Can You Die From Bed Sores?

Nursing homes are facilities built for elderly individuals needing consistent medical care. While in a nursing home, a resident receives medical attention from nursing staff and specialists, has access to numerous living amenities, and receives daily assistance for basic tasks. 

Nursing home residents who are less mobile are at higher risk of developing pressure ulcers, also called bed sores. 

When pressure is applied to the area for an extended period, a pressure ulcer develops on the skin. Since some nursing home residents require assistance to move, inattention from staff can force a resident to stay bedridden, quickly leading to the development of pressure injuries. 

Without proper treatment, the affected area can become infected, leading to life-threatening bone infections, joint infections, or lead to sepsis, causing renal failure. 

The Progression of Pressure Ulcers

Pressure sores vary in severity. The early stages of pressure injuries are not as disruptive or painful as the later ones. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to take corrective measures to prevent pressure ulcers from escalating.  

Here are the coinciding symptoms to watch out for as a nursing home resident. 

Stage 1

A stage 1 pressure sore occurs when lack of movement starts to affect blood flow. In the early stages, skin will develop non-blanchable redness, meaning it does not turn white when pressed. The skin is still intact and may feel warm; more severe cases may leave the skin purple or blue. 

This may be harder to spot on nursing home patients with darker skin. It is essential to relieve pressure on the area at this stage to prevent moving to the next. 

Stage 2

At stage 2, the decubitus ulcers will start to affect the integrity of the skin. The skin has partial thickness loss, which manifests as a partially open sore. These pressure injuries look like abrasions or blisters in the affected area. 

The skin itself will be discolored, and the area will be painful. The effect on the skin is known as erythema, affecting the epidermis and part of the superficial dermis. If left untreated, a stage 2 pressure wound will worsen.

Stage 3

Stage 3 is when patients start experiencing severe pressure ulcers. There is a lot of dead tissue, which means skin thickness loss is occurring. The sore will look like a crater, and the edges of the sore may have dark patches of dead tissue. 

There may also be necrosis in the subcutaneous tissue, which means the deep wound penetrates the fat layer. Without proper medical care, stage 2 pressure ulcers may become infected.

Stage 4

Stage 4 is the final and most dangerous phase of a pressure sore. Full-thickness tissue loss has occurred, and the injury exposes bones, such as shoulder blades, tendons, or muscles. The skin has been completely lost, creating serious risks of infection that can lead to death. 

If nursing home residents are suffering from stage 4 pressure injuries, they have likely been left immobile for very long periods, resulting in constant pressure on one area. If left untreated, the wound can become infected and lead to severe complications.

Pressure sores should never progress to stage 4 levels with proper care. In stage four cases, neglect and improper treatment are the cause, and nursing homes should be held accountable. Contact our team for a free consultation and get compensated for medical expenses. 

Bedsores Lead to Death and Other Risks

Pressure sores are one of the most common signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. Developing bedsores shows patients are not being moved enough, because these injuries result from reduced blood flow to an area from constant pressure. If untreated, bedsores lead to major complications. 

Here are a few risk factors associated with untreated sores. 

Infection

The most common complication of a skin sore is an infection. Bedsores lead to infections because a gap in the skin allows bacteria to pass through the skin barrier. Once the affected skin starts to break in stage 2 and beyond, the risk of a skin infection increases quickly. Nurses must prevent infection to avoid life-threatening complications.

Sepsis

Sepsis is an extreme response by the body’s immune system. The more serious the infection, the harder the body must fight to defeat it. Essentially, the processes that are designed to fight the infection turn on the body instead, negatively affecting organs and other systems. This can lead to death.

Organ Failure

The final stage of a serious infection may be organ failure. In this scenario, the infection has led to sepsis and, eventually, septic shock. The body’s immune system is now attacking itself rather than the infection from the sore. 

In nursing home settings, residents are at an increased risk of developing bedsores and experiencing more severe complications due to advanced age, spinal cord injuries, anemia, and other factors. This greater risk makes it essential to be vigilant if you or a loved one live in a nursing home. 

Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure on an area of the body, resulting in decreased blood flow that can deteriorate healthy skin and cause a sore. 

The body’s most vulnerable parts are bony areas and joints, such as the hips, elbows, heels, ears, and the back of the head. If you or a loved one are living in a nursing home, there are several ways to reduce the risk factors associated with decubitus ulcers. 

Regular Skin Inspections

Frequent skin checks should become part of your routine, especially if you or your family member has reduced mobility or can’t sense pain.

Often, the affected skin may not feel painful during stage 1, so a visual inspection is the only way to notice the sore. Sustained pressure on the underlying tissue can lead to an open wound, which healthcare providers should look for. Fragile skin has a higher risk of breaking into an ulcer. 

Pressure Relief Techniques

If you feel elevated pressure on a specific body area, you can try numerous pressure relief techniques to maintain consistent blood flow. Reposition yourself to ease the pressure. 

For example, if you feel a lot of pressure on the back of your head for a prolonged period, try lying on your side. You can also request special mattresses from the assisted living facility to reduce pressure on bony areas when sitting or lying in bed. 

Adequate Nutrition and Hydration

The likelihood of developing bedsores increases if the skin is in poor health. Keeping skin healthy may delay the effects of a pressure ulcer. Patients should eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated. 

Even if the patient develops a pressure injury, eating well and drinking plenty of water could prevent it from advancing to stage 4. Speak with staff if you’re concerned about poor nutrition.

Skincare routines help prevent pressure ulcers and serious infections. Wash the skin’s outer layer well with soap and moisturize it. The cleaner your skin is, the easier it will be to prevent infections from sores. Even if it is too late to stop the ulcer, keeping the skin clean can aid in wound healing and keep the sore in its early stages. 

If your loved one is developing skin ulcers, they may be experiencing nursing home abuse. Our nursing home lawyers offer free consultations. 

Common Locations for Pressure Sores

Skin ulcers commonly develop in areas where bone and skin are in constant contact with a surface, leading to prolonged pressure and tissue damage. The most common affected areas are:

• Tailbone and buttocks – Due to prolonged sitting or lying down without repositioning.
• Shoulder blades and back of the head – Common in bedridden residents who aren’t repositioned regularly.
• Ankles and heels – Develop when legs remain in the same position for extended periods without support.
• Hips and lower back – Caused by improper repositioning or inadequate cushioning.

Legal Implications of Pressure Injuries

Patients suffering from an open wound due to poor blood supply and prolonged pressure are often victims of nursing home negligence. 

The facility may be held liable if a nursing home resident dies or suffers the consequences of a severe infection from a pressure wound. Let’s discuss the potential legal implications of a skin sore in a nursing home. 

Negligence and Malpractice

Medical professionals are required to provide a certain standard of care to patients. Elderly nursing home residents have the right to expect quality care, so if they develop serious conditions like stage 4 ulcers, it is often due to negligence or malpractice. 

These healthcare providers sometimes fail to ensure proper care for every resident, and an ulcer is an obvious sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. 

Winning a medical negligence or malpractice case requires evidence of abuse or neglect. A deep wound from a skin ulcer is usually proof of neglect, but you may also need medical records, expert testimonies, and other data to prove your case and win compensation. 

Liability of Nursing Homes

Since nursing home staff are responsible for the health and well-being of residents, it is up to them to prevent developing pressure sores. 

If nurses or administrators fail to prevent bedsores in a resident, the facility may be held liable for any legal damages. Legal damages in this type of case could include medical bills, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life.

Surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility if pressure sores lead to death. Plaintiffs can claim damages for funeral costs, burial expenses, and loss of consortium. 

Seeking Legal Advice

If you’ve noticed warning signs of poor circulation or advanced skin sores on a nursing home resident, legal action may be necessary. 

Pressure ulcers—especially in later stages—can lead to severe infections, sepsis, or even death. If you suspect negligence, consulting a nursing home abuse lawyer is critical. They can evaluate your case, help file complaints with facility administrators, and pursue legal claims for damages.

Victims and their families may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses – Covering treatment, hospitalization, and long-term care.
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for the resident’s physical and emotional distress.
• Punitive damages – If the facility’s negligence was particularly reckless.
• Wrongful death – If the neglect led to a fatal outcome, surviving family members may file a claim.

Statute of Limitations

The timeframe to file a nursing home abuse claim varies by state, typically ranging from one to three years from the date of injury or discovery. Missing this deadline could mean losing the right to seek compensation, so acting quickly is crucial.

Family members are often the first to notice signs of neglect. If left untreated, pressure sores can escalate quickly, leading to life-threatening complications. Seeking legal help immediately ensures your loved one’s rights are protected and increases the likelihood of holding the facility accountable.

Consult an Experienced Attorney! 

At the Nursing Home Law Center, we represent many clients who have suffered from pressure ulcers and sores. Our team will investigate your case, protect your rights, assess damages, gather compelling evidence, and even represent you in court if necessary. 

The sooner you seek legal advice regarding the pressure injury, the sooner we can take action that could potentially save a life. We will also help you seek justice if you have already suffered due to the injury.

Call the Nursing Home Law Center today at 800-926-7565 or complete the online form to request a free consultation.