In Atlanta and Macon, families trust nursing homes and hospitals to protect their loved ones when they are most vulnerable, and a bedsore can be the first sign that trust was broken. These injuries do not happen overnight by accident; they often develop when basic care is ignored and no one is held accountable. McArthur Law Firm has spent decades standing up for Georgians harmed by serious medical neglect, including cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. The firm is known for taking on powerful facilities and insurers that try to excuse preventable harm.
Georgia Bedsore Lawyer
In this piece, McArthur Law Firm lays out what victims and families need to know about bedsore cases, including how these injuries occur, who may be responsible, what legal options may exist, the types of compensation that may be pursued, and how a Georgia bedsore lawyer can fight for accountability, compensation, and justice.
McArthur Law Firm serves the entire state of Georgia, including: Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and surrounding communities. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your loved one’s bedsore case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Bedsores in Georgia
- About Bedsores
- Types of Bedsores Commonly Seen in Georgia Medical and Long-Term Care Settings
- Common Medical Causes of Bedsores in Georgia Patients
- Places Where Bedsores Commonly Occur in Georgia Care Facilities
- Who May Be Liable for Bedsores Under Georgia Law
- How a Georgia Bedsore Lawyer Helps Victims in Atlanta and Macon
- Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Bedsores
- Resources
About Bedsores
A bedsore, also known as a pressure ulcer or pressure injury, is a wound that develops when constant pressure reduces blood flow to the skin and underlying tissue. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, the affected area begins to break down and die. Bedsores most often form in people who are unable to move easily, such as elderly patients, individuals with disabilities, or those recovering from serious illness or surgery. These injuries typically appear on bony areas of the body where the skin is pressed against a bed or wheelchair for long periods. Bedsores can start as mild skin discoloration but may quickly progress into deep, open wounds involving muscle and bone if not properly treated.
Types of Bedsores Commonly Seen in Georgia Medical and Long-Term Care Settings
Stage One Bedsores — These injuries begin with visible skin changes such as redness, warmth, or darkened discoloration that does not turn white when pressed. In Georgia hospitals and nursing homes, stage one bedsores are often missed or dismissed as minor irritation. At this early point, the skin is still intact, but damage has already started beneath the surface. Without prompt repositioning, skin care, and pressure relief, a stage one bedsore can quickly worsen, especially in elderly or immobile patients.
Stage Two Bedsores — At this stage, the skin breaks open and forms a shallow wound, blister, or abrasion. The affected area may appear swollen, painful, or moist, and the risk of infection increases significantly. Stage two bedsores frequently develop when early warning signs are ignored in Georgia care facilities. These wounds indicate that pressure and friction have continued for too long without proper intervention.
Stage Three Bedsores — More advanced damage occurs when the wound extends through all layers of the skin and into the underlying fat tissue. These bedsores often appear as deep craters and may produce drainage or a strong odor. In Georgia nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, stage three bedsores are commonly associated with prolonged immobility and inadequate monitoring. Healing is slow and often requires specialized wound care.
Stage Four Bedsores — The most severe form of bedsore involves extensive tissue destruction, exposing muscle, tendons, or bone. These injuries are extremely painful and carry a high risk of life-threatening infections such as sepsis. Stage four bedsores seen in Georgia facilities often require surgery, long hospital stays, and intensive medical treatment. In many cases, they result in permanent disability or death.
Unstageable Bedsores — Some bedsores cannot be immediately classified because dead tissue, scabs, or thick drainage cover the wound. Until this material is removed by medical professionals, the full depth of the injury remains unknown. Unstageable bedsores are common in neglected patients and usually indicate advanced tissue damage requiring aggressive treatment.
Deep Tissue Pressure Injuries — These injuries begin deep beneath the skin and may appear as dark purple or maroon areas that feel firm or spongy to the touch. Even though the surface skin may remain intact at first, the underlying damage can rapidly progress. In Georgia healthcare settings, deep tissue injuries often signal prolonged pressure and delayed response by caregivers.
Common Medical Causes of Bedsores in Georgia Patients
Prolonged Pressure on the Skin — Continuous pressure on one area of the body restricts blood flow, depriving skin and tissue of oxygen and nutrients. In Georgia hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings, this often occurs when patients remain in the same position for hours without relief.
Limited Mobility or Complete Immobility — Patients who cannot shift their weight due to paralysis, severe illness, recent surgery, or heavy medication are at high risk. When movement depends entirely on caregivers, even short delays can lead to skin breakdown.
Failure to Reposition Patients Regularly — Turning and repositioning schedules are critical for preventing bedsores. When these routines are skipped or inconsistently followed in Georgia care facilities, pressure injuries can develop far more quickly than many families expect.
Poor Nutrition and Dehydration — Skin needs adequate protein, calories, and fluids to stay strong and repair itself. Patients who are undernourished or dehydrated are less able to withstand pressure, making bedsore formation more likely and healing more difficult.
Excess Moisture on the Skin — Constant exposure to moisture from sweat, wound drainage, or incontinence weakens the skin’s protective barrier. If skin is not kept clean and dry, it becomes more prone to irritation, friction, and breakdown.
Friction and Shear During Movement — Improper transfers, dragging patients across bedding, or allowing them to slide down in beds can damage skin layers. This type of injury often starts below the surface and worsens without visible warning signs.
Medical Conditions That Affect Circulation — Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, vascular disease, and heart conditions reduce blood flow to the skin. Georgia patients with these conditions may develop bedsores faster and heal more slowly, even with moderate pressure.
Advanced Age and Fragile Skin — Aging causes skin to thin and lose elasticity, making it easier to tear and bruise. Elderly patients in Georgia long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable when preventive measures are not consistently applied.
Places Where Bedsores Commonly Occur in Georgia Care Facilities
Atlanta-Area Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities — Many bedsore cases in Georgia originate in Atlanta nursing homes and assisted living communities where residents rely on caregivers for turning, repositioning, and daily hygiene. Larger facilities serving high numbers of residents may face staffing challenges that affect consistent pressure relief and routine skin assessments.
Atlanta Hospitals and Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers — Hospitals and rehab centers throughout metro Atlanta care for patients recovering from surgery, strokes, and serious injuries. Long hospital stays, limited mobility, and heavy use of medical equipment can increase pressure on vulnerable areas of the body.
Macon Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities — Bedsores are also common in Macon-area nursing homes and skilled care facilities, where many residents are elderly, bedridden, or medically fragile. These patients often require complete assistance with movement, making regular repositioning critical.
Macon Hospitals and Rehabilitation Facilities — Patients in Macon hospitals and rehabilitation centers may spend extended periods in beds or wheelchairs while recovering from serious conditions. Without frequent monitoring and pressure management, bedsores can develop quickly.
Macon Home Health and In-Home Care Settings — Bedsores also occur in private homes across the Macon region when patients receive limited professional care or family caregivers are overwhelmed. Inconsistent repositioning and lack of proper equipment can increase risk in these settings.
Who May Be Liable for Bedsores Under Georgia Law
Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities — Georgia has a specific “Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities,” found at O.C.G.A. § 31-8-100 et seq. This law requires nursing homes and similar facilities to provide residents with care and services that are adequate and appropriate, meaning care that reasonably meets the resident’s medical and personal needs (see O.C.G.A. § 31-8-108). If a nursing home or long-term care facility violates these rights, Georgia law allows the resident (or their representative) to bring a direct lawsuit against the facility under O.C.G.A. § 31-8-126.
Assisted Living Facilities and Personal Care Homes — Claims involving assisted living facilities and personal care homes are usually handled under Georgia’s general negligence laws rather than a nursing-home-specific residents’ bill of rights. These cases are typically framed under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2, which requires ordinary care and diligence, and O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, which allows recovery when a law imposes a duty for another’s benefit or requires a person to refrain from causing injury, and that duty is breached.
Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers — When a bedsore claim involves substandard professional medical care, Georgia’s medical malpractice standard applies under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-27, which requires health care providers to exercise a reasonable degree of care and skill. If injury results from a failure to meet that standard, it is considered a tort. These cases also commonly trigger Georgia’s professional malpractice pleading requirement under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-9.1, which requires an expert affidavit in professional malpractice actions, including claims against licensed health care facilities based on the conduct of licensed professionals.
Home Health Care Agencies — Home health care agencies may be held liable under Georgia’s general negligence and duty statutes, including O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2 and O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, depending on what care was owed and how that care was breached. When the claim involves an agency being legally responsible for the actions of its employees while they are working, Georgia’s vicarious-liability statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2, is commonly relied upon to hold the agency accountable for torts committed within the scope of employment.
Individual Nurses, Aides, and Caregivers — Individual nurses, aides, and caregivers may be personally liable under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2 if they fail to use ordinary care and diligence in providing care. If the claim is framed as professional malpractice against a licensed professional, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-27 applies, and the expert affidavit requirement in O.C.G.A. § 9-11-9.1 may also be required.
Facility Owners and Management Companies — Facility owners and management companies may be held liable when staff actions cause harm and the staff were acting within the scope of their work, based on Georgia’s vicarious-liability statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2. Claims may also be brought under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2 and O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6 when the theory is that company-level policies or decisions, such as staffing, supervision, or training practices, created or violated legal duties that led to bedsores.
Elder Abuse and Neglect Accountability — Severe or worsening bedsores can also fall within Georgia’s statutory protections for vulnerable adults under the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act, O.C.G.A. § 30-5-1 et seq. This law defines abuse and neglect and establishes standards and protections for disabled adults and elder persons who need care and protective services.
Georgia Statute of Limitations for Bedsore Claims — Most bedsore injury claims must be filed within two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. If the bedsore claim is treated as a medical malpractice case, the timing is governed by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71, which includes a two-year statute of limitations and a five-year statute of repose.
How a Georgia Bedsore Lawyer Helps Victims in Atlanta and Macon
Immediate Case Review and Local Facility Investigation — A Georgia bedsore attorney begins by reviewing medical records and inspecting care provided at Atlanta and Macon nursing homes, hospitals, and rehab centers. Familiarity with local facilities helps identify red flags quickly.
Preserving Evidence Before It Disappears — Lawyers act fast to secure wound photos, staffing logs, care plans, and surveillance from metro Atlanta and Macon facilities, where records can be altered or lost if action is delayed.
Handling Insurance Claims for Georgia Bedsores — Bedsore lawyers deal directly with insurers for Atlanta- and Macon-area facilities, pushing back against quick, low offers and documenting the true cost of long-term wound care, infections, and future medical needs.
Filing Bedsore Lawsuits in Local Courts — When insurers refuse to pay fairly, a Georgia bedsore lawyer files lawsuits in the appropriate Atlanta or Macon courts, using medical experts to show the bedsore was preventable and caused by neglect.
Fighting for Full Bedsore Damages — A lawyer pursues compensation for hospital bills, wound care, pain and suffering, infection complications, disability, and wrongful death damages when a bedsore leads to fatal outcomes.
Guiding Families Through a Stressful Process — For families in Atlanta and Macon, a bedsore lawyer manages the legal burden so loved ones can focus on care, recovery, and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Bedsores
What are Georgia bedsores and how do they start?
Georgia bedsores are pressure ulcers that form when skin and tissues break down due to prolonged pressure and inadequate movement on bony areas of the body.
Why do Georgia pressure ulcer wounds often mean neglect?
Georgia pressure ulcer wounds often signal neglect when repositioning, skin checks, nutrition, or hygiene are inconsistent or missing, allowing preventable injuries to form.
Who in Georgia is at highest risk for developing bedsores?
Georgia residents who are immobile, wheelchair-bound, elderly, or chronically ill are at highest risk because they cannot relieve pressure or protect skin by themselves.
Can Georgia bedsores lead to serious infections?
Yes, Georgia bedsores can quickly become infected, potentially causing cellulitis, sepsis, bone infection, and other life-threatening complications.
When should someone contact a Georgia bedsore lawyer?
Someone should contact a Georgia bedsore attorney when they suspect preventable injury, inadequate care, or neglect at an Atlanta or Macon facility, to protect rights and options.
Will a Georgia bedsore lawyer help with insurance and claims?
A Georgia bedsore lawyer will handle insurance claims, gather evidence, communicate with providers, and pursue compensation for medical costs, pain, suffering, and future care.
What outcomes can a Georgia bedsore claim pursue with a lawyer?
A Georgia bedsore claim can seek damages for medical treatment, infections, long-term care, pain and suffering, disability, and wrongful death in severe cases.
Can families in Atlanta or Macon sue for Georgia pressure sore injuries?
Yes, families in Atlanta, Macon, and across Georgia can sue facilities or caregivers when pressure sore injuries result from avoidable neglect or substandard care.
Resources
Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services – Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults in Georgia — This Georgia state government page explains abuse, neglect, and exploitation affecting older adults and adults with disabilities. It outlines warning signs, types of abuse, and where these situations may occur, including homes and care facilities. The resource explains who must report concerns and provides guidance on how to report and seek help.
National Library of Medicine – Pressure Ulcer — This medical reference provides an overview of pressure ulcers, including causes, risk factors, staging, prevention, and treatment. It explains how pressure ulcers develop and why early identification and coordinated care are important.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Pressure Ulcers Among Nursing Home Residents — This CDC report presents national data on pressure ulcers in U.S. nursing homes. It summarizes prevalence, stages of ulcers, and differences by resident characteristics. The brief also examines how often residents with pressure ulcers received specialized wound care and explains the survey methods used.
National Library of Medicine – Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Homes Using a Care Bundle — This research article examines a pressure ulcer prevention care bundle used in a nursing home. It describes the prevention steps, staff experiences, and pressure ulcer outcomes during the study. The article discusses feasibility, adherence, and considerations for improving prevention practices in long-term care settings.
MedlinePlus – Pressure Sores —This public health resource explains what pressure sores are, who is at risk, and how they can be prevented. It includes basic treatment information and links to images, videos, and patient handouts. The page also connects readers to trusted medical references and related research resources.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Bedsores in Atlanta, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout the surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
