If you’ve noticed a pressure wound on a loved one living in a nursing home, you may have questions about how it happened and whether the facility did enough to prevent it. Bedsores can develop quickly and, in many cases, indicate gaps in basic care. Our Greenville nursing home abuse attorneys at Jordan Law Center help families understand what these wounds may mean and what options they have. If you have concerns about a loved one’s care, you can call us for a free consultation.
What Are Bedsores, And What Causes Them?
Bedsores, also called pressure wounds, pressure ulcers, or pressure injuries, are areas of damaged skin and underlying tissue caused by sustained pressure on a body part. When someone stays in the same position for too long, the constant pressure restricts blood flow to the skin. This is when tissue breakdown happens.
So what causes bedsores in a facility setting? They usually develop in residents who are unable to reposition themselves. This includes individuals who are bedridden or rely on a wheelchair to get around. Pressure, friction, moisture, and poor nutrition all play a role. These wounds tend to form over bony areas, such as the hips, tailbone, heels, ankles, and elbows, where there’s less padding between bone and skin.
The Four Stages Of Pressure Wounds
Health providers describe bedsores in four stages based on how deep the damage goes. Understanding these stages helps you gauge how far a wound has progressed.
Stage One is the earliest sign. The skin isn’t broken, but it may look red or discolored and feel warm or firm. Stage Two involves partial loss of skin, often appearing as a shallow open sore or a blister. Stage Three extends deeper, through the full thickness of the skin and into the underlying fat, creating a crater-like wound. Stage Four is the most advanced. Damage extends to muscle, tendon, or bone.
A wound can move from one stage to the next when it isn’t caught and treated early. That progression is one reason consistent monitoring matters so much in a care facility.
Why Bedsores Can Point To Neglect
When families ask which type of mistreatment causes bedsores, the answer is commonly neglect. Pressure wounds are largely preventable when there’s attentive care. Facilities are expected to assess each resident’s risk, reposition residents who cannot move on their own, keep skin clean and dry, provide proper nutrition and hydration, and respond promptly when a wound appears.
It’s when those steps don’t happen that a pressure wound can form and worsen. A bedsore that reaches an advanced stage, or one that goes unreported to the family, may suggest the facility fell short on routine care. That doesn’t prove wrongdoing on its own, but it’s a reason to look closer.
If you have questions about how a wound developed, our attorneys at Jordan Law Center can review the situation with you. Call 864-808-1810 for a free consultation.
Warning Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect
Neglect happens when a facility fails to provide the care and services a resident needs to stay safe and healthy. Beyond bedsores, families can watch for other signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, including:
– Unexplained weight loss or signs of dehydration.
– Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, or unclean living areas.
– Frequent falls or unexplained bruises and injuries.
– Sudden changes in mood, withdrawal, or fear around staff.
– Missed medications or medication errors.
– Staff reluctance to let you visit privately or explain an injury.
One of these signs alone may have an ordinary explanation. A pattern, or a facility that avoids your questions, is worth a closer look.
How To Document Your Concerns
If you’re worried about a loved one’s care, keep a clear record. Documentation helps you understand what’s happening and preserves information if you decide to take action later.
Take dated photographs of any visible wounds or injuries. Write down what you observe on each visit, including the date, time, and any staff comments. Request copies of medical records, care plans, and incident reports. Note conversations with staff or administrators about your concerns. If a wound looks serious, ask a medical provider to examine it and consider an independent evaluation.
Keeping these records organized makes it easier for an attorney to review what occurred and assess whether the facility met its responsibilities.
Legal Options Under South Carolina Law
South Carolina law allows families to hold facilities accountable when neglect causes harm. A claim may seek compensation for medical costs, additional care, pain, and other losses tied to the injury.
Timing matters. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530, most personal injury claims in South Carolina must be filed within three years. The deadline generally runs from when the cause of action arises, though under the discovery rule, the clock can start when the injured party becomes aware of the harm. Because these cases turn on detailed records and medical evidence, it helps to talk with an attorney sooner rather than later. Our attorneys at Jordan Law Center are prepared to investigate the facts and litigate when the evidence supports it.
Talk To An Attorney About Your Concerns
You don’t have to sort through these questions on your own. If you have concerns about a loved one’s care in Greenville or the surrounding South Carolina area, our attorneys at Jordan Law Center are ready to listen and explain your options. Contact us at Jordan Law Center at 864-808-1810 for a free consultation.
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