count for her pain and suffering before death. The award included:

• $171,979 for past medical costs
• $125,000 for disability
• $203,021 for pain and suffering

Compensation Awarded in Nursing Facility Pressure Sore Cases

Victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Compensation may cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life. 

If a resident dies due to complications from bed sores—such as infection or sepsis—surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims, which can include funeral expenses and loss of companionship. In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the facility and deter similar conduct.

What Are the Stages of Bed Sores?

Bed sores are classified into four stages, ranging from mild skin damage to severe, which may cause life-threatening injuries.

• Stage 1: Reddened Skin – This is the mildest stage of a bed sore, where the skin appears red or discolored but is not broken. Early-stage bed sores should prompt immediate action to prevent worsening conditions in nursing home patients.
• Stage 2: Open Sore – At this stage, the pressure ulcer becomes more serious, with the skin breaking open to form a shallow wound. The surrounding skin may also be damaged, and the bed sore may resemble a blister.
• Stage 3: Deep Wound – In Stage 3, the bed sore worsens, with the ulcer extending deeper into the tissue, exposing fat and causing a large wound. The bed sore must be properly treated or it will continue to worsen.
• Stage 4: Exposed Muscle and Bone – The most severe stage, where the sore is deep enough to expose muscle, bone, and tendons. Bedsores at this stage often result in serious infections, sepsis, or death. This is a clear sign of neglect, and possibly medical malpractice.

In legal terms, the more advanced the bed sore, the stronger the case for nursing home negligence and medical malpractice. Chicago nursing home bed sore lawyers often highlight the severity of the injury to demonstrate how nursing home abuse and neglect led to serious injuries and resulting complications.

What Is the Beginning Sign of a Pressure Sore?

The beginning sign of a pressure sore is often subtle skin discoloration—typically red or purple—on areas where the body presses against a bed surface for long periods. Early symptoms may include warmth, tenderness, or a spongy or firm texture around the spot. 

The skin may not blanch (turn white) when pressed. A resident might also complain of itching, pain, or burning in the area. Identifying and treating these early signs can prevent more serious stages from developing.

What Are the Risks of Untreated Bedsores?

If bed sores are allowed to progress without proper treatment, the nursing home resident may experience:

• Infections: As bed sores develop, they can become infected. Infected bed sores can cause further complications, including the spread of infection to other parts of the body. 
• Sepsis: When an infection from a bed sore enters the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate patient care. Neglect is often to blame for allowing bed sores to develop quickly to this dangerous stage.
• Death: In the most extreme cases, untreated pressure sores can lead to death. Residents who suffer from nursing home abuse or neglect are particularly vulnerable to such tragic outcomes.

How to Prevent Bed Sores

Preventing pressure sores in nursing homes is a critical responsibility of the staff. Some of the key steps that should be taken to prevent bedsores include:

• Repositioning Patients: Nursing home staff should reposition residents every two hours to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas of the body and increase blood flow.
• Proper Nutrition and Hydration: Ensuring residents receive adequate nutrition and hydration helps to maintain healthy skin and prevent sores from developing.
• Good Hygiene: Keeping the skin clean and dry reduces the risk of bed sores developing, especially for residents who are incontinent or have wounds.
• Staff Training: Nursing homes are required to train staff to identify early signs of bed sores and take preventative action. Failure to do so often results in nursing home abuse or neglect.

Nursing home neglect attorneys can help you determine if a facility is responsible for your or a loved one’s condition. 

What to Do if You Notice Your Elderly Loved One Is Developing Bedsores in a Nursing Facility

If you observe signs of bedsores—such as redness, swelling, or open wounds—on your elderly loved one, report it immediately to nursing staff and demand a care plan review.

Document the condition with photos and written notes. Request that a doctor evaluate the wounds and follow up regularly.

If the facility provides improper care, contact a Chicago bed sore lawyer to discuss your legal options. Early legal action can help stop further harm and hold negligent nursing homes accountable.

How to Report Bed Sores in Chicago-Area Nursing Homes

You can report suspected neglect to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) by calling 1-800-252-4343 or filing a complaint online. If your loved one is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement and seek legal guidance from a Chicago bed sore attorney.

How to Find Out If a Nursing Facility in Chicago Has a History of Bed Sore Injuries

To check if a Chicago nursing home has a history of bed sore injuries, visit Medicare’s Care Compare website to review inspection reports, fines, and quality ratings. You can also request public records from IDPH or speak with a Chicago bedsore lawyer to uncover past citations or legal claims against the facility.

What Are the Statistics of Bedsores in Chicago-Area Nursing Homes?

Bed sores continue to affect many residents in Chicago nursing homes, often as a result of poor staffing and neglect. 

Research from the University of Chicago revealed that between 2011 and 2017, nursing homes reported fewer than 60% of serious bed sore cases requiring hospitalization. This underreporting raises serious concerns about the accuracy of federal rating systems.

According to Medicare’s Care Compare, 91 nursing homes in the Chicago area are rated “much below average,” and 57 have been cited for abuse. These numbers suggest a systemic failure to provide adequate care. Families noticing signs of neglect should take action and consult a Chicago nursing home bedsore lawyer.

How Do You Prove Negligence in Bedsore Lawsuits?

To succeed in a nursing home bedsore lawsuit, you must prove that the facility was negligent in its care of the resident. This involves establishing four key elements:

• Duty of Care: Nursing homes have a legal obligation to provide adequate care to their residents, including taking steps to prevent the development of bed sores.
• Breach: A breach occurs when the nursing home fails to meet the standard of care, such as neglecting to reposition patients leading to prolonged pressure on certain areas, or providing proper nutrition and hygiene.
• Damages: Damages refer to the harm caused to the resident, which in this case includes bed sores, pain and suffering, and any resulting complications like infections or hospitalizations.
• Causation: Finally, it must be shown that the nursing home’s negligence directly caused the resident’s bed sores and that these injuries would not have occurred with proper care.

Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys can help you prove that the bed sores are due to negligence. 

Which Laws Govern Nursing Home Bedsore Cases?

Nursing home residents are protected by both federal and state laws that require safe, attentive care. At the federal level, the Nursing Home Reform Act (part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987) requires facilities to provide services that ensure residents maintain their highest practicable well-being.

In Illinois, the Nursing Home Care Act gives residents the right to be free from neglect and to pursue legal action for harm (210 ILCS 45). Facilities that allow preventable bed sores may be liable under these laws for failing to provide proper care.

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action if a Loved One Developed Bed Sores?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against a nursing facility—such as a bed sore injury case—is generally two years from the date of injury or discovery of harm (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

Who Is Legally Liable for Nursing Facility Pressure Sores?

Multiple parties may be legally liable when a nursing home resident develops preventable pressure sores. This can include the nursing home facility itself, individual staff members (such as nurses or aides), administrators who failed to ensure adequate staffing, and third-party contractors involved in care.

Liability may also extend to attending physicians or wound care specialists if they neglected their duties. In many cases, the facility is held accountable for failing to provide appropriate care or supervision under state and federal regulations.

Who Is Eligible to File a Bed Sore Lawsuit?

In nursing home bedsore cases, the law provides clear guidance on who is eligible to file a lawsuit when nursing home residents suffer from bed sores due to neglect. The primary parties who can file a lawsuit include the following:

• The nursing home resident
• Family members
• Legal guardians
• Estate representatives

What Evidence Do I Need for a Successful Lawsuit?

Strong evidence is essential to win a nursing home bedsore lawsuit. The most important types of evidence include:

• Medical Records: Detailed records that show the resident’s health status, the development of bed sores, and the medical care (or lack thereof) they received.
• Photographs: Visual documentation of the bed sores and their progression can be compelling evidence of the severity of the injury and the nursing home’s negligence.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from staff members, other residents, or family members can provide insight into the care (or lack of care) that was given and whether nursing home staff failed to follow appropriate care protocols.

Preserving this evidence early on is vital to the success of the lawsuit. Without it, the nursing home may attempt to downplay the severity of the bed sores or shift blame.

What Defenses Do Nursing Homes Use in Bedsore Cases?

Nursing homes often use a variety of defenses in bedsore cases to avoid liability. Some of the most common include:

• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: Nursing homes may argue that the resident’s medical conditions (such as diabetes or circulatory problems) made the bed sores happen.
• Resident’s Own Actions: In some cases, facilities may claim that the resident refused care or did not cooperate with treatment, which led to the development of bed sores.
• Unavoidable Bedsores: Some nursing homes assert that bed sores are inevitable despite the provision of appropriate care. However, with proper documentation and expert witness testimony, it can be proven that most bed sores are avoidable with appropriate care.

Chicago nursing home bedsore attorneys are used to these tactics and can help you form a solid defense. 

How a Chicago Nursing Home Bedsore Attorney Can Help

When your loved one suffers from decubitus ulcers due to neglect, it can be overwhelming to navigate the legal process on your own. A skilled Chicago bedsore attorney can provide essential support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring that your family’s rights are protected.

Investigating the Case

One of the first steps a Chicago nursing home bed sore attorney takes is to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bed sores. This includes reviewing medical records, assessing the nursing home facility’s care practices, and determining whether nursing home neglect or medical negligence contributed to the injury.

Gathering and Preserving Evidence

Your attorney will gather crucial evidence, such as medical records, photographs of the bed sores, witness statements, and staff training records, to build a strong case. Preserving this evidence early on is essential to proving nursing home negligence.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies  

In many cases, nursing homes and their insurance companies may offer settlements to avoid going to trial. Your Chicago bed sore attorney will negotiate with these insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that reflects the seriousness of the injury and the medical negligence involved.

Taking the Case to Trial 

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your nursing home bedsore lawyer will take the case to trial. During the trial, they will present evidence, call expert witnesses, and argue that the nursing home is legally responsible for the harm caused by developing bed sores.

FAQs

What is the most difficult element of medical negligence to prove in a nursing home case?

Causation is often the hardest element to prove. The plaintiff must show that the nursing home’s failure directly caused the injury, such as a pressure sore. This can be complicated by pre-existing conditions or other medical factors common among elderly residents.

Can you sue a hospital for bed sores?

Yes. Hospitals must prevent avoidable bed sores in patients with limited mobility. If staff fail to reposition, monitor, or treat a patient properly, the hospital may be held liable for negligence in a civil lawsuit.

What constitutes neglect in a nursing home?

Neglect involves the failure to provide necessary care and services, such as hygiene, nutrition, medical attention, or mobility support. In nursing homes, this often includes failure to prevent or treat pressure sores, which can be a sign of substandard or insufficient care.

What are expert witnesses?

Expert witnesses, especially medical professionals, play a critical role in bedsore lawsuits. They can provide testimony on how bedsores develop, the proper care that should have been provided, and how the nursing home’s negligence contributed to the resident’s injuries. 

These experts help establish that the bed sores were avoidable and caused by inadequate care, not pre-existing medical conditions or other risk factors beyond the facility’s control.

Book a Free Consultation with a Chicago Bedsore Lawyer Near You!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our Chicago nursing home bed sore attorneys are dedicated to helping families affected by neglect. We hold negligent parties accountable for preventable pressure ulcers and fight for the compensation victims deserve. Our Chicago nursing home bedsore lawyers offer skilled, compassionate legal assistance every step of the way.

Call us at (800) 926–7565 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case consultation.