Illinois Nursing Home Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers
Has your loved one been injured in a fall while in the care of nursing home staff?
Why are Falls So Common in Nursing Homes?
Falls are the leading cause of injury among the elder, including those living in nursing homes. Unfortunately, falling can have serious consequences for nursing home residents. Many falls occur because of environmental factors, such as slippery floors or loose carpets. Other times, falls may be caused by a resident’s underlying medical condition.
Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries. In some cases, falls can even be fatal. The most common injuries linked to falls include:
- Broken bone
- Concussions
- Fractures
- Hip injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
Nursing homes have a responsibility to keep their residents safe from preventable injuries, and they should take steps to reduce the risk of falls. They are also obligated to report falls. When they fail to do so, residents can suffer in silence and their family members have no idea how their injuries occurred.
If you believe your loved one fell while in nursing home care, you have a right to know about the incident and take action if staff failed to follow protocol.
How Can Falls Be Prevented in Nursing Homes?
There are several steps that nursing homes can take to reduce the risk of falls. First, they can assess each resident’s fall risk and implement individualized fall prevention plans. Second, they can make sure that the environment is safe and free of hazards. Third, they can provide adequate staff supervision and assistance to residents who need it.
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of fall injuries in nursing homes is to understand what causes falls.
Some of the most common causes of falls include:
- Beds set too high
- Cluttered living spaces
- Clothing
- Reaching/inaccessibility of belongings
- Mobility equipment malfunctions
- Poor lighting
- Uneven floors
- Unstable bed wheels
- Wet floors
Additionally, many medical conditions can lead to falling. Older people are prone to many of these conditions. This puts them at higher risk of falling. Health conditions associated with falling include:
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- Existing injuries
- Huntington’s disease
- Incontinence that creates an urgent need to reach the bathroom
- Medications, including antidepressants, tranquilizers, and sedatives
- Severe cognitive impairment
- Use of mobility devices
- Wandering behaviors
- Wearing corrective lenses
You have the right to request that nursing home staff make certain efforts to reduce your loved one’s risk of falling. Examples of accommodations include:
- Adult diapers
- Bedpans
- Elevated furniture and toilets
- Grab bars
- Low-profile beds
- Mobility aids
- Nightlights
- Monitors and bed alarms
Many nursing homes are already equipped with these devices. However, it is within your right to request that improvements be made to protect your loved one from injuries.
What Should I Do If a Loved One is Injured in a Nursing Home Fall?
Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and death in nursing home residents. If your loved one has been injured in a fall at a nursing home, you may be wondering if you can file a lawsuit against the facility.
In general, falls occur when a nursing home resident is not properly supervised or when the facility fails to take steps to prevent falls. For example, a nursing home may be liable for a fall if the resident was not properly monitored and was allowed to walk unassisted or if the facility failed to provide adequate lighting in a common area where the resident fell.
If you believe that your loved one has been injured in a fall due to the negligence of a nursing home, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. We’ll help you assess your situation and investigate whether or not the nursing home staff is liable for your loved one’s injuries.
For more information about nursing home safety or to discuss your concerns about a loved one’s care, contact the Nursing Home Attorneys at (866) 251-0808.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home negligence, please contact us. We are happy to discuss your case with you and see how we can help. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the Nursing Home Attorneys at .
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