Neglect Can Lead to Preventable Fall Injuries and Deaths in Illinois Nursing Homes

 Posted on May 10, 2023 in Nursing Home Falls

Slipping and falling is extremely dangerous for elderly people and those with significant health concerns. In 2020, 3 million older adults needed to visit the emergency room because of a fall accident. Fall accidents involving the elderly often lead to hip fractures and other broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spine injury, and other severe, life-threatening injuries. Falling is also the leading cause of injury death for individuals aged 65 and older. Consequently, preventing fall accidents is a crucial responsibility in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

If your loved one was seriously injured or passed away after falling in a nursing home, you may understandably be desperate for answers. Why did this happen? Is there anything the nursing home could have done to prevent this tragedy? What are my legal rights?

In this blog, we will discuss liability for nursing home fall accidents and what a loved one of an injured nursing home resident can do to take legal action against a negligent nursing home.

Nursing Homes Must Take Reasonable Steps to Prevent Fall Accidents

Nursing homes cannot prevent every injury or death, but they are expected to use a reasonable degree of caution to prevent fall accidents whenever possible. Some of the measures nursing homes should take to prevent residents from falling include:

• Identifying residents that are at an increased risk of falling - Certain medical problems can make a resident less steady on his or her feet. Medications can cause dizziness and difficulty balancing. Nursing home staff should consider these risk factors and identify residents who will need extra supervision and assistance to prevent fall accidents.

• Ensuring the facility is free of fall hazards – Nursing home facilities should be free of dangers that could cause a trip-and-fall or slip-and-fall hazard. Hallways, common areas, and residents’ rooms should be free of loose electrical cords, boxes, or other objects that they could trip over. Spills should be immediately cleaned up. Loose tiles, broken floorboards, or similar problems should be repaired. The facility should be well lit so residents and staff can clearly see.

• Install equipment to prevent falls – Railings, grab bars, shower chairs, non-slip rugs, and similar items can help prevent residents from falling. Nursing homes should use these types of equipment whenever possible.

• Ensure residents are dressed appropriately – Residents should wear properly-fitting shoes and socks so they are less likely to trip. Non-slip socks should always be worn if the resident is not wearing shoes.

Contact our Chicago Nursing Home Injury Lawyers

Did your loved one fall in a nursing home? Let our knowledgeable Cook County nursing home neglect lawyers help you understand your options. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15530179/

https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html