Stage 4 Bedsore (Pressure Ulcer) Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Understanding Compensation for the Most Severe Pressure Ulcer Injuries

Stage 4 bedsores—also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers—are among the most devastating and legally actionable injuries in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. These wounds penetrate deep into muscle, bone, and connective tissue, often resulting in infection, sepsis, amputation, or death. For families affected by this level of neglect, legal action is not only justified—it’s essential.

At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we represent victims of institutional negligence with precision and compassion. This guide outlines what stage 4 bedsore lawsuits typically settle for, what factors influence compensation, and how families can pursue justice.

What Is a Stage 4 Bedsore?

Stage 4 bedsores are the most advanced form of pressure ulcer. They occur when prolonged pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, causing deep tissue death. These wounds often expose muscle, tendons, and bone, and are highly susceptible to infection.

Common complications include:

• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Sepsis (life-threatening blood infection)
• Gangrene and tissue necrosis
• Amputation
• Death

Stage 4 bedsores are considered “never events” in healthcare—meaning they should never occur in a properly managed facility. Their presence is often a clear sign of neglect, understaffing, or failure to follow basic care protocols.

Actual Settlements and Verdicts

Below are 15 real-world examples of stage 4 bedsore cases that resulted in substantial compensation for victims and families. The first five are from California.

California Verdicts and Settlements

1. $7.75 Million – Los Angeles County, CA A nursing home resident developed multiple Stage IV pressure ulcers that became infected and led to sepsis. The facility failed to reposition the patient, monitor skin integrity, or provide wound care. The jury awarded $7.75 million, including punitive damages for gross negligence.
2. $4.2 Million – San Diego, CA A 79-year-old woman died from complications related to untreated bedsores. Her family sued the facility for elder abuse and wrongful death. The case settled for $4.2 million after evidence showed falsified care logs and chronic understaffing.
3. $3.5 Million – Sacramento, CA A man with limited mobility developed a Stage IV ulcer on his lower back that exposed bone and required multiple surgeries. The facility had prior citations for similar incidents. The settlement included compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and future care.
4. $2 Million – Central California A patient with dementia passed away due to complications from a Stage IV bedsore. The family filed a wrongful death claim and received $2 million in a negotiated settlement.
5. $1.75 Million – Orange County, CA A woman developed a Stage IV ulcer on her sacrum while recovering from surgery. The wound became infected and required extensive debridement. The case settled after internal records revealed falsified repositioning logs.

Additional U.S. Verdicts and Settlements

6. $1.5 Million – Minnesota Nursing Home A woman with mobility issues developed a Stage IV ulcer on her heel. The wound became gangrenous and led to amputation. The jury awarded $1.5 million.
7. $1.2 Million – Florida Skilled Nursing Facility A woman developed a Stage IV bedsore on her back after staff failed to reposition her for over 48 hours. The case settled before trial.
8. $1 Million – Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Center A 90-year-old man died from complications related to an infected Stage IV ulcer. The family filed a wrongful death claim.
9. $950,000 – Texas Rehabilitation Hospital A stroke patient developed a Stage IV bedsore on his hip. The wound required skin grafts and long-term wound care.
10. $875,000 – Georgia Nursing Home A woman developed a Stage IV bedsore on her tailbone. The facility had prior citations for understaffing.
11. $800,000 – Michigan Memory Care Unit A patient with Alzheimer’s developed multiple pressure ulcers. The case settled after internal records showed falsified care logs.
12. $750,000 – Ohio VA Hospital A veteran developed a Stage IV ulcer during a prolonged hospital stay. The VA admitted fault and settled.
13. $700,000 – Arizona Hospice Facility A terminally ill patient developed a Stage IV bedsore that accelerated her decline. The family received compensation for pain and suffering.
14. $650,000 – Colorado Nursing Home A man with Parkinson’s disease developed a Stage IV ulcer on his shoulder. The wound became infected and required surgical debridement.
15. $600,000 – Massachusetts Skilled Nursing Facility A woman developed a Stage IV ulcer on her ankle. The facility failed to notify her family or physician.

What Influences Settlement Value?

Several factors determine the value of a stage 4 bedsore lawsuit:

• Severity of Injury – Amputation, systemic infection, or permanent disability increase compensation.
• Medical Costs – Hospitalization, wound care, and rehabilitation often exceed $100,000.
• Pain and Suffering – Victims endure extreme physical pain and emotional trauma.
• Facility Negligence – Falsified records, understaffing, and prior violations strengthen liability.
• Wrongful Death – Families may receive seven-figure settlements for loss of life and companionship.

How to File a Stage 4 Bedsore Lawsuit

Filing a claim involves several steps:

1. Document the Injury Photograph the wound, obtain medical records, and request incident reports.
2. Consult a California Nursing Home Neglect Attorney Choose a California nursing home abuse law firm with experience in pressure ulcer litigation. We investigate staffing logs, care plans, and facility history.
3. File the Claim This may include a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death claim, or survival action.
4. Negotiate or Litigate Most cases settle out of court, but we’re prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Statute of Limitations in California

• 2 years for personal injury
• 2 years for wrongful death
• 3 years for elder abuse involving fraud or concealment

Acting quickly preserves evidence and protects your rights.

Why Contact The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock

At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we offer:

• Decades of experience in elder abuse and medical negligence litigation
• Strategic coordination with wound care experts and forensic nurses
• Compassionate, survivor-centered representation
• A proven track record of securing multimillion-dollar settlements

If your loved one suffered from a stage 4 bedsore due to neglect, contact our San Diego office today for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue justice with clarity and resolve.

References

• Berman & Riedel, LLP. (2021). Average bedsore settlement for nursing home negligence. https://bermanlawyers.com/average-bedsore-settlement/
• Brown & Crouppen. (2025). What is the average bedsore settlement? https://www.brownandcrouppen.com/blog/what-is-the-average-bedsore-settlement/
• Gallivan, Gallivan & O’Melia. (2023). Stage 4 bedsore lawsuits settlement amounts. https://www.gallivanlawfirm.com/bedsores-pressure-ulcers-stage-4/
• LawFirm.com. . (2025). Stage 4 bedsores in nursing homes: Lawsuits & payouts. https://www.lawfirm.com/nursing-home-abuse/injuries/stage-4-bedsores/
• Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. (2025). Top bedsores lawsuit settlements in California. https://www.helbocklaw.com/top-bedsores-lawsuit-settlements-in-california/
• Nursing Home Law Center LLC. (2025). Bedsore settlements and verdicts. https://www.nursinghomelawcenter.org/case-value/bedsore-settlements-verdicts/