Pressure ulcers don’t appear “out of nowhere.” They typically develop when pressure, friction, or shearing forces remain on the same area too long—especially for residents who:
- are mostly bedridden or spend long stretches in a chair
- have limited sensation (so early redness isn’t reported)
- need assistance with repositioning, toileting, or skin care
- have conditions that affect circulation, nutrition, or healing
In many nursing home disputes, the key isn’t whether the facility had a written policy—it’s whether the facility followed it consistently. In New Jersey, the documentation trail (care plans, turning schedules, skin assessments, wound progress notes) often becomes the most important “witness.”


