Bedsores are one of the clearest signs that something has gone very wrong in a nursing home or long-term care facility. They are almost always preventable when staff follow basic care protocols. Yet in Georgia, families continue to lose loved ones because of bedsores that progress to severe infection, sepsis, and death.
In many cases, these tragedies begin with something as simple as missed repositioning. When a facility is short-staffed, immobile residents may be left in the same position for hours, allowing dangerous pressure to build on vulnerable areas of the body. Over time, this neglect can cause a wound that spirals out of control. Families are often left grieving and wondering how this could happen. The answer is usually a combination of poor staffing, lack of supervision, and a failure to follow a resident’s care plan.
If your loved one died from complications related to a bedsore in Georgia, it’s important to understand your rights, how these injuries develop, and when they may be the basis for a nursing home neglect lawsuit.
What are bedsores, and why are they deadly?
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, typically over bony areas such as the heels, hips, buttocks, or elbows. They progress in four stages:
- Stage 1 – Red, non-blanchable skin that may be warm to the touch.
- Stage 2 – Open sores or blisters with partial skin loss.
- Stage 3 – Deep wounds exposing fat tissue.
- Stage 4 – Severe wounds exposing muscle or bone, with extreme infection risk.
Once a bedsore becomes advanced, it can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications, such as cellulitis, sepsis, or osteomyelitis. Older adults in Georgia nursing homes often have weakened immune systems and other medical conditions that make it harder to fight off infections. For them, a bedsore that’s left untreated can quickly become life-threatening.
Why repositioning is critical
Repositioning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores. Medical guidelines recommend that immobile residents be repositioned at least every two hours, sometimes more often for high-risk patients. This routine care helps restore blood flow, relieve pressure, and prevent tissue breakdown.
In addition to repositioning, facilities should use specialized support surfaces such as pressure-relieving mattresses, foam cushions, and heel protectors. A resident’s care plan should include a detailed repositioning schedule and documentation of each turn.
When staff skip repositioning or fail to record it properly, they aren’t just ignoring medical best practices. They’re violating the trust placed in them to care for vulnerable people.
What is the link between staff shortages and fatal bedsores?
Understaffing is one of the most common and dangerous problems in Georgia nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Many operate with fewer aides and nurses than recommended by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
When one caregiver is responsible for too many residents, it becomes impossible to meet every need on schedule. Tasks such as repositioning, skin checks, and bedding changes may be delayed or skipped entirely. High turnover and low pay also mean that new or temporary staff may not receive proper training in wound prevention.
What are the warning signs of a bedsore?
If you have a loved one in a Georgia nursing home, watch for these signs that they may not be receiving adequate care:
- Red or discolored skin over bony areas.
- Complaints of pain or discomfort in specific spots.
- Residents left in the same position for long stretches.
- Soiled bedding or clothing.
- Staff who seem rushed, overworked, or unable to answer questions about the care plan.
- Repositioning records that look identical day after day, a possible sign of falsified charting.
If you believe neglect in a Georgia nursing home led to a fatal bedsore, start by getting a full medical evaluation and wound care report, and take dated photos of the injury and surrounding conditions. Request the resident’s care plan, repositioning logs, and medical chart, then file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Community Health and contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Before giving any statements or signing documents from the facility or its insurance provider, speak with a Georgia nursing home neglect attorney to protect your rights and strengthen your case.
How do I prove negligence if my loved one suffered from a bedsore?
Catching a bedsore early can mean the difference between a treatable injury and a fatal wound. To bring a legal claim, you must be able to show that the facility’s negligence caused or contributed to your loved one’s death. Evidence often includes:
- Medical records showing the progression of the wound.
- Care plans and repositioning schedules that were not followed.
- Staffing logs indicating inadequate coverage.
- State inspection reports or prior citations for similar issues.
- Testimony from medical experts linking the neglect to the death.
In a Georgia fatal bedsore case, liability can extend to several parties, including the nursing home or assisted living facility responsible for providing adequate care and staffing, as well as parent corporations that set budgets and determine staffing levels. Staffing agencies may also be held accountable if they supplied unqualified or negligent workers, and in cases involving extreme professional misconduct, individual healthcare providers can face legal responsibility for the harm caused. A skilled Georgia nursing home neglect attorney can identify every possible source of accountability to maximize your recovery.
Fight nursing home abuse in Atlanta with experienced legal help
If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in an Atlanta nursing home, you can’t afford to wait. Every day that passes gives the facility more time to cover its tracks and puts other residents at risk. The Decatur nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Johnson Greer Law Group know how to uncover the truth, hold negligent facilities accountable, and fight for the dignity your family member deserves. We’ve helped families across Georgia navigate these painful situations, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
When you call us, you’ll speak directly with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who understands Georgia law and the tactics facilities use to avoid responsibility. We’ll launch an immediate investigation, gather evidence, and build a case aimed at maximum compensation. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we win for you.
Your loved one’s safety, health, and dignity are worth protecting right now. We serve families throughout Atlanta and across Georgia, from Dalton to Savannah to rural communities.
Let us be your voice, your advocate, and your source of strength in this fight. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your loved one and holding those responsible accountable.
"George worked very hard on my case and got me what I wanted, and for that! Thank you very much. He will be my lawyer for now on." - R.D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐