When a loved one develops bed sores—also called pressure ulcers or pressure sores—while living in a Las Vegas nursing home facility, families are often left with questions, concerns, and frustration. These injuries can cause extreme pain, infections, and long-term harm, and in severe cases may even contribute to death.
Because bedsores are frequently preventable, they may be a sign of nursing home neglect or nursing home abuse. Proper documentation is one of the most important steps families can take to protect a nursing home resident’s health, preserve their rights, and build a strong legal claim.
Below, we outline the key steps, documents, and evidence families should collect when bed sores appear, and how this information can support potential bedsore cases in Nevada courts.
The Importance of Documentation in Bed Sore Cases
Bedsores can begin to develop after only a few hours of uninterrupted pressure, often within 2–6 hours in high‑risk residents. If the pressure and other risk factors are not corrected, these wounds can rapidly worsen over the following days and weeks. They typically arise from prolonged pressure, failure to reposition, inadequate skin care, malnutrition, dehydration, and noncompliance with accepted care standards. Federal regulations and Nevada law require nursing homes and other long‑term care facilities to protect residents from preventable harm, including avoidable pressure injuries.
Thorough documentation:
- Shows the progression and severity of the condition
- Establishes a clear timeline
- Identifies negligence, understaffing, or lack of proper equipment
- Preserves facts before records are altered or lost
In complex bedsore cases, documentation often determines the outcome of a lawsuit.
Understanding Bed Sores as a Sign of Nursing Home Negligence
A pressure ulcer develops when constant pressure cuts off blood flow to tissue. Over time, this causes tissue damage that may reach muscle, tendon, or even bone. The recognized stages range from mild redness to deep, open wounds with serious complications and infection.
Common causes in nursing homes include:
- Inadequate staffing
- Failure to reposition immobile residents
- Poor hygiene and wound care
- Lack of nutrition or hydration
- Ignoring early signs and symptoms
These failures may violate care plans, medical guidelines, and industry standards, creating liability for the nursing home.
Photographing the Bed Sore and Its Progression
Clear photographs are some of the strongest forms of evidence in bedsore cases.
Families should take:
- Close-up photos of the bed sore
- Images showing size, depth, and location
- Pictures that capture changes over time
Tips for effective photographs:
- Use timestamps whenever possible
- Take photos regularly to show progress or worsening
- Do not edit or filter images
Photographs help experts, doctors, and the court understand the extent of injuries and suffering.
Collecting Medical Records and Nursing Notes
Request complete medical records from both the nursing home and any outside healthcare providers. These records often include critical details.
Important records include:
- Nursing notes
- Wound care logs
- Physician and doctor assessments
- Medication and treatment history
- Infection reports and lab results
These documents may reveal delays in treatment, inadequate care, or inconsistencies in the facility’s account.
Reviewing the Resident’s Care Plan
Every nursing home resident should have an individualized plan that addresses mobility, nutrition, skin integrity, and safety.
Families should review care plans for:
- Repositioning schedules
- Pressure-relief mattresses or equipment
- Wound care protocols
- Monitoring for pressure ulcers
Failure to follow care plans is a strong indicator of nursing home negligence and a breach of duty.
Incident Reports and Facility Records
Ask the nursing facility for:
- Internal incident reports
- Staffing schedules
- Administrative notes
- Quality assurance records
Facilities may resist sharing these documents, but they often contain facts critical to claims involving abuse or neglect.
Always request records in writing and keep copies.
Witness Statements and Interviews
Witnesses can include:
- Nursing home staff members
- Other residents
- Visiting family members or friends
Written statements, interviews, and testimony should document:
- Observations of neglect or poor care
- The resident’s condition and suffering
- Any complaints or concerns raised
Witness evidence can support expert testimony and strengthen a lawsuit.
Documenting Communication With the Nursing Home
Keep a detailed log of all communication with the facility, including:
- Phone calls
- Emails
- Meetings with the administration
Record dates, names, and responses—or lack of response. This documentation may demonstrate disregard for a resident’s well-being and safety.
Outside Medical Evaluations and Expert Opinions
Hospital visits or evaluations by wound care specialists often reveal the true severity of pressure ulcers.
Outside providers may:
- Identify advanced stages of injury
- Confirm infections or systemic complications
- Establish that harm occurred before hospital admission
Expert testimony is often crucial in complex bedsore cases.
Seeking Professional Advice and Support
If your family member has developed bed sores in a nursing home, an experienced bed sore lawyer in Las Vegas can provide guidance and legal support.
A nursing home abuse law firm can:
- Preserve evidence and secure records
- Consult medical experts
- Handle communication with the care facility
- Evaluate damages, compensation, and legal options
Nevada has statutes of limitations, so taking prompt action is essential.
Protecting Families, Residents, and Their Rights
Bed sores are not just a medical issue—they are often a sign of failure, negligence, and lack of accountability. Families deserve answers, and victims deserve justice.
If your loved one has suffered preventable injuries in a nursing home, documenting the facts is the first right step in the legal process.
Get Help With a Bed Sore Claim in Las Vegas
The Nursing Home Injury Law Group in Las Vegas has experience handling complex injury cases. Our team understands the emotional and financial toll these injuries take on families.
Call today for a free consultation with our Las Vegas nursing home litigation attorney. We understand the complexity of nursing home regulations and the stress of your situation. Our team will carefully review the actions taken by the facility and guide you in the best way to protect your loved ones, keeping the focus on their safety, well-being, and rights. We charge no upfront fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of bed sores I should watch for?
Early attention to redness, skin changes, or discomfort can prevent the progression of pressure ulcers and reduce harm to a nursing home resident.
How can I assess my loved one’s specific needs?
Understanding a resident’s needs—such as mobility, nutrition, and hydration—is crucial to prevent pressure sores and ensure that care plans are followed.
What are the different stages of a bed sore?
Bed sores are classified by stage, from Stage 1 (reddened skin) to Stage 4 (tissue, muscle, or bone exposure). Identifying the stage helps guide treatment and documentation.
Who holds responsibility for bed sore prevention in nursing homes?
The responsibility falls on nursing home staff, administration, and the care team to adhere to standards of care, proper repositioning, and wound treatment.
What factors contribute to the development of bed sores?
Several factors, including poor nutrition, limited mobility, dehydration, inadequate staffing, and improper equipment, can increase the risk of pressure ulcers.
Can families file lawsuits for nursing home negligence?
Yes, lawsuits can be filed when bedsore cases result from neglect, abuse, or failure to follow care standards, allowing families to seek compensation.
Should I include the staff member’s name when documenting incidents?
Yes, including the name of the staff member involved helps establish accountability and can support evidence in a legal claim.
When should I seek professional advice regarding bed sores?
Seek advice from a qualified attorney or medical expert immediately when you notice worsening wounds, infections, or a lack of proper care in a nursing home.
How can I track the progression of a bedsore?
Keep a timeline of photographs, medical symptoms, treatments, and care logs to document the wound’s progression and the facility’s response.
What evidence is most helpful in bed sore cases?
Evidence such as medical records, photos, witness statements, and care plans is critical for documenting injuries, facility failures, and the impact on a resident’s well-being.