When someone we care about needs help healing at home, we want to believe they’re safe. Whether recovering from surgery, dealing with a chronic condition, or managing pressure ulcers, there’s a level of trust involved when care happens outside a hospital setting. But sometimes that trust is broken—not by a dramatic event, but by something as simple as a wound not being cleaned or monitored the way it should be. And when that happens, the impact can be life-altering.
We’ve worked with families who never imagined a routine home care visit could lead to severe infection, hospitalization, or worse. It often starts small—an unclean dressing, missed wound checks, or overlooked symptoms. But those small errors add up. What should have been a straightforward recovery can turn into a painful and frightening experience.
What Proper Care Should Look Like
When wounds are treated at home, the process might seem simple on the surface—clean, dress, and monitor. But each of those steps matters. Cleaning must be done using sterile materials. Dressings must be changed on schedule. Any signs of redness, swelling, or unusual discharge should be reported immediately.
Doctors usually provide clear instructions, but when those instructions aren’t followed at home, healing slows and complications set in. We’ve seen cases where something as preventable as a missed dressing change led to an infection requiring emergency treatment. That’s not just a medical issue—it’s a failure of care.
When Care Is Overlooked Or Rushed
Many in-home caregivers are juggling multiple clients. Agencies may be short-staffed. And sometimes, caregivers are not properly trained for wound treatment. This is when shortcuts happen—dressings aren’t changed on time, documentation is skipped, and subtle warning signs are ignored.
We recall a case where a client’s father developed a pressure sore on his lower back. It started as a small spot. The caregiver never mentioned it, and no one from the agency followed up. Weeks later, the sore had grown deep and infected. He was hospitalized and spent months recovering. That family trusted the care team. They didn’t know what was happening until it was too late.
Responsibility In The Care Process
Families may not always know what’s happening behind the scenes. But agencies and caregivers have a duty to follow care plans and report changes. When that doesn’t happen, there’s accountability to consider. We’ve worked with clients who felt guilt for not spotting the problem sooner—but it’s not their fault. The system is supposed to protect people, not leave them vulnerable.
If something goes wrong during home recovery, the caregiver, agency, or even a medical provider who failed to follow up may hold responsibility. That’s where we come in—to help families understand what happened and what can be done about it.
What To Do If Someone Has Been Harmed
If you’ve noticed a wound that got worse instead of better—or if a loved one was hurt due to poor care at home—you’re not alone. These stories are more common than people realize. And they’re often preventable.
Our team has helped families find answers and take legal steps when care failed. It’s not just about compensation—it’s about justice, and about holding the right people accountable. If you’re facing this situation, reach out. We’re here to talk, listen, and help guide you through your next steps.
Thank you to our friends at Cohen & Cohen, dedicated personal injury lawyers, for this article that discusses how improper in-home wound treatment can lead to serious harm and what families should know.
