Justice for Victims of Bedsores in New Jersey Nursing Homes: What You Need to Know

Discovering that a loved one has developed bedsores while in the care of a New Jersey nursing home can be devastating. Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are not only painful but also highly preventable with proper care and attention. Their presence often signals nursing home neglect, leaving families wondering how this could have happened and what legal options are available.

This guide will help you understand how bedsores occur, their serious health consequences, and the legal recourse available to hold negligent facilities accountable. It also highlights the importance of working with a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer to protect your loved one’s rights.

What Are Bedsores, and Why Are They Preventable?

Bedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. They often develop on bony areas of the body, such as the hips, back, and heels, particularly in individuals with limited mobility.

Why Are Bedsores Preventable?

Bedsores are categorized as a preventable condition when proper care is provided. Nursing homes are responsible for implementing measures to reduce pressure, maintain hygiene, and ensure residents are regularly repositioned.

Preventative Measures Include

• Frequent Repositioning: Residents confined to beds or wheelchairs should be moved regularly to relieve pressure.
• Adequate Nutrition and Hydration: Proper diet and fluid intake promote skin health and healing.
• Skin Inspections: Regular checks help detect early signs of skin breakdown.
• Specialized Equipment: Use of pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions can prevent sores.

When nursing homes fail to follow these practices, bedsores can develop, often signaling nursing home abuse or neglect.

The Health Consequences of Bedsores

Bedsores are not just painful—they can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Families need to understand the risks associated with these injuries and the long-term impact they can have on a resident’s quality of life.

Potential Health Complications

• Infections: Bedsores can lead to cellulitis, sepsis, or bone infections, which can be life-threatening.
• Chronic Pain: Even minor sores can cause ongoing pain and discomfort.
• Reduced Mobility: Severe sores may limit movement, worsening overall health.
• Emotional Distress: Bedsores can lead to depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness in residents.

Example: Let’s imagine that a New Jersey resident developed severe stage-four bedsores at a local nursing home, leading to a systemic infection that required hospitalization. Investigations revealed the staff failed to reposition the resident or monitor their condition, highlighting clear negligence.

Bedsores as a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect

In many cases, bedsores are a red flag for systemic nursing home neglect. These injuries often occur in facilities where staff are undertrained, overworked, or poorly supervised.

Common Signs of Neglect Related to Bedsores

• Residents left in the same position for extended periods.
• Poor hygiene practices, such as unchanged bedding or soiled clothing.
• Inadequate staff-to-resident ratios leading to insufficient care.
• Failure to monitor residents with limited mobility.

Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents in New Jersey

New Jersey law requires nursing homes to provide a standard of care that ensures residents’ safety and well-being. When facilities fail to meet these obligations, families have the right to pursue legal action.

Key Legal Protections

• New Jersey’s Nursing Home Responsibilities and Rights Act: State law mandates nursing homes to maintain a safe and hygienic environment, provide adequate staff, and address medical needs promptly.
• Federal Standards: Facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding must comply with federal regulations for quality care.
• Elder Abuse Laws: Bedsores caused by neglect may qualify as elder abuse under New Jersey law, providing additional grounds for legal action.

An experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can evaluate whether your loved one’s bedsores resulted from negligence and help you pursue justice.

Pursuing Legal Recourse for Bedsores

If your loved one has developed bedsores in a nursing home, pursuing legal action can provide compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. It can also hold the facility accountable and prevent future neglect.

Steps to Take

• Document Evidence: Take photos of the bedsores, gather medical records, and keep notes of conversations with staff.
• File a Complaint: Report the neglect to the New Jersey Department of Health.
• Consult a Lawyer: An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer will help you build a strong case by gathering evidence, consulting medical experts, and representing your family in court.

Proving Negligence in Bedsores Cases

Proving negligence in bedsores cases can be complex, requiring detailed documentation and expert testimony. Families must show that the facility failed to meet its duty of care and that this failure directly caused the bedsores.

Common Challenges

• Denial of Responsibility: Facilities may argue that bedsores were unavoidable due to the resident’s pre-existing conditions.
• Lack of Documentation: Poor record-keeping can make it difficult to establish a clear timeline of events.
• Corporate Defense Tactics: Many nursing homes are owned by large corporations with teams of lawyers working to minimize liability.

A skilled lawyer can navigate these challenges and advocate for your loved one’s rights.

Why Hiring a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Is Crucial

Navigating a nursing home abuse case without professional legal assistance can be overwhelming. A qualified lawyer brings the skill and experience needed to hold facilities accountable and secure compensation for your family.

How a Lawyer Can Help

• Investigate Negligence: Review records, interview staff, and analyze facility practices.
• Consult Medical Experts: Obtain expert opinions to establish how the bedsores developed and the impact of neglect.
• Negotiate Settlements: Advocate for fair compensation to cover medical costs and emotional damages.
• Represent You in Court: Present a compelling case if a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Preventing Bedsores in Nursing Homes

While families can’t always prevent bedsores, being proactive during visits can reduce the risk and detect issues early.

Tips for Families

• Monitor Skin Health: Check your loved one’s skin during visits for redness, swelling, or sores.
• Ask Questions: Inquire about repositioning schedules, nutrition plans, and hygiene practices.
• Visit Frequently: Regular visits can deter neglect and help you stay informed about your loved one’s care.

Call Sugarman Law for Compassionate and Skilled Representation in Your New Jersey Bedsore Case 

If your loved one has suffered from nursing home neglect leading to bedsores, Barry Sugarman of Sugarman Law is here to help. With decades of experience holding New Jersey nursing homes accountable, his team will fight for the justice and compensation your family is seeking. 

We serve families in Somerville, Cherry Hill, and Marlton. Contact Sugarman Law at 1-866-657-5660 to take the first step toward justice and accountability.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.