Falls Are Most Common Cause of Head Injury in Nursing Homes

 Posted on November 30, 2021 in Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing homes have a responsibility to ensure adequate levels of staff and supervision so that elderly residents are protected and safe. Unfortunately, nursing homes are often negligent and residents suffer as a consequence. When an elderly resident who struggles to move independently is improperly supervised or left to move unassisted, they may slip, trip, or fall, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening head injuries. If you have a loved one in a nursing home who has suffered as a result of improper support or supervision, compensation may be available. 

Common Causes of Head Injuries in Nursing Homes

Although it is possible for residents to hurt their heads in other ways, falls are the most common source of traumatic head injury. Elderly patients, especially those with dementia, risk hurting themselves during normal daily behaviors, such as: 

• Using the toilet

• Getting in and out of a bathtub or shower

• Moving from a bed or chair to a wheelchair or walker

• Reaching up or bending down to retrieve items from shelves

• Walking down carpeted hallways or grassy areas

Some residents require near-constant aid and supervision, especially if they have a tendency to wander. Obstacles that would present no challenge to physically healthy adults can place wandering residents at serious risk, and nursing home staff and supervisors must be on the alert for things like loose carpet edges and items left on the ground. 

Has My Loved One Suffered a Head Injury? 

Unfortunately, not all nursing home staff are forthright about injuries suffered by residents. Fear of job loss, professional repercussions, or lawsuits lead staff members and even supervisors to cover up incidents. Other times, staff may be so overworked that they fail to notice subtle signs that a resident has injured their head. 

Symptoms of head injuries, including traumatic brain injury, include: 

• Bruising or cuts

• Vomiting or nausea

• Loss of consciousness

• Uncharacteristic short-term memory loss

• Sudden confusion or disorientation

• Chronic headaches 

• Difficulty sleeping 

• Difficulty speaking 

• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears

• Sudden emotional changes 

If you notice your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and notify nursing home staff. 

Schedule a Free Consult with a Cook County Nursing Home Injury Lawyer

Finding out that your loved one has suffered a potentially preventable head injury due to negligent behavior from a nursing home can be devastating. At Schwartz Injury Law, we have worked with many families who are seeking justice on behalf of their loved ones, and we will handle your case with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves. We offer free consultations so you can learn more about your options. Find out what we can do for you today by calling our offices and scheduling a meeting with an experienced Chicago, IL nursing home injury attorney at 312-535-4625. 

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1225&ChapterID=21