Can I Sue a Nursing Home for Bedsores in Tennessee?

Bedsores are a serious health risk, especially for those in long-term care facilities. While often preventable, their development can be a painful and dangerous sign of neglect. If you’re wondering whether you can sue a nursing home for bedsores, continue reading here for more information. Consult with a skilled Memphis bedsore lawyer to schedule your free consultation today.

What Are Bedsores?

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They commonly develop over bony areas like the tailbone, hips, heels, and ankles, where tissue is compressed between bone and a surface, such as a bed or wheelchair.

This sustained pressure restricts blood flow, depriving the skin and muscle tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to tissue damage and eventually, skin breakdown. They are primarily caused by immobility, which prevents the relief of pressure, or by friction and forces when a person is dragged or slid across a surface. Bedsores often develop when a person is confined to a bed or wheelchair and is not repositioned regularly.

Are Bedsores a Sign of Neglect?

Most bedsores can be prevented with regular repositioning, hygiene, nutrition, and skin checks. Because it is considered a preventable issue, developing these ulcers could be a sign of nursing home neglect. Nursing homes are required to implement care plans to prevent pressure injuries, so failure to do so can be considered failing to uphold the required standard of care.

Common issues contributing to neglect and bedsores include understaffing, dehydration, poor hygiene, and missed repositioning. When a nursing home fails to monitor patients and take action to prevent these issues, it is a red flag and could point to neglect.

Can I Sue a Nursing Home for Bedsores in TN?

Untreated bedsores can lead to infections, sepsis, amputations, and even death in severe cases. If you or a loved one has developed bedsores while in the care of a nursing home, you may be wondering whether you can take legal action.

You can typically sue a nursing home in Tennessee if a resident develops bedsores due to negligence. In Tennessee, nursing homes have a legal duty to provide a standard of care that prevents the development and worsening of pressure ulcers. As established, bedsores are widely recognized as preventable in the vast majority of cases when proper care protocols are followed.

If a bedsore develops or progresses, it often serves as evidence that the facility failed to uphold the required standard of care, constituting nursing home negligence or medical malpractice, depending on the circumstances. To pursue a successful lawsuit, you must demonstrate that the facility’s negligence directly caused the injury and that the injury resulted in actual damages, such as medical costs or pain and suffering.

Consult with an attorney for help evaluating the specific circumstances of your case and the strength of your claim.