Chicago Nursing Home Bed Sores Attorney
When you entrust a loved one to a nursing home, you expect compassionate, professional care. Sadly, many Chicago facilities fail to meet even basic health standards — leading to preventable injuries like bedsores, dehydration, and infections.
At Mulholland Injury Law, our Chicago Nursing Home Bed Sores Attorneys have seen firsthand the pain and humiliation that neglected residents endure. With over 24 years of experience holding negligent care facilities accountable, we are committed to protecting seniors and their families and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
Understanding Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, form when continuous pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin and underlying tissue. They often develop on areas like the tailbone, hips, heels, elbows, and shoulders — especially in patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
| Stage | Description | Severity |
| Stage1 | Redness or irritation of the skin that does not fade when pressure is relieved | Early-stage, reversible with prompt care |
| Stage2 | Blisters or open sores form on the skin surface | Painful and vulnerable to infection |
| Stage3 | The sore deepens, damaging tissue below the skin | May expose fat or muscle; infection risk rises |
| Stage4 | Deep wound exposing muscle, bone, or tendons | Life-threatening; may lead to sepsis or amputation |
Proper repositioning, skin inspections, hydration, and nutrition can prevent all of these injuries. When bedsores develop, it’s a strong indication that nursing home staff failed to provide appropriate care.
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Everything about that experience was new to me - I had never been in an accident, dealt with insurance, filed a suit, given a deposition, etc. Toby was informative regarding all the legal processes which were taking place, and answered all questions I had - in essence: he was my biggest advocate other than myself.
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Common Causes of Bedsores in Nursing Homes
Bedsores rarely occur by accident — they are a clear sign of neglect. Common contributing factors include:
- Failure to regularly reposition residents confined to a bed or wheelchair
- Understaffing, leading to infrequent monitoring and rushed care
- Lack of proper hygiene or soiled bedding left unchanged
- Dehydration or malnutrition weakens skin integrity
- Untrained or inattentive staff who ignore early signs of pressure ulcers
- Failure to provide pressure-relief mattresses or cushions
If your loved one developed bedsores in a Chicago nursing home, it may indicate a violation of state and federal care standards — and you have the right to pursue compensation.
Who Is Liable for Bedsores in a Nursing Home?
Determining who is legally responsible requires understanding both facility operations and care standards under Illinois law.
Multiple parties may share liability, including:
1. The Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility
Most commonly, the facility itself bears responsibility for failing to provide adequate care. This includes:
- Negligent hiring or supervision of staff
- Chronic understaffing to reduce costs
- Failure to follow physician orders for turning, cleaning, or wound treatment
- Ignoring state-mandated care plans and resident safety protocols
Under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/), facilities have a legal duty to protect residents from neglect and abuse. A breach of this duty opens them to civil liability.
2. Individual Caregivers or Nurses
In some cases, specific staff members may be liable if their actions (or inactions) directly caused harm — such as failing to report a wound, ignoring alarms, or falsifying care records.
3. Third-Party Contractors or Medical Providers
If the nursing home uses an outside company for wound care, cleaning, or medical supervision, and that contractor failed to meet professional standards, they may share liability as well.
4. Corporate Ownership Groups
Many nursing homes are part of larger corporate chains that manage multiple facilities in the Chicago area. These companies may be held accountable if corporate policies prioritize profits over proper staffing and patient care.
Our attorneys use state inspection reports, medical records, and expert testimony to uncover systemic negligence and identify every responsible party.
Contact Us Today at (414) 286-9299 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation
Legal Rights Under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act
Illinois law provides strong protections for residents of nursing homes and their families. Under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, residents have the right to:
- Receive adequate and appropriate medical care
- Live free from neglect and abuse
- Have their conditions properly monitored and treated
- Expect facilities to maintain enough staff to meet residents’ needs
When a nursing home violates these rights, families can pursue civil damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages in severe cases.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
If you notice any of the following in your loved one, it may signal neglect or abuse:
- Unexplained sores or wounds
- Foul-smelling or discolored skin areas
- Unchanged bandages or untreated infections
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Unexplained mood changes or withdrawal
- Dirty bedding, clothing, or living spaces
- Staff refusing to answer questions or provide records
Never ignore your instincts. Bedsores are often the first visible sign that a facility is failing to provide proper care.
Compensation for Nursing Home Bedsore Cases
Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical treatment and hospitalization
- Wound care and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medications
- Relocation to a safer facility
- Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of dignity or quality of life
- Loss of companionship and care (for families)
Punitive Damages
If the facility’s conduct was reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoing and deter future neglect.
Why Choose Mulholland Injury Law?
- Over 24 years of experience in elder neglect and personal injury law
- Proven record of holding negligent care facilities accountable
- Deep knowledge of Illinois Nursing Home Care Act litigation
- Compassionate, family-focused legal representation
- No fees unless we win your case
Our attorneys handle every aspect of your claim—from investigating facility records to working with medical experts and negotiating with insurance carriers. We fight to ensure that your loved one’s suffering is not ignored or minimized.
Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Bed Sores Attorney Today
If your loved one has suffered from bedsores or other injuries while in a Chicago nursing home, take action now.
These injuries are preventable — and they should never be dismissed as “part of aging.”
Call us today at (312) 386-6706 or fill out our Online Contact Form for a free and confidential consultation.
We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to hold negligent facilities accountable — because every senior deserves dignity, safety, and respect.
Expert Legal Representation by
Toby P. Mulholland,
Your Trusted Injury Lawyer
Since launching his law practice in 2000, Toby P. Mulholland has been a dedicated advocate for clients suffering serious injuries. He has extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death claims, construction accidents, premises liability, dog bite cases, and catastrophic injury litigation.
Toby’s distinguished career is marked by his skill in litigation, participating in numerous trials, mediations, arbitrations, and depositions. His innovative approaches to depositions have consistently resulted in successful outcomes for even the most complex cases. Clients appreciate his ability to navigate high-stakes situations with a creative, results-oriented approach.
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Let me just say, Toby was my advocate every step of the way - in the midst of such a traumatic accident, I had comfort knowing my Lawyer was doing everything in his power to right the wrongs of the person who nearly took my life.
Everything about that experience was new to me - I had never been in an accident, dealt with insurance, filed a suit, given a deposition, etc. Toby was informative regarding all the legal processes which were taking place, and answered all questions I had - in essence: he was my biggest advocate other than myself.
He is extremely organized, well spoken, and knows exactly what he is talking about. Without his help, I don't know how I would have gotten through such a turbulent time.
If you find yourself in a similar position to me, where it feels like your world is collapsing, medical facilities trying to push you around, insurance companies calling you... Toby Mulholland is the person you need to shield you from the noise, the advocate you deserve, and the best Lawyer around.
Thank you for everything you have done to help me in my most dire of times, Toby!