Detroit Bedsores Attorney & Michigan Pressure Sores Lawyer
Bedsores Are a Red Flag for Nursing Home Neglect
When families entrust a loved one to a nursing home, they expect attentive care and dignity. Yet one of the clearest warning signs of neglect is the development of bedsores (also called pressure sores or pressure ulcers).
Unfortunately, many nursing home residents are unable to move well on their own, and thus must rely on nursing home caregivers to ensure that they are turned or moved so that bedsores do not develop. When this assistance is not provided, the pressure of a person’s body weight on the bed, wheel chair, or other item supporting the person can prevent adequate blood supply to the skin and underlying tissue at the “pressure point.” When this condition lasts for a continued period of time, a bedsore can develop.
Bedsores are largely preventable with proper care. If your loved one developed bedsores in a Michigan nursing home, it may indicate serious neglect. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, our Detroit bedsores attorneys have decades of experience holding negligent facilities accountable and securing justice for families.
Call 1-800-366-8653 today for a free consultation. We charge no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Bedsores Can Be Severe and Life-Threatening
Bedsores can be classified into 4 different stages based upon severity as defined by The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. These stages range from discoloration in Stage 1 to open ulcers that result in large-scale loss of tissue and wounds in Stage 4 that may expose muscle, bones, and tendons.
Severe bedsores can lead to sepsis (bacteria entering the bloodstream, which can cause organ failure), cellulitis, and bone and joint infections. In some cases, bedsores can even lead to cancer which may require surgery. Even in cases that do not lead to these injuries, bedsores can often mean weeks or months of painful recovery.
If a Loved One Has Suffered From (or Is Suffering From) Bedsores Which Developed at a Nursing Home Facility, Call Us
We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the bedsores and can advise you as to what legal options may exist for recovery against those who have caused injury.
How Do Bedsores (Pressure Sores) Develop?
Bedsores form when prolonged pressure reduces blood supply to the skin and underlying tissue. This often occurs when residents are:
- Left in bed without being repositioned regularly
- Confined to a wheelchair without proper cushioning or movement
- Malnourished or dehydrated, weakening skin integrity
- Ignored when they need assistance moving or changing position
Nursing homes have a duty to monitor residents, provide adequate nutrition and hydration, and reposition those who cannot move on their own. When they fail, bedsores develop — sometimes progressing quickly into severe, life-threatening wounds.
Why Are Bedsores a Sign of Neglect?
Bedsores are widely recognized as preventable injuries when nursing homes provide proper care. Their presence often indicates:
- Chronic understaffing
- Failure to follow a resident’s care plan
- Lack of regular repositioning or turning schedules
- Inadequate nutrition and hydration
- Failure to monitor and treat early warning signs
If your loved one developed pressure sores in a Michigan facility, it is a serious red flag that they are not receiving the care they deserve. Contact our Detroit bedsores lawyers at 1-800-366-8653 to discuss your case and learn about your legal options for seeking justice and accountability.
What Types of Compensation Are Available For Nursing Home Bedsores?
Under Michigan law, nursing homes have a duty to protect residents from preventable harm. If a resident develops bedsores, families may pursue a claim for damages such as:
- Medical expenses for wound care, hospitalization, or surgery
- Pain and suffering experienced by the resident
- Compensation for infection-related complications
- Wrongful death damages if the sores contributed to a resident’s death
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Our Michigan pressure sores attorneys investigate every detail — from staffing records and care plans to medical documentation — to uncover the truth and hold facilities accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedsores in Nursing Homes
Can I sue a nursing home for bedsores?
Yes. Because bedsores are typically preventable with proper care, they often indicate neglect. Families may sue to recover damages and force accountability.
Are bedsores always a sign of neglect?
In most cases, yes. While some residents have higher risks due to medical conditions, proper prevention measures — including turning, repositioning, and monitoring — should still stop sores from developing.
What if the nursing home says my loved one’s bedsores were “unavoidable”?
Facilities often make this claim, but medical experts know most bedsores are preventable. Our attorneys work with specialists to prove when sores result from negligence.
What should I do if I suspect neglect?
Document the sores with photos, request medical records, and call an experienced Michigan bedsores attorney immediately. Acting quickly preserves evidence and protects your loved one.
What if bedsores contributed to my loved one’s death?
You may pursue a wrongful death claim under Michigan law. This can provide financial recovery for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and hold the facility accountable for its failures.
Why Families Trust Olsman MacKenzie Peacock for Nursing Home Bedsore Lawsuits
Bedsores are not just painful injuries — they are often a sign that a nursing home has failed its most basic duty of care. Families turn to Olsman MacKenzie Peacock because we combine decades of legal experience with a deep commitment to protecting seniors across Michigan.
Our attorneys bring diverse strengths to every case:
- Jules B. Olsman: A pioneer in elder neglect litigation, Jules has spent more than 40 years building cases that have changed the way nursing homes are held accountable.
- Donna M. MacKenzie: A past president of the Michigan Association for Justice, Donna has been recognized nationally for her leadership in advancing patient safety and elder rights.
- Emily Peacock: Serving as the 2025–2026 Chair of the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus, Emily is known for bringing energy and determination to complex nursing home cases.
- Lauren Walson: Lauren advocates with compassion and persistence, ensuring that vulnerable residents and their families have a strong voice in court.
- Michael C. Dennis: Michael applies sharp trial skills and strategic insight to secure justice for families across Michigan.
- Michaelene Sowinski: Michaelene’s practice is dedicated to exposing neglect and standing up for residents who cannot speak for themselves.
What sets our firm apart is not just the verdicts and settlements we’ve achieved — though we have recovered millions on behalf of families — but our longstanding role as leaders in the fight to improve nursing home care. We do not simply handle cases; we use them to shine a light on neglect and drive change in Detroit and throughout Michigan.
Schedule A Free Consultation With An Experienced Detroit, Michigan Bedsores Attorney Today!
If your loved one developed bedsores in a Michigan nursing home, it is likely a sign of neglect. You do not have to accept excuses from the facility. Our attorneys can investigate, explain your options, and fight for justice.
Call Olsman MacKenzie Peacock at 1-800-366-8653 for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic, Bedsores (pressure sores), //www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedsores/DS00570