Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque Nursing Home Bedsore & Pressure Ulcer Lawyer
A pressure wound can develop when a resident who cannot move on their own is not repositioned often enough. While pressure injuries can have several causes, a wound that appears, worsens, or becomes infected may warrant a closer look at the care being provided. We help families understand what the records may show.
What Pressure Injuries Are
A pressure injury, also called a bedsore, pressure ulcer, or decubitus ulcer, is damage to skin and the tissue beneath it caused by sustained pressure. They most often form over bony areas such as the tailbone, hips, heels, and shoulders.
When pressure limits blood flow to an area, the tissue is starved of oxygen and nutrients. Without relief, the skin breaks down. Friction and shear, such as sliding a resident across a surface, can also contribute.
Residents who are bedbound, use a wheelchair, or cannot reposition themselves are especially vulnerable. So are residents with poor nutrition, dehydration, incontinence, or conditions that affect circulation.
Pressure injuries are largely considered preventable when facilities follow established standards: regular repositioning, pressure-relieving surfaces, skin monitoring, and adequate nutrition. When a serious wound develops, the question is often whether those measures were in place and followed.
Severity
Pressure Injury Stages, in Plain Language
Pressure injuries are classified by depth and severity. Understanding the stage can help families grasp how serious a wound is and whether it is improving.
Stage 1
A localized area of skin that may appear red and feel warm or firm. In darker skin tones, the area may look different in color but not blanch when pressed. At this stage the skin remains intact.
Stage 2
The outer layer of skin is broken or damaged, creating a shallow open area or blister. It may be painful.
Stage 3
A deeper wound extending into the tissue beneath the skin, which may look like a crater. Damage may reach but not pass through underlying muscle.
Stage 4
Large-scale tissue loss exposing muscle, bone, or supporting structures. These wounds carry a high risk of serious infection.
Unstageable
A wound covered by dead tissue or scabbing that prevents the full depth from being determined until the tissue is removed.
Deep Tissue Injury
A persistent area of discolored, damaged tissue beneath intact skin, often appearing purple or maroon, signaling pressure damage below the surface.
This overview is for general understanding only and is not medical advice. A qualified clinician should diagnose and stage any wound.
Facility Responsibilities
Prevention and Pressure Relief
Facilities are expected to assess each resident's pressure-injury risk and put a prevention plan in place. When these steps are followed, most pressure injuries can be avoided.
- Regular repositioning of immobile residents according to a set schedule
- Use of pressure-relieving mattresses, cushions, and overlays
- Routine skin inspections to identify early pressure damage
- Adequate nutrition and hydration to support skin integrity
- Individualized care plans that account for each resident's risk factors
- Prompt response when early signs of pressure appear
Infection and Sepsis
Open pressure wounds can become infected. An infection that enters the bloodstream can cause sepsis, a life-threatening response that can lead to organ failure and death. Residents with advanced pressure injuries are at particular risk.
When a pressure wound contributes to a fatal outcome, families may wish to review our wrongful death page.
When a Bedsore May Warrant Investigation
A pressure injury does not by itself prove neglect. But certain circumstances can signal that the care provided deserves a closer look.
- A Stage 3 or Stage 4 wound develops during a resident's stay
- A wound worsens rather than heals despite treatment
- Multiple wounds develop over a short period
- The family was not informed until the wound was advanced
- Repositioning or pressure-relief measures appear inconsistent
Records Commonly Reviewed
- Nursing notes documenting repositioning schedules
- Care plans and pressure-risk assessments (such as Braden scores)
- Wound care notes, including measurements and photographs
- Nutrition and hydration records
- Medication administration records
- Incident reports and communications with family
- Hospital records if the resident was transferred for treatment
For Families
Warning Signs to Watch For
Early pressure damage can be subtle. These signs may indicate that a wound is forming or that an existing wound is not being properly managed.
FAQ
Bedsores & Pressure Ulcers — Frequently Asked Questions
A Pressure Wound Has You Concerned. Let's Talk.
If your loved one developed a bedsore in an Albuquerque nursing home and the explanation doesn't add up, tell us what you've noticed. A conversation can help determine whether the circumstances deserve a closer look.
Confidential. No obligation. Speaking with us does not create an attorney-client relationship.