Pressure ulcers can worsen quickly, especially when staff are short on time or documentation isn’t consistent. Before you worry about legal strategy, focus on safety and medical clarity.
1) Ask for an immediate wound assessment and staging explanation.
- Request the wound stage, suspected cause, and the plan for prevention and treatment.
- If you’re told it’s “just skin,” ask what monitoring is being done and how often.
2) Get copies of the wound-related paperwork you’re allowed to receive.
- Ask what documentation exists for skin checks, wound measurements/photos (if taken), and repositioning.
- In Michigan, residents and representatives have rights to access records—timing matters, so ask early.
3) Write down a timeline while details are fresh.
- Note when you first saw redness, when you reported concerns, and what staff said in response.
- Include dates of any missed calls, delayed responses, or changes in mobility/assistance.
4) Preserve communications.
- Save emails, texts, discharge paperwork, and any written instructions.
- If you made phone calls, document approximate dates/times and who you spoke with.
This is the foundation for a strong case—because pressure ulcer claims often turn on what the facility knew and how it responded.


