Why Nursing Homes in Must Be Held Accountable for Preventable Skin Injuries
Skin tears are among the most overlooked injuries in nursing homes, but for elderly residents, they can lead to serious complications — including pain, infection, and long-term disability. New research continues to reinforce what many families already know: these injuries often result from poor care and inadequate supervision.
At Johnson Greer Law Group, our Georgia nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to holding negligent facilities accountable. If your loved one has suffered a skin tear in a nursing facility, especially one that wasn’t promptly treated or properly documented, we’re here to help you take legal action.
What Is a Skin Tear — and Why Is It So Dangerous for the Elderly?
Skin tears are wounds that occur when fragile skin is pulled or sheared away from the underlying tissue, often leaving a flap of skin partially attached. In younger people, such injuries usually heal quickly. But in elderly nursing home residents, thin, weakened skin combined with slower healing can turn a minor wound into a serious medical event.
Skin tears are especially common on the arms and legs, where mobility aids, rough transfers, or careless handling can stretch the skin. If left untreated, these injuries can become infected, develop into chronic wounds, or signal a larger pattern of neglect.
Clinical Research Highlights Hidden Risks in Long-Term Care
Recent clinical studies show that skin tears in older adults aren’t just random incidents — they often stem from conditions or environments that nursing homes have a responsibility to manage.
Key findings include:
- A recent study emphasized that skin tears are highly prevalent in long-term care settings and frequently go unreported.
- Studies have identified specific risk factors such as advanced age, immobility, cognitive impairment, poor nutrition, and dry skin as major contributors.
- Environmental hazards, such as poorly maintained wheelchairs, low lighting, or cluttered walkways, have also been linked to higher injury rates.
- Most importantly, researchers consistently cite staff training and handling techniques as critical in preventing these injuries.
When nursing homes fail to implement protocols that account for these known risks, preventable skin tears can become a sign of broader neglect.
How Inadequate Staffing and Poor Training Lead to Skin Tears
Many nursing homes cut corners on staffing to save money, but undertrained or overworked caregivers often don’t have time to handle residents gently or recognize early warning signs of skin breakdown. Common preventable causes of skin tears include:
- Rough transfers from beds, wheelchairs, or toilets
- Improper use of medical equipment or mobility aids
- Failing to provide proper moisturizing or skin protection
- Not securing sharp or abrasive furniture edges
- Rushing residents during hygiene routines or dressing
Even more concerning, some skin tears may result from physical abuse. If your loved one has repeated or unexplained injuries, it’s essential to investigate further.
Failure to Treat or Document a Skin Tear Can Also Be a Red Flag
It’s not just how a skin tear happens — it’s also how the nursing home responds. When a facility fails to treat a wound promptly or document it in the resident’s chart, it raises serious questions about the quality of care.
According to clinical guidelines, skin tears should be cleaned, assessed, photographed, and monitored regularly until healed. Proper dressing and infection control are essential. When nursing homes skip these steps, they may be putting your loved one at greater risk — and violating federal and state standards for elder care.
Legal Options for Families in Georgia After a Preventable Injury
In Georgia, nursing homes are legally obligated to provide care that meets accepted safety and health standards. When they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent or treat injuries like skin tears, families have the right to pursue a claim.
A successful nursing home abuse case may involve:
- Reviewing the resident’s medical records for documentation lapses
- Interviewing staff and reviewing training logs
- Identifying safety hazards in the facility
- Consulting medical experts to show the injury was preventable
Our Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyers know how to investigate injuries that others might ignore. We’ve handled cases where skin tears were the first visible sign of a larger pattern of neglect, and we know how to uncover the truth.
Talk to an Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
If your loved one suffered a skin tear in a Georgia nursing home, don’t assume it was just an accident. These injuries often point to a deeper failure in care — and you have every right to demand accountability.
At Johnson Greer Law Group, we stand with families who want answers. Let us investigate the injury, protect your loved one’s rights, and help you pursue justice. To find out how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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