What Catastrophic Injuries Can Happen When an Elder Falls?

 Posted on July 06, 2023 in Nursing Home Abuse

When a young person falls, there is still a chance that they will be injured. A young person might break their wrist trying to brace, or sustain some bruising. When an elderly person falls, they are far more likely to suffer a serious or even catastrophic injury. Elders who are not being given the proper care and supervision they need in nursing homes are more likely to fall than those that are well cared for. If your elderly loved one has recently suffered a serious fall in a Chicago nursing home, it could be because they have been neglected by the staff. Sometimes this happens because nursing homes are severely understaffed. Other times it happens because the staff present has failed to take the proper precautions to prevent a patient from standing up on their own. In any event, it is a good idea to speak with an attorney about what rights your loved one has and whether they may be owed compensation. 

Catastrophic Injuries from Nursing Home Falls 

Elders can be highly vulnerable to injuries should they fall. Fall prevention is a very important task for nursing home staff. When the proper preventative measures are not taken, nursing home residents are far more likely to fall and become seriously injured. Common catastrophic injuries sustained in nursing home falls include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries - Many elderly people do not have the reflexes to brace when they fall, making them more likely to hit their heads on the floor. They may also strike their head on a solid object like a bed or dresser while falling. Brain injuries in the elderly can gravely worsen a senior’s condition or even lead to their death. 

• Spinal cord injuries - Especially when the elderly person falls backwards, they can suffer serious damage to their back and spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can cost a senior their ability to stand, walk, or even do sitting exercises for physical therapy. This can drastically reduce an elder’s overall health and quality of life. 

• Broken hips - Breaking a hip is often called the “beginning of the end” for senior citizens who suffer this injury. It often leads to permanent impairment and pain, or can lead to severe infections when surgery is performed. 

If your elderly loved one has fallen and been injured in a nursing home, an attorney can help determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. 

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Schwartz Injury Law’s compassionate and caring attorneys will strive to help your elderly loved one in any way we can. Our experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers will do all we can to see your loved one properly compensated for their injuries. To accept a free consultation, please contact us at 312-535-4625. 

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html