Nursing Home Fall Lawyers in Montgomery County, PA – RGS&G Law

Understanding Nursing Home Falls

Falls in nursing homes are a significant concern, as they can lead to serious injuries, decreased quality of life, and even death. Understanding the common causes of falls, their consequences, and how to prevent them is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of nursing home residents. Nursing homes must prioritize the health and safety of their residents by implementing effective fall management programs and addressing the various risk factors that contribute to falls.

Common Causes of Falls in Nursing Homes

Falls in nursing homes can be caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Environmental hazards, such as slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting
• Medical conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease
• Medication side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness
• Cognitive impairment, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Physical limitations, such as weakness, balance problems, and mobility issues
• Inadequate staffing and supervision
• Lack of fall prevention programs and protocols

These factors highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to falls management in nursing facilities. By addressing these issues, nursing homes can significantly reduce the risk of falls and improve the overall safety of their residents.

Montgomery County & Bucks County Personal Injury Lawyers Help Clients Get Compensated When Nursing Homes Fail to Prevent Falls

You may have spent months selecting a nursing home for your loved one and truly believed that he or she would be happy and safe at the facility you chose. That’s why it may come as a shock to learn that your loved one suffered a fall and serious or fatal injuries.

Unfortunately, many nursing homes and assisted living facilities fail to adequately address fall hazards, putting the safety and very lives of residents at risk. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C., our Montgomery County nursing home lawyers help nursing home residents and their families identify safety defects and inefficiencies that led to a fall accident and take legal action to hold negligent parties responsible. It is crucial to consult a nursing home abuse attorney for legal assistance in cases of neglect or abuse.

Did a Nursing Home in PA Fail to Keep Your Loved One Safe?

From hip and knee pain to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, a large percentage of nursing home residents experience physical and cognitive impairments that make it more difficult for them to get around on their own and also more vulnerable to suffering falls.

To ensure the physical safety of residents and prevent falls, nursing homes must train staff members to identify and assess fall risks and take steps to prevent falls and other injuries. Additionally, staff members must respond quickly and appropriately when falls do occur to ensure that residents receive prompt medical attention and care, which could mean the difference between life and death.

Obtaining medical records is crucial in investigating falls and elder abuse cases. They provide essential evidence to establish negligence and support legal claims.

Sadly, some nursing homes fail to adequately address fall hazards and factors that may contribute to a resident’s fall, including:

• Obstructions in doorways, hallways, exits, and stairwells.
• Uneven or slippery floor surfaces.
• Leaving residents alone and without assistance for long periods of time.
• Failure to properly use bedrails and other safety equipment.

Malnutrition and dehydration can be signs of abuse or neglect within a nursing home facility, making it essential to monitor indicators like sudden weight loss, increased frailty, and falls.

Injuries and Consequences of Nursing Home Falls

Falls in nursing homes can result in a range of injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to serious conditions, such as:

• Hip fractures
• Head trauma
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional trauma and anxiety

In addition to physical injuries, falls can also have a significant impact on a resident’s quality of life, leading to:

• Decreased mobility and independence
• Increased risk of future falls
• Decreased self-esteem and confidence
• Increased risk of depression and anxiety
• Decreased overall well-being

These consequences underscore the need for effective fall prevention strategies in nursing home facilities. Ensuring the safety of residents not only prevents physical harm but also supports their mental and emotional health.

Get Help with Your Nursing Home Negligence Case

Falls in nursing homes are largely preventable, and individuals and families who believe that a nursing home failed to take measures to keep a resident safe and prevent falls can take legal action. Lawsuit compensation may help cover medical bills and other damages related to negligence. Important questions that must be answered after a loved one’s fall and that can play an important role in your case include:

• Was the facility adequately staffed?
• Was a resident properly assessed for fall risk?
• Was a fall prevention plan in place, and if so, were its directives followed?
• Was the resident taken to the hospital for a full exam?

If your loved one is experiencing nursing home neglect, contact our nursing home abuse attorneys for legal assistance. We have years of experience handling these types of cases. We are dedicated to fighting for your loved one justice. Call us and schedule your free evaluation and discuss your case further with one of our expert lawyers.

Preventing Nursing Home Falls

Preventing falls in nursing homes requires a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Conducting regular fall risk assessments
• Implementing fall prevention programs and protocols
• Providing adequate staffing and supervision
• Ensuring a safe and supportive environment
• Encouraging resident participation in fall prevention activities
• Providing education and training to staff and residents on fall prevention

By adopting these measures, nursing homes can create a safer environment for their residents. A proactive approach to fall prevention can help reduce the incidence of falls and improve the overall quality of care in nursing facilities.

Rights of Nursing Home Residents

Nursing home residents have the right to a safe and supportive environment, free from the risk of falls and other hazards. The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 established federal regulations to ensure that nursing homes provide adequate care and services to residents, including:

• The right to freedom from abuse and neglect
• The right to be treated with dignity and respect
• The right to participate in care planning and decision-making
• The right to access medical care and services
• The right to a safe and supportive environment

Nursing home residents and their families have the right to report concerns and complaints about the quality of care and services provided by the nursing home. They also have the right to seek legal action if they believe that the nursing home has failed to provide adequate care and services, resulting in harm or injury to the resident. Understanding these rights is essential for ensuring that nursing home residents receive the care and protection they deserve. Reach out to an attorney at our firm or connect with us online.

Free Consultation with Experienced Lawyers for Falls in Nursing Homes in PA

If your loved one suffered harm, loss, injury, or death due to a fall in a nursing home, call an attorney at our firm or contact us online. Skilled nursing facilities provide continuous medical supervision and care, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. We will evaluate your case and take steps to recover compensation. Our experienced nursing home falls attorney in Lansdale, PA, handles cases throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, including Norristown, and many more. We have offices in both Colmar, PA, and Newtown, PA and we can meet with you in your home or nursing facility if you are unable to travel. Don’t hesitate to contact us now.