Who Is Liable For Fall Injuries In Nursing Homes?
Nursing homes are meant to be safe havens for the elderly, providing them with the care and attention they need in their later years. However, not all nursing homes meet these expectations. Injuries in nursing homes are unfortunately common, and when they happen, the question of who is liable often arises.
Falls are common in nursing homes, and they can have devastating consequences for residents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults. Nursing homes have a duty to provide a safe environment for their residents, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that result.
Nursing homes are responsible for ensuring the safety of their residents. This means taking steps to prevent falls, like installing handrails and non-slip flooring, giving mobility aids, and doing regular assessments to find out which residents are more likely to fall.
A nursing home may be held liable if the fall is proven to have been caused by their negligence. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care or hazardous conditions, resulting in harm to another person. In the context of nursing home falls, negligence can take many forms, such as:
- Failure to conduct an initial assessment of the resident’s fall risk
- Failure to provide adequate fall prevention measures, such as bed rails, non-slip mats, and mobility aids
- Failure to implement a care plan that addresses the resident’s fall risk
- Failure to properly train staff on fall prevention techniques
- Failure to provide adequate staffing levels to supervise residents
- Failure to promptly respond to residents’ requests for assistance
- Failure to properly document and report falls
- Failure to properly supervise residents who are at risk of falling
- Failure to accommodate special needs
What can you do if your loved one has been injured in a fall?
If your loved one has been injured in a nursing home fall, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:
- Seek medical attention for your loved one. If your loved one has been injured in a fall, their immediate medical needs should be addressed as soon as possible.
- Report the fall to the nursing home administrator, and request a copy of the incident report. Be sure to keep copies of all communications related to the fall.
- Document the scene of the fall. Take photographs of the location where the fall occurred, including any hazards or deficiencies that may have contributed to the fall.
- Speak to an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your legal options. A nursing home abuse attorney can review the facts of the case, advise you of your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation your loved one deserves.
Contact Sugarman Law Today For a Free Consultation About Your Nursing Home Neglect Case
At Sugarman Law, we believe that nursing homes should be held accountable for the safety and wellbeing of their residents. When a loved one is injured in a fall due to negligence or inadequate care, it can be devastating for the entire family. That’s why we are dedicated to helping victims of nursing home abuse and neglect pursue justice and compensation.
With years of experience in nursing home abuse cases, our team of skilled attorneys has the knowledge and expertise to hold negligent nursing homes responsible for their actions. We understand the complex laws and regulations surrounding nursing home care, and we use this knowledge to fight for the rights of our clients.
Our compassionate approach means that we treat every client with the respect and care they deserve. We take the time to listen to your story and understand your unique situation, so that we can provide the best possible legal representation. Our goal is to help you achieve justice and hold the nursing home accountable for their actions. If your loved one has been injured in a fall in a nursing home, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Contact Sugarman Law today for a free consultation, and let us help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
