Bedsores—also known as pressure ulcers—are painful, preventable injuries that can indicate serious nursing home neglect. Families are often left wondering whether their own loved ones are suffering needlessly in the hands of the professionals hired to keep them safe. When their suspicions are confirmed, legal action is warranted. 

Below are common questions and legal insights related to nursing home bedsores. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting your loved one and holding negligent facilities accountable. 

1. Are Nursing Homes Legally Responsible for Bedsores? 

Yes, nursing homes can be held legally responsible if bedsores occur due to negligence or substandard care. Texas law requires long-term care facilities to provide a reasonable standard of care, including measures to prevent bedsores in immobile or vulnerable residents. When staff fail to reposition residents regularly, neglect hygiene, or ignore early signs of skin breakdown, the facility may be liable for resulting injuries. 

2. What Legal Rights Do Nursing Home Residents Have in Texas? 

Nursing home residents are protected under both state and federal regulations, including the Texas Health and Safety Code and the Nursing Home Reform Act. These laws mandate safe living conditions, routine health monitoring, and freedom from neglect and physical abuse. If these rights are violated and a resident suffers bedsores as a result, the victim or their family may pursue a civil lawsuit for damages. 

3. Can I Sue a Nursing Home for My Loved One’s Bedsores? 

If bedsores were caused by inadequate care, you may have grounds for a negligence or medical malpractice claim. Suing a nursing home typically involves proving the following: 

  • The facility owed a duty of care to the resident. 
  • That duty was breached through negligent actions or omissions. 
  • The breach directly caused the resident’s bedsores or related complications. 

A skilled Dallas nursing home abuse attorney can gather medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a strong case on your behalf. 

4. What Compensation Is Available in Bedsore Lawsuits? 

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to financial compensation for: 

  • Medical bills related to treating bedsores 
  • Pain and suffering endured by the resident 
  • Emotional distress 
  • Loss of quality of life 
  • Wrongful Death 
  • In severe cases, punitive damages. 

The amount of compensation depends on the extent of the injuries, the level of negligence, and whether the facility has a history of similar incidents. 

5. What Should I Do If I Suspect Nursing Home Neglect? 

If your loved one is showing signs of bedsores, take the following steps immediately: 

  • Document everything: Take photos of the wounds and note any lack of hygiene or attention. 
  • Request medical records: Ask for detailed reports on your loved one’s care, including repositioning schedules and wound assessments. 
  • Report the neglect: File a complaint with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. 

6. How Can a Dallas Bedsore Lawyer Help? 

An experienced nursing home abuse attorney plays a critical role in: 

  • Investigating the circumstances of the injury 
  • Determining if care protocols were violated 
  • Consulting with medical experts to support your claim 
  • Filing legal paperwork and negotiating with insurance companies 
  • Representing you in court, if necessary 

At Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP, we have decades of experience standing up for vulnerable nursing home residents across Dallas and holding negligent facilities accountable. 

7. How Long Do I Have to File a Nursing Home Abuse Claim in Texas? 

In most cases, the statute of limitations for nursing home injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the injury or discovery. However, delays can weaken your case, especially when it comes to preserving evidence. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as you suspect negligence. 

Get Help Today: Your Loved One Deserves Better 

No one should suffer from bedsores in a nursing home, the place you’ve entrusted to your loved one’s care. These injuries are preventable—and when they occur, it’s often a red flag of deeper systemic failures. At Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP, we’re here to help you hold negligent caregivers accountable and pursue the justice your family deserves. 

Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Dallas nursing home negligence lawyer.