$3.5 million total recovered by Dudensing Law in elder neglect and wrongful death case
July 23, 2026
Originally published by dudensinglaw.com
Dudensing Law secured a combined $3.5 million recovery for the family of a beloved mother who died after developing severe, preventable pressure wounds while a resident at a California skilled nursing facility, and under the care of a hospice provider.
She was admitted to the facility in October 2023 with no pressure sores of any kind. Despite being known to be at high risk for developing them due to her limited mobility, the facility failed to reposition her regularly, monitor her skin, or take other basic steps to protect her from harm.
Within a month, staff found a wound on her sacrum so severe it was documented as “unstageable.” Although a nurse recommended an immediate low air loss mattress, the facility waited seventeen days to secure one, and her wound continued to worsen.
She passed away in December 2023, less than three months after she was admitted.
The lawsuit alleged elder neglect, intentional infliction of emotional distress, violation of the Patients’ Bill of Rights, and wrongful death. The skilled nursing facility’s parent companies resolved the case for $2.5 million, and the hospice provider resolved the case the lawsuit for $1 million.
Dudensing Law remains committed to holding long-term care providers accountable and securing justice for families affected by elder neglect and abuse.