Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are pressure sores?

A: Pressure sores, also called bed sores or decubitus ulcers, are lesions caused by pressure that has damaged underlying tissue. In most cases, pressure sores are preventable when the patient receives proper care. Pressure sores are by far easier to prevent than to treat by ensuring that the patient is turned and moved regularly and receives proper nutrition. Patients in nursing homes are particularly susceptible to pressure sores and nursing homes must recognize the patient’s risk of developing pressure sores and take preventive measures. Pressure sores are often painful and without proper treatment they will become progressively worse risking exposure of the underlying tissue and bones. When pressure sores become infected they are often fatal. To learn more about a nursing home’s liability for negligently failing to prevent and/or treat pressure or bed sores please read the article entitled "Pressure Sores and the Law” authored by the attorneys at Williamson and Lavecchia, L.C. in our Library which was presented at the 1999 Mid-Atlantic Wound Care Conference.