Causes of Falls in Chicago Nursing Homes

 Posted on July 13, 2023 in Nursing Home Abuse

An elderly person can be seriously injured if they fall. As a person ages, their bones become more brittle and they become more vulnerable to injuries from minor falls that a younger person would easily bounce back from. Catastrophic injuries can occur when a nursing home resident falls. Some of the main risks when an elderly person falls are brain injuries, broken hips, and spinal cord injuries. While a broken hip is something a younger person could recover from, it is often referred to as “the beginning of the end” for a senior citizen. Many falls in nursing homes could be prevented. Often, falls are the result of negligence on the part of the nursing home staff. Many nursing homes are now severely understaffed, putting residents at greater risk for experiencing neglect. If your loved one was injured after falling in a nursing home, it is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your loved one may be entitled to compensation. 

The Most Common Reasons Nursing Home Residents Fall 

The nursing home is responsible for the safety of its residents. Some of the most common reasons nursing home residents fall include: 

• Excessive sedation - Nursing home staff will sometimes sedate a patient who has become upset. Patients who have been abusively given sedatives may become dizzy and fall due to the effects of the medication. 

• Unanswered call lights - When a nursing home resident uses their call light and does not get a response in a timely manner, they may attempt to get up and do for themself what they were calling for help with. 

• Wet floors - Most nursing homes have some tile or wood surfaces that are mopped. Elderly people may not notice or be able to see a wet floor sign if one is used. Additionally, spilling beverages is somewhat common among this population. 

• Tripping hazards - Nursing home staff will sometimes carelessly place medical equipment or the patient’s possessions in a spot where the patient could trip over it. 

• Equipment issues - A bed placed at the wrong height can make elderly people more likely to fall while trying to get in or out. A wheelchair that does not lock properly can also cause a resident to fall. 

Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries in the elderly. It is the responsibility of a nursing home to take reasonable precautions to prevent their residents from falling. 

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Negligence Attorney

Schwartz Injury Law’s experienced Chicago nursing home negligence lawyers can help if your loved one has been injured in a fall while in the care of a skilled nursing facility. To begin with a complimentary consultation, please contact us at 312-535-4625. 

Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8053619/

https://www.traumanurses.org/_resources/documents/education/trauma_awareness/Falls%20in%20Nursing%20Homes.pdf