Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are painful wounds that should rarely occur in a properly staffed nursing home. When they do appear — especially in later stages — it is often a sign of neglect. Left untreated, these wounds can become infected, cause severe pain, and even lead to life-threatening complications like sepsis.
At Nancy Iler Law Firm, we represent Ohio families whose loved ones have suffered from bed sores caused by nursing home negligence. Our mission is to stop the neglect, get residents the care they need, and hold facilities legally responsible.
How and Why Bed Sores Develop
Bed sores occur when a resident is left in one position for too long, cutting off blood flow to the skin. Nursing homes are required to reposition residents frequently and take other preventive measures — but neglect happens when:
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Staff fail to turn or move residents regularly
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Skin checks and risk assessments are skipped
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Residents are left in soiled bedding or clothing
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Pressure-relieving mattresses or cushions are not used
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Early signs of skin breakdown are ignored
These are basic standards of care. Failure to follow them can have devastating consequences.
The Stages of Pressure Ulcers
Bed sores progress in severity over time:
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Stage 1: Skin is red and may feel warm or firm, but not broken
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Stage 2: Shallow open sore or blister
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Stage 3: Deeper wound extending through fat tissue
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Stage 4: Severe ulcer exposing muscle, tendon, or bone
Stage 3 and Stage 4 sores often mean neglect went on for days or weeks before action was taken.
Complications from Untreated Bed Sores
Without prompt medical attention, pressure ulcers can lead to:
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Intense pain and suffering
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MRSA, staph, or other serious infections
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Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
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Sepsis, septic shock, or death
These outcomes are preventable with proper care — and nursing homes that allow them to happen should be held accountable.
Legal Rights for Families in Dayton
Ohio law requires nursing homes to monitor residents’ skin health and implement a care plan to prevent bed sores. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to seek compensation for:
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Hospitalization and wound treatment costs
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
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Long-term rehabilitation or ongoing care expenses
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Wrongful death damages if the sores caused or contributed to a resident’s passing
Why Choose Nancy Iler Law Firm
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Medical Knowledge: As a former registered nurse, Nancy understands wound care protocols and how to prove when a facility has failed.
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Local Experience: Representing victims of nursing home neglect throughout Dayton and Montgomery County for more than 30 years.
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Relentless Advocacy: We fight nursing home corporations and their insurers to get justice for families.
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No Recovery, No Fee: You pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Dayton Bed Sore Lawsuit FAQs
Q: Are bed sores always preventable?
A: In most cases, yes. Nursing homes are required to perform regular skin checks and reposition high-risk residents to avoid pressure ulcers.
Q: How soon should I contact a lawyer?
A: Immediately. Bed sores can worsen quickly, and evidence of neglect — like staff records — can disappear if not preserved.
Q: What kind of evidence helps prove my case?
A: Photos of the sores, medical records, facility reports, and witness statements are crucial. Our team can also obtain internal staffing logs and consult wound care experts.
Talk to a Dayton Nursing Home Bed Sore Attorney
Your loved one should never suffer because of preventable neglect.
Call Nancy Iler Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Dayton nursing home bed sore lawyer.