Falls in nursing homes are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries and even wrongful deaths among elderly residents. When a loved one suffers from such an incident, it’s not only heartbreaking but also raises questions about the quality of care they were receiving. Was the nursing home negligent? Could this tragedy have been prevented?
If you or your family are grappling with these questions, here’s a guide to help you take the right steps forward and seek justice for your loved one.
Common Causes of Nursing Home Falls
Falls in nursing homes are unfortunately common and can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. These incidents often stem from negligence, inadequate care, or unsafe conditions within the facility. Here are the most common causes of nursing home falls:
1. Lack of Proper Supervision
- Understaffing: Insufficient staff to monitor residents, particularly those with mobility challenges or cognitive impairments.
- Delayed Assistance: Residents waiting too long for help to get out of bed, use the restroom, or move around.
2. Unsafe Environmental Conditions
- Cluttered Walkways: Hallways or rooms filled with equipment, furniture, or other obstacles.
- Slippery Floors: Wet or polished floors without proper warning signs or mats.
- Poor Lighting: Dimly lit hallways, staircases, or bathrooms increasing the risk of tripping or losing balance.
3. Lack of Proper Safety Equipment
- Missing Grab Bars or Rails: Bathrooms or hallways without supportive structures to assist with balance.
- Defective Bed Rails: Faulty or missing bed rails leading to falls from beds.
- Broken Mobility Aids: Residents using walkers, wheelchairs, or canes that are not properly maintained.
4. Poorly Trained Staff
- Inadequate Fall Prevention Training: Staff not trained to handle residents safely during transfers or assist with mobility.
- Improper Transfers: Mishandling residents when moving them from beds to wheelchairs or other areas.
5. Medication Errors
- Sedatives or Overmedication: Drugs that cause dizziness, confusion, or impaired balance.
- Missed Medications: Failure to administer medications that manage conditions like blood pressure or vertigo, increasing fall risk.
6. Health-Related Issues
- Cognitive Impairments: Conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s can lead to wandering or poor judgment about physical limitations.
- Muscle Weakness: Lack of physical therapy or exercise programs to maintain strength and balance.
- Vision Problems: Failing to provide proper vision aids or ignoring worsening eyesight.
7. Poorly Maintained Facilities
- Uneven Flooring: Carpets, tiles, or stairs that are loose or in disrepair.
- Broken Equipment: Defective wheelchairs, lifts, or walking aids causing accidents.
- Inadequate Inspections: Neglecting routine safety checks of the facility’s infrastructure.
8. Resident Behavior
- Attempting Independence: Residents trying to walk or transfer without waiting for assistance.
- Wandering: Patients with cognitive impairments wandering into hazardous areas.
Understanding the Risks of Falls in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals who often have mobility issues, cognitive impairments, or medical conditions that make them prone to falls. A fall can result in:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Broken Hips or Fractures
- Internal Bleeding
- Fatal Complications
What to Do If a Loved One Suffers a Fall At A Nursing Home
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Medical Care
- Emergency Treatment: If your loved one has been injured, insist on immediate and thorough medical care. Injuries in elderly patients can quickly escalate.
- Document Injuries: Request detailed medical records, including the diagnosis, treatment, and any observations that might indicate neglect or improper care.
Step 2: Investigate the Circumstances
Falls in nursing homes often result from preventable situations like:
- Failure to Supervise: Residents left unattended while moving around.
- Hazardous Conditions: Wet floors, poor lighting, or cluttered hallways.
- Lack of Equipment: Missing safety rails, grab bars, or walkers.
- Understaffing: Inadequate staff to monitor or assist residents.
- Improper Training: Caregivers not trained in fall prevention techniques.
Speak with staff and other residents to gather information about how the fall occurred.
Step 3: Report the Incident
- File a Complaint: Report the fall to the nursing home administration and demand a written incident report.
- Notify Authorities
Step 4: Preserve Evidence
- Take Photos: Document the area where the fall occurred, including any hazards or safety violations.
- Collect Witness Statements: Speak with other residents, staff members, or visitors who may have seen the incident.
- Save Records: Keep copies of medical records, incident reports, and any correspondence with the nursing home.
Step 5: Consult an Experienced Attorney
Navigating a legal claim against a nursing home can be complex, especially when dealing with large corporations or insurers. An experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorney like Richard Washington can:
- Investigate the Case: Uncover evidence of neglect or unsafe conditions.
- Identify Liability: Hold the nursing home or responsible parties accountable for their actions.
- Secure Compensation: Pursue damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, emotional trauma, and more.
What Compensation Can You Pursue?
If your loved one was injured or lost their life due to a nursing home fall, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Bills: Coverage for emergency care, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical and emotional distress caused by the injury or loss.
- Wrongful Death: Funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Take Action for Justice
The loss of a loved one is an unbearable burden, but you don’t have to face it alone. Washington & Washington is here to fight for your family and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Your family deserves justice. Let Washington & Washington help you find it. No fees until your case is resolved.
Toll free at 1-800-988-0158.