When your loved one is injured in a fall at a nursing home, there can be serious injuries such as fractured hips, legs, or arms, or even traumatic brain injury. Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in a nursing home. Just like any other property or business, a nursing home has a responsibility to keep its premises reasonably safe from dangers. Nursing homes also have additional responsibilities when it comes to their residents because they are a skilled medical facility.
Premises Liability
Nursing homes must keep their property in a reasonably safe condition for their residents and for visitors and employees. A nursing home can be liable for falls caused by conditions such as:
- Slippery floors
- Torn carpeting
- Poorly lit staircases
- Uneven surfaces
- Debris on the floor
- Loose floorboards
Skilled Medical Facility
A nursing home is not just a business; it’s a skilled medical facility that can be held responsible for failing to adequately protect and guard its residents who may be especially prone to falls due to medical conditions. Many residents are admitted to nursing homes because they have health conditions that make it difficult for them to care for themselves. These can include conditions such as hip injuries, mobility issues, cognitive difficulties, and other medical issues. When a nursing home resident falls, there a number of different factors that must be taken into consideration.
Nursing homes are required to maintain strict standards with regard to patient safety and care. In reality, these standards are not always followed, and falls can be the result of nursing home neglect. Examples of negligent acts in nursing homes that can lead to a resident’s fall include:
- Lack of handrails
- Overmedication/Undermedication
- Lack of supervision
- Failure to timely respond to call bells
- Failure to place appropriate mats around a patient’s bed
When an elderly person falls in a nursing home, the resulting injuries and complications can be more serious than if a younger person fell. Fractures are common in nursing home falls. When there is a fall, it is also important that a nursing home acts appropriately and gets a resident medical treatment as soon as possible to prevent further injury. Failure to get timely medical care can be another sign of nursing home neglect.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If your loved one has been injured in a nursing home fall, you should have an experienced and trusted attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping New Yorkers injured in nursing homes. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.