Most Common Injuries From Falls in Chicago Nursing Homes

 Posted on January 04, 2024 in Nursing Home Falls

Nursing home fall injuries can result in serious health risks to elderly patients, including death. Sadly, falls happen far too often as the risk for them inside nursing homes is extremely high. The types of injuries that occur from a fall vary but some are more common than others. With nursing homes being generally understaffed, it is far too difficult to prevent every fall. For fall-related injuries that happen to one of your loved ones, an attorney can provide legal representation during such a trying time.

Causes For Falls in Nursing Homes

Falls occur for several reasons in nursing facilities but some reasons happen far too often. By addressing the following reasons, nursing homes may be able to reduce or eliminate the amount of falls that occur:

• Sedatives
• Impairment
• Poor lighting
• Untreated medical conditions
• Wet or cluttered floors

There are many more reasons for falls, but these are the most common, with easily addressable strategies for older adult fall prevention. Nursing home staff will be able to implement protective measures to safeguard elderly residents by creating care plans to help reduce the risk of falling injuries.

Hip fractures in nursing homes are among the most common fall injuries in older adults but they are not the only common injury. There are many types of injuries that an elderly person is at risk for, and when the risk factors are not mitigated, could see serious injuries continue to rise.

Head and Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can easily occur from a slip and fall, regardless of age. However, it is especially common in elderly patients living in nursing homes. TBIs have a chance of leading to long-term damage, which can negatively affect cognition in older adults. Patients may suffer memory loss, speech impediments or slurring, and possibly impaired coordination.

Feelings of Fear, Depression, and Helplessness

The injuries are not always physical. Mental health is also affected when an elderly patient has a slip and fall. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not uncommon in elderly residents after experiencing such a traumatic event.

Broken Bones

As we get older, our bones become more brittle, leading to a higher risk of suffering bone fractures and breaks. Nursing home patients have a high risk of bone injuries as a result of falls, which can include:

• Arms
• Legs
• Hips
• Pelvis
• Spine

In some circumstances, surgery may be required to repair what was broken.

Bruises, Abrasions, and Lacerations

Cuts and scrapes are hardly something to worry about in younger individuals. However, bruises and lacerations can occur more easily in the elderly and may mark an underlying condition that requires immediate attention.

Death

Pre-existing conditions that may have occurred due to a separate fall can ultimately lead to elderly fatalities. Deaths occur far too often in nursing homes because of falls and something drastic needs to be implemented to prevent further occurrences. When death occurs as a result of a fall in a nursing home, it is time to consult legal representation.

Contact a Cook County, IL, Nursing Home Injury Attorney

It is important to contact an experienced Chicago, IL, personal injuries lawyer whenever a fall-related injury occurs inside a nursing home. You can start by contacting the attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law for your legal assistance. Pick up the phone and dial 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.