Late-Stage Pressure Sores: A Sign of Serious Neglect in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes
Pittsburgh attorneys offering legal support for families affected by nursing home neglect
Pressure sores (also called bedsores or pressure ulcers) might seem like a minor issue at first. But when they reach advanced stages, they’re not just painful wounds. They’re often a warning sign that something much bigger is wrong. When a nursing home resident or hospital patient develops a late-stage bedsore, it usually means they’ve been seriously neglected.
If a loved one has been harmed in a Western Pennsylvania nursing home, speak to Hal Waldman & Associates. Our Pittsburgh nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers can thoroughly investigate and hold the facility accountable for the harm caused. Here’s why pressure sores are so dangerous, and how they often signal a failure in care that no one should ignore.
What are pressure sores and how do they start?
Pressure sores happen when someone stays in one position for too long without being moved. That constant pressure cuts off blood flow to certain parts of the body. These are usually bony areas such as the tailbone, hips, heels, and elbows. Without proper circulation, the skin and underlying tissue start to break down.
Pressure sores happen in four stages. These include:
- Stage 1: The skin looks red or darker than normal and feels warm. The area may be painful, but the skin isn’t broken yet.
- Stage 2: The outer skin layer breaks down, forming an open wound or blister.
- Stage 3: The sore gets deeper and reaches the fatty tissue under the skin.
- Stage 4: This is the most severe stage. The skin, muscle, and even bone can be exposed. At this point, the body is vulnerable to serious infections.
Why do late-stage pressure sores suggest neglect?
It takes time for a pressure sore to reach Stage 3 or 4. That means multiple warning signs were likely missed – or ignored – over time. Late-stage sores don’t just appear overnight. They show up when staff aren’t paying attention or when a facility doesn’t have enough people to provide the right level of care.
The truth is that nursing homes and hospitals know how to prevent pressure sores. It’s part of basic training. Patients who can’t move on their own need to be repositioned every two hours. Their skin needs to be checked regularly. They need clean bedding, proper nutrition, and quick attention if any signs of a sore appear.
When that doesn’t happen, and a wound gets worse, it’s often because someone failed to do their job, or a facility failed to support its staff.
How serious can late-stage bedsores get?
Stage 3 and 4 pressure sores aren’t just painful; they’re dangerous. These wounds are wide open paths for bacteria that can lead to life-threatening infections. The most common infections include:
- Cellulitis: This is a painful skin infection that can spread quickly if left untreated.
- Osteomyelitis: This is a serious infection that reaches the bone.
- Sepsis: This is a potentially fatal condition where infection spreads into the bloodstream and causes the organs to shut down.
In severe cases, patients might need surgery, including skin grafts or even amputation. Some die from infections linked to untreated bedsores. Those who survive often face a long, painful road to recovery. For elderly patients or people already dealing with serious health issues, the complications can spiral fast.
Who is supposed to prevent pressure sores?
Every hospital and long-term care facility is legally and ethically required to prevent pressure injuries. That responsibility lies with:
- Nurses and CNAs: They’re on the front lines, helping patients move, checking for early signs of sores, and reporting concerns.
- Doctors and wound care specialists: They’re supposed to intervene quickly if a sore develops.
- Facility administrators: They’re in charge of making sure there are enough trained staff on hand and that care protocols are being followed.
Federal rules enforced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) require facilities to develop care plans to prevent pressure injuries. If a resident is immobile or at high risk, staff should already be taking steps to protect them.
What signs should families watch for?
If your loved one is in a care facility, these are the pressure sore signs to look for:
- Visible sores or bandages, especially on the lower back, heels, or elbows
- Complaints about pain or discomfort when sitting or lying down
- A strong odor from infected wounds
- Sudden changes in behavior such as withdrawal, irritability, or confusion
- Weight loss, dehydration, or signs of general decline
Don’t be afraid to ask staff when the last skin check was done or if a wound care specialist has been consulted. If their answers are vague or defensive, that’s a red flag.
Also, if you see something that concerns you, take notes. Write down what you saw, when you saw it, and who you spoke to. If your loved one has a visible sore, ask (if allowed) to take a photo. That documentation can be important if you need to take further steps.
When does a pressure sore become a legal issue?
You may have a legal case if:
- Staff didn’t reposition your loved one regularly
- The sore was allowed to worsen over days or weeks
- Medical records were altered or incomplete
- The sore led to serious complications or death
In some cases, a lawyer can prove that the facility failed to hire enough staff or ignored repeated warnings from employees or family members. However, evidence is key. That’s why keeping a paper trail matters. A lawyer can help gather:
- Medical records, including wound care notes and doctor visits
- Photos of the sore at different stages
- Staffing schedules to show if there were enough caregivers
- Expert opinions from doctors who can confirm that the care fell short
- Inspection reports showing whether the facility had a history of problems
If you suspect foul play or cover-ups (for example, falsified logs or missing documentation), an experienced Pittsburgh lawyer can investigate further. Sometimes, patterns of neglect show up in more than one case at the same facility.
What should you do if your loved one has a late-stage sore?
Discovering that your loved one has a Stage 3 or Stage 4 bedsore can be devastating. It's painful to realize they may have been suffering silently. Here’s what you can do right now to protect them and begin seeking accountability.
Get medical care right away
Ask to have your loved one evaluated by a wound care specialist, either at the facility or through a hospital referral. Make sure they receive wound cleaning, infection control, pain management, and surgery (if needed). Don’t rely on the facility’s assurances alone. An independent medical opinion can make a big difference.
Document everything
Take clear, dated photos of the sore if you can. Write down what you observe each day. This includes your loved one’s condition, how staff are responding, and any changes in treatment. Ask to see the care plan and wound care notes. If anything looks incomplete or doesn’t match what you’ve seen, make a note.
You can also request a copy of their full medical records, which may show whether staff performed regular repositioning or logged concerns about the sore.
File a complaint
Don’t hesitate to file a formal complaint. In Pennsylvania, you can start by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which oversees nursing home licensing and investigates complaints of abuse or neglect. You can file a complaint online, by phone, email, or even anonymously. The Department can inspect the facility, interview staff, and enforce penalties when appropriate.
You should also consider reaching out to the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The ombudsman can help you understand your loved one’s rights, assist with resolving concerns, and ensure someone is speaking up on their behalf.
Should I seek legal help from a Pittsburgh attorney?
If your loved one developed bedsores while living in a nursing home in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Western Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to seek help from an experienced lawyer. Nursing homes are trusted to provide care and safety, not pain and silence. When that trust is broken, you deserve answers, and Hal Waldman & Associates is here to help you find them.
With decades of experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases, Attorney Hal Waldman is known throughout the region as a powerful advocate for families seeking justice. He knows how to investigate what really happened, preserve key evidence, and hold nursing homes accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
We’ll be glad to walk you through your legal options, explain every step, and help you with protecting your loved one’s well-being and preventing future abuse. We offer a free consultation so you can get the guidance you need without any pressure or commitment. Whether you have questions or know something went wrong, we're ready to listen.
Plus, you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. If your loved one has suffered from bedsores or other signs of neglect, contact us today. We’re here to fight for your family, your peace of mind, and the justice your loved one deserves.
“Hal Waldman & Associates could not be more professional and responsive. Outstanding guidance!” – Rachel, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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