Nursing Home Falls
What This Page Covers:
- Impact: Nursing home falls often result in severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, and even death, significantly affecting the well-being of elderly residents.
- Causes: Falls are frequently caused by environmental hazards, medical conditions, and staffing issues, all of which can be mitigated with proper care and attention.
- Liability: Nursing homes may be liable for falls due to negligence, inadequate care, or insufficient staffing, with families able to pursue legal claims for compensation.
- Assistance: Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. can help families seek justice and compensation for nursing home falls, confirming negligent parties are held accountable.
- If you need assistance contact us today at (215) 822-7575 or visit our contact form.
Nursing home falls are a distressing and all-too-common issue that can significantly impact the well-being of elderly residents. These incidents often result in severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, and even death. Families trust nursing homes to provide a safe environment for their loved ones, but when falls occur, that trust is broken. Understanding why these falls happen, who is liable, and what can be done to prevent them is crucial for families and caregivers alike.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand the emotional and physical toll a fall can take on an elderly individual and their family. Our law firm is dedicated to helping those affected by nursing home negligence. If your family member has suffered a fall in a nursing home, we may be able to assist you in seeking justice and compensation for their injuries. Our team of talented attorneys is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring your loved one receives the care they deserve.
Causes of Nursing Home Falls
Nursing home falls can occur for various reasons, many of which are preventable with proper care and attention. One of the primary causes is environmental hazards within the facility. This can include wet floors, poor lighting, cluttered hallways, and improper bed heights. Nursing homes are responsible for maintaining a safe environment, and failure to address these hazards can lead to dangerous falls.
Another significant factor contributing to falls is the medical condition of the residents. Elderly individuals often have conditions such as muscle weakness, balance disorders, and chronic illnesses that increase their risk of falling. Medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness can also contribute to falls. Nursing homes must carefully monitor residents’ health and adjust care plans to mitigate these risks.
Staffing issues in nursing homes also play a crucial role in the occurrence of falls. Understaffing can lead to inadequate supervision and delayed response times to residents’ needs. In some cases, staff members may lack the proper training to assist residents with mobility issues safely. Ensuring nursing homes are adequately staffed with well-trained personnel is essential for preventing falls and providing high-quality care.
Legal Liability in Nursing Home Falls
When a fall occurs in a nursing home, determining liability is a complex but essential process. Nursing homes are legally obligated to provide a safe environment for their residents. If a fall results from negligence or inadequate care, the facility can be held liable. This includes failure to maintain the premises, improper medical care, and insufficient staffing.
One of the first steps in establishing liability is documenting the circumstances of the fall. This includes gathering medical records, incident reports, and witness statements. An experienced attorney can help families navigate this process and ensure all relevant evidence is collected. Additionally, expert testimony may be required to establish the standard of care expected in nursing homes and how the facility failed to meet these standards.
Families can pursue several legal avenues when seeking compensation for nursing home falls. This could include filing a personal injury claim, a wrongful death lawsuit in cases where the fall leads to fatal injuries, or a claim for medical malpractice if improper care or medication management contributed to the fall. Each case is unique, and the appropriate legal strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of the fall.
Preventing Nursing Home Falls
Preventing nursing home falls requires a proactive approach by the facility, staff, and families. Regular assessments of the facility’s environment can identify and rectify potential hazards before they cause harm. This includes ensuring floors are dry, walkways are clear, and adequate lighting is provided throughout the premises.
Staff training is another critical component in fall prevention. Nursing home staff should be trained to assist residents with mobility issues safely, recognize signs of medical conditions that increase fall risk, and respond promptly to residents’ needs. Ongoing education and training programs can help staff stay informed about best practices and new techniques in fall prevention.
Families can also play a role in preventing falls by being actively involved in their loved one’s care. Regular visits and communication with nursing home staff can help families stay informed about their family member’s health and any changes in their care plan. If families notice any potential hazards or have concerns about the level of care being provided, they should address these issues with the nursing home administration immediately.
How Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. Can Help
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of nursing home residents and their families. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of nursing home negligence cases and have the skills and resources to pursue justice for those affected by falls. We will work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances of the fall, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Choosing to work with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. means having a compassionate and committed team on your side.
We offer personalized legal services tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our goal is to ensure negligent nursing homes are held accountable, and your family receives the compensation necessary to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the fall. If you need assistance with a nursing home fall case, contact us today at (215) 822-7575 or visit our contact form. Our dedicated team is here to provide the support and representation you need during this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Restraint Injury Claims
The signs that your loved one is suffering injuries because of the improper use of nursing home restraints can vary based upon the type of restraints involved. Some types of physical restraint will cause bruising or even lacerations if your loved one attempts to fight the restraint. Increased infections or bed sores can be a sign that your loved one is being confined to bed inappropriately. In other cases, changes in mood are the most significant indicators that your loved one is suffering from restraint injuries—the use of restraints can cause a significant loss of dignity, which can lead to depression, weight loss and other serious side effects. When chemical restraints are used, your loved one may seem groggy, confused or display other significant changes in personality.
While restraints may be a temporary fix, they are almost never a long-term solution—which is why Pennsylvania law requires a doctor’s recommendation in addition to ongoing reevaluation of whether the restraints remain appropriate. In many cases, extra care on the part of the nursing home staff can effectively prevent your loved one from suffering from falls or becoming agitated. Simple activities or additional companionship can solve some problems, and appropriate changes in a resident’s medications may also help. In cases where restraints are necessary, they should be administered correctly in accordance with a doctor’s orders to avoid any type of resulting injury.
