Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are painful injuries that occur when someone lies in one position for too long. While these wounds may seem like an unfortunate side effect of aging or illness, they are often the result of neglect. If your loved one developed bedsores while hospitalized, you may be asking: can you sue a hospital for bed sores? The answer, in many cases, is yes. And for families within the African diaspora—many of whom rely on institutional care for elderly relatives in the U.S.—understanding your legal rights can protect not just your family, but your finances and future peace of mind.
This article explores how hospital-acquired bedsores can lead to legal claims, what evidence is needed, and why community awareness is crucial.
What Causes Bedsores in a Hospital Setting?
Bedsores are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, typically at points where bone is close to the surface—like the heels, hips, elbows, and tailbone. In hospitals, where patients may be confined to beds for long periods, it is the staff’s responsibility to regularly reposition them, provide cushioning, and ensure skin health is monitored.
If this doesn’t happen, the result can be:
- Painful ulcers
- Infections
- Sepsis
- Amputations in extreme cases
- Even death
Neglect, understaffing, poor training, or failure to follow proper care protocols are common reasons for bedsores developing under hospital care.
Why Bedsores Are a Sign of Negligence
Bedsores are largely preventable with basic care:
- Repositioning the patient every 2 hours
- Using pressure-relieving mattresses
- Maintaining skin hygiene
- Monitoring skin for redness or sores
- Providing proper nutrition and hydration
When hospitals fail to do these things, it often reflects systemic neglect. Whether it’s due to understaffing, lack of oversight, or disorganized recordkeeping, the patient is the one who suffers.
If your relative entered a hospital with healthy skin but developed bedsores during their stay, there’s a good chance something went wrong—and it’s worth investigating further.
Can You Sue a Hospital for Bed Sores?
Yes, hospitals can be held legally liable for preventable injuries like pressure ulcers. Filing a medical malpractice or negligence claim allows you to seek compensation for pain, medical bills, long-term care, and more.
To have a successful claim, you’ll need to show:
- A duty of care – The hospital was responsible for your loved one’s well-being.
- A breach of that duty – They failed to meet accepted standards of care.
- Injury or harm occurred – Your loved one developed bedsores as a result.
- Damages resulted – Additional medical costs, suffering, or loss of life.
Legal professionals familiar with healthcare law and elder abuse cases can walk you through this process step by step.
Why This Matters to the African Diaspora
Many African immigrants in the U.S. send loved ones to hospitals and care homes for long-term treatment. In some cases, elders are left in unfamiliar environments where family can’t regularly monitor their care. Unfortunately, this distance means signs of neglect—like bedsores—may go unnoticed or unreported.
Cultural stigma, trust in the medical system, and lack of knowledge about legal rights can prevent families from speaking up. But silence can enable poor care to continue.
Knowing that you can sue a hospital for bed sores gives families a powerful tool—not just to seek justice, but to demand better treatment for our elders.
What Kind of Damages Can Be Recovered?
The amount of compensation varies based on the severity of the injury and its impact on the patient’s health. Common recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses – Including treatment for infections or surgeries
- Pain and suffering – For physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of dignity
- Future care costs – If bedsores lead to long-term disability or facility care
- Wrongful death damages – In cases where neglect led to death
- Punitive damages – In cases of extreme or repeated negligence
Compensation is not just about money—it’s about sending a message that vulnerable patients deserve better.
What Evidence Will You Need?
Hospitals have legal teams. To make your claim strong, you’ll need clear documentation. Start with:
- Photos of the sores – Dated and labeled clearly
- Medical records – Including entry and discharge notes
- Witness testimony – From staff, family, or other patients
- Expert opinions – Doctors who can testify about proper care standards
- Care logs – Showing if and when your loved one was repositioned
An experienced attorney can help subpoena hospital records and medical histories that families might not be able to access on their own.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A skilled elder care or personal injury attorney will:
- Investigate the hospital’s care practices
- Secure medical experts for testimony
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File legal motions and represent your family in court
- Ensure the case meets your state’s legal filing deadline (statute of limitations)
Most of these attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means no payment unless they win your case.
Taking Action as a Community
Beyond individual cases, communities can help by:
- Educating others about their rights and signs of neglect
- Sharing stories through social platforms and forums
- Organizing support groups for immigrant caregivers
- Holding hospitals accountable by submitting complaints to state agencies
- Supporting policy changes that increase staffing and oversight
When one family speaks up, it can pave the way for others to get the care they deserve.
Final Thoughts
Bedsores are not simply a health issue—they’re a warning sign. If your loved one suffered due to neglect, ask yourself: can you sue a hospital for bed sores? You absolutely can—and should. Legal action helps families heal, holds hospitals accountable, and prevents further harm to others in your community.
Don’t wait. Stand up, speak out, and protect the people who raised you. The law is there to help—use it.
