Dudensing Law secures $1.75 million for patient in elder neglect case
October 15, 2025
Originally published by
dudensinglaw.com
Dudensing Law secured a $1.75 million recovery for the family of an elderly woman who developed a devastating pressure ulcer during a short stay in a California skilled nursing facility.
The patient – herself a life-long registered nurse who had spent a career caring for others – had been living independently with her husband before a fall at home led to hospitalization for a subdural hematoma. After her recovery, she was transferred to the facility for rehabilitation with her skin entirely intact. Despite her high risk for pressure ulcers, the facility failed to use heel protectors, never placed her on a low air loss mattress as directed, and allowed her to decline nutritionally and hygienically. During her 38-day stay, she lost more than 12 pounds and was given only one shower.
During her second week at the facility, she developed a severe pressure ulcer on her heel. The facility failed to inform the patient’s family about a significant pressure sore, which her daughter later discovered. Further, the physical therapist was unaware of the wound and continued to make the patient walk on it for weeks. Since being discharged, the patient has endured ongoing pain from multiple debridement procedures and has experienced a major setback in her mobility, raising concerns she may never walk again. This preventable injury was a direct result of neglect and lack of basic care.
This settlement makes clear that nursing homes and rehabilitation centers must provide vigilant, consistent care and will be held accountable when they fail to do so. Dudensing Law is committed to securing justice for victims of elder neglect and their families.