Loved One Hurt in a Nursing Home Fall? Your Legal Options in New Jersey

When a Fall Turns Out To Be More Than an Accident

It’s one of the most alarming calls a family can receive: “Your loved one has fallen.” Whether it leads to hospitalization or lingering injuries, a nursing home fall often leaves families confused, heartbroken, and searching for answers.

At Sugarman Law, we help families across New Jersey take action when a fall may not have been just an accident. If you’re wondering whether your loved one’s injury could have been prevented, you’re not alone—and you may have legal options.

Here’s what you need to know about nursing home falls, when to involve an attorney, and how to protect your loved one’s rights under New Jersey law.

Falls in Nursing Homes Are Not Always ‘Accidents’

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous injuries in long-term-care settings. According to the CDC, thousands of nursing home residents nationwide die from fall-related trauma each year, and many more suffer life-changing injuries like:

• Hip fractures
• Head trauma or brain bleeds
• Spinal damage
• Permanent loss of mobility or independence

These injuries often require extensive hospitalization and long-term care—and some residents never fully recover.

While aging and medical conditions can increase risk, most nursing home falls are preventable. Facilities must follow individualized fall-prevention protocols for every resident under federal regulations and New Jersey’s Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights.

When Is a Nursing Home Liable for a Fall in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, nursing homes owe residents a duty of care. If your loved one fell because the facility failed to take reasonable steps to keep them safe, they may be legally responsible for negligence.

Ask yourself:

• Was a fall risk assessment done?
• Were bed rails, alarms, or assistive devices used?
• Did the staff ignore prior falls or known mobility issues?
• Was your loved one left unsupervised or overmedicated?
• Were call buttons unanswered for long periods?

These are red flags that a facility may have failed its legal duties. In many cases, you can sue a nursing home for a fall—especially when it leads to significant injury. Speaking with an experienced nursing home fall lawyer in NJ can help you determine whether neglect was involved and what legal steps might be available for you to take.

Important deadline: New Jersey negligence claims generally must be filed within two years of the injury. Acting quickly preserves evidence and protects your right to compensation.

What to Do After a Fall in a New Jersey Nursing Home

If you suspect your loved one’s fall was preventable, take these steps right away:

• Request medical attention beyond what the nursing home provides.
• Ask for the incident report and nursing notes.
• Take photos of injuries, living conditions, or hazards.
• Document conversations with staff about what happened.
• Speak with a New Jersey nursing home abuse lawyer to review the facts.

Even one misstep in the nursing home’s policies or staffing could make the difference between an accident and a lawsuit.

Red Flags That May Indicate Neglect

• Conflicting explanations about what happened
• Staff avoiding questions or acting defensive
• No witnesses or unclear timeline
• No documentation until you ask for it
• Sudden behavioral changes in your loved one
• Visible bruising, bed sores, or signs of dehydration

Common Excuses Nursing Homes Use After a Fall

Facilities often downplay events or shift blame, telling families:

• “They were confused and wandered off.”
• “Falls are just a part of aging.”
• “We can’t supervise every resident every second.”
• “They refused assistance or didn’t ask for help.”

While these statements may sound plausible, they can mask deeper problems such as understaffing, ignored care plans, or failure to implement basic safety protocols. A nursing home fall lawyer in New Jersey can investigate whether the facility truly did everything required by law—or whether it is avoiding accountability.

What Compensation May Be Available for a Fall Injury?

If the fall was caused by neglect or substandard care, your family may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and hospital expenses
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Long-term care costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages, if applicable

A knowledgeable New Jersey elder injury attorney can assess your case and help you pursue the financial recovery your family may need to move forward.

Why Families Trust Sugarman Law with Nursing Home Fall Cases

With decades of experience advocating for victims of elder neglect, Sugarman Law is committed to holding negligent facilities accountable. We’ve helped families across Camden, Cherry Hill, Paterson, Newark, Jersey City, and throughout New Jersey seek justice after nursing home falls.

We don’t just file lawsuits—we investigate what went wrong. Our team reviews medical records, staffing logs, incident reports, and care plans to uncover whether your loved one’s fall was the result of substandard care or facility negligence.

At Sugarman Law, we understand what’s at stake – and we’re here to help your family move forward with confidence.

Talk to Sugarman Law About Your Loved One’s Nursing Home Fall

A fall in a nursing home can be devastating—not just physically, but emotionally. You’ve trusted others to care for someone you love, and now you are left with questions, concerns, and uncertainty.

At Sugarman Law, we’re here to help you make sense of what happened and what to do next. We work with families across New Jersey, including Camden, Cherry Hill, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and beyond.

If you’re worried that your loved one’s injury could have been prevented, let’s talk. Your next step doesn’t have to be overwhelming and you don’t have to take it alone.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every situation is different; consult an attorney about your specific case.