While slip and falls are common occurrences that can bring minor injuries, accidents are far more concerning and dangerous when they happen to older adults. For those living in nursing homes, a fall can mean injuries that take a long time to heal, permanent damage, or sometimes, even death. Many falls result in broken bones. Almost 90% of fractures among individuals aged 65 years or older are the result of falls.
Falls in nursing homes can be frustrating, because when you place your loved one in a home, you assume that they will be receiving the best possible care from a staff who is hired to make sure nothing goes wrong. However, there are a variety of factors and conditions in nursing homes that can’t prevent falls from happening.
How Falls Happen in Nursing Homes
Most falls are preventable, especially in nursing homes where older adults are being cared for and watched.
Common factors that can lead to falls and resulting broken bone injuries include:
- Transferring to and from beds, wheelchairs, and toilet chairs
- Tripping hazards and spills on the floor
- Nursing home staff neglect, if staff isn’t watching residents or hasn’t taken the steps needed to reduce hazards
Types of Broken Bone Injuries
Common injuries that older adults can sustain from falls are broken bones and fractures. The most common sites of broken bones include hip fractures, thigh fractures, pelvic fractures, fractures of the back, arm fractures, hand fractures, and ankle or leg fractures.
Hip fractures are known to be associated with high mortality and health care costs. Approximately 340,000 hip fractures occur in the U.S. each year, with more than 90% of them being associated with falls.
What to Do If Your Loved One Has Been Injured in a Nursing Home
If your loved one has fallen in their nursing home and suffered a fracture or broken bone, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately, then speak with the nursing home staff to learn how the injury happened.
Next, you will need to file a report with the nursing home. The injury could be a result of negligence – if you suspect this is the case, we recommend you seek legal help from our personal injury attorneys. Our team can investigate the accident and build evidence so you can seek compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering.
Caring, Client-Focused Firm
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, you need a team of personal injury lawyers who put your needs first to be at your side through the claims process. At Sette & Parnoff, PC, our lawyers give each client the personalized attention they deserve. To us, you’re not just another case file – we see you as humans who are going through your darkest times and need support. You can trust us to prioritize your needs and wishes, and to make sure you understand your options before we take next steps.
Call the personal injury attorneys at Sette & Parnoff, PC at 203-490-4155, or contact us online if your loved one is suffering from injuries in their nursing home. Our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined legal experience to every case and is devoted to giving a voice to the vulnerable.