When nursing homes, hospitals, or caregivers fail to reposition patients or provide basic care, bed sores form—and they can quickly become life-threatening. If you or a loved one suffered from bed sores due to neglect in Charleston or anywhere in West Virginia, you have the right to seek justice. Contact Tiano O’Dell, PLLC to discuss your rights with a trusted Charleston bed sores attorney in a free consultation.
Why Choose Us?
- We treat every family with dignity while fighting hard to protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect.
- We are deeply committed to West Virginia families and take the time to build strong, respectful relationships with every client.
- We stay current on West Virginia’s evolving nursing home laws and use advanced tools to investigate cases and deliver strong, results-driven representation.
What Are Bed Sores?
Bed sores, also called pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, develop when sustained pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin. These sores most commonly form on the tailbone, heels, elbows, and hips. They often affect elderly or immobile individuals who rely on others for help with movement and hygiene. Bed sores develop in stages. Without treatment, they can reach muscle and bone, leading to serious infections such as cellulitis, sepsis, or osteomyelitis. These complications can cause permanent damage or even death.
Are Bed Sores a Sign of Neglect?
Medical professionals and caregivers can take simple steps to prevent bed sores. These include:
- Repositioning the patient every two hours
- Monitoring and inspecting the skin daily
- Keeping skin clean and dry
- Using specialized cushions or mattresses
- Ensuring proper hydration and nutrition
Bed sores indicate that caregivers ignored their duties. They reflect a breakdown in staffing, supervision, or both. In many cases, they point to systemic neglect in a nursing home or hospital.
Who Is Liable for Bed Sores?
Several parties may bear legal responsibility for bed sores, including:
Nursing Homes
Facilities must ensure that staff is properly trained, supervised, and equipped to prevent bed sores. If the facility lacks protocols or fails to enforce them.
Nursing Home Staff
Nurses, aides, or attendants who neglect patient care duties—such as repositioning or cleaning.
Management Companies or Owners
If the facility is operated by a third-party company or chain that cuts corners, understaffs, or fails to maintain standards.
Medical Providers
Doctors or nurse practitioners who ignore signs of developing sores, fail to diagnose infections, or do not order appropriate treatment.
Home Health Agencies
If bed sores occur under the care of a home health nurse or agency, those caregivers and the agency itself may be held accountable.
West Virginia’s modified comparative negligence rule allows multiple liable parties to be held accountable for their share of the negligence. Because bed sore victims are typically immobile and dependent on care, they are rarely assigned any fault, making full compensation more likely.
Types of Compensation Available in a Bedsore Claim
Victims or their families may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to treating the sores and resulting infections
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Relocation costs if a facility change becomes necessary
- Wrongful death damages if the sores contributed to a loved one’s death
Every case is different. A Charleston, WV bed sores attorney can thoroughly review your case to identify all forms of compensation available.
Take Action Today
You deserve accountability, answers, and compensation for the harm caused. Our Charleston, WV bed sores lawyer will fight to hold negligent parties responsible and to secure justice for you and your family. Call (304) 720-6700 or message us online today for a free consultation.
