Pressure ulcers (also called bedsores) don’t usually appear out of nowhere. They often develop when a resident’s risk is high and basic prevention doesn’t happen consistently—especially for people who:
- spend long hours in a bed or wheelchair
- have limited ability to reposition themselves
- have reduced sensation, diabetes, circulatory issues, or cognitive impairment
- require help with toileting, bathing, or skin care
A facility can’t simply point to an underlying medical condition and end the conversation. In many cases, the legal issue turns on whether the nursing home recognized risk, implemented the care plan, and responded promptly when early signs appeared.


