Sadly, falls among the elderly are a common occurrence due to age, physical instability and sometimes neglect. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year more than 1,800 adults in assisted living facilities die because of a fall; many of those who do not die suffer severe head injuries leading to permanent disability.
Falling can be a sign of deeper health issues, or issues with the facility the elderly individual is living in. Negligence can create a rapid decline in a nursing home resident’s health, and further injury can cause depression and isolation for the individual.
If you or a loved one experienced a fall in a nursing home because of a caretaker’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation based on the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the injuries. The law offices of Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers believe that the elderly need to be defended and advocated for, which is why we fight for the rights of our clients with compassion and confidence.
We will always seek the MAXIMUM amount of compensation due to the victims of nursing home abuse and their families.
To find out how we can help, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form located on the right side of the page — it’s 100% FREE, there is no obligation to proceed and the details of your case will always remain confidential.
What Causes A Nursing Home Fall?
Older people with chronic conditions are given to fall for a number of reasons. In addition to the physiological factors, abuse or neglect of the elderly individual can have a severe impact on their health and overall well-being, which will increase their chances of nursing home slip-and-falls.
Some of the most common causes of falls in nursing homes include:
- Dangerous steps
- Gait problems
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Improperly fitted or maintained wheelchairs
- Incorrect bed height
- Incorrect use of walking aids
- Muscle weakness
- Poor foot care
- Poor lighting
- Sedatives and anti-anxiety medications
- Unsecured railings
- Unstable chairs
- Wet floors
- To name a few.
In the age group encompassing those aged 65 and older, this group comprises only 5% of total nursing home residents, but accounts for 20% of the total number of nursing home slip-and-fall deaths in the nation.
Schedule a free legal consultation with our personal injury team.
How Can Falls Be Prevented?
Because of the number of factors involved in a nursing home resident’s potential to fall, preventing such an occurrence can be challenging. What is important, however, is to take into account the contributing factors and make any changes needed to improve conditions and eliminate fall fatalities and injuries.
The following tasks should be performed to help prevent falling incidents in assisted care facilities:
- Assessment of resident’s current health care needs
- Continuing staff education on the hazards of falls and how to spot risk factors
- Improving nursing home environmental safety
- Installing handrails, lowering toilets and raising bed heights
- Implementing exercise programs for residents
- Providing hip pads for residents to prevent shattering hips
- Educating residents on measures they can take on their own to avoid falls
Generally, these methods are more likely to prevent falls than the use of physical restraints, which is no longer the preferred method of fall prevention. According to the CDC’s report, each year, nursing homes with 100 beds report 100-200 falls, and many others go completely unreported.
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from abuse by their caretaker or in an assisted living situation, don’t let the negligent party avoid accountability. Contact a skilled elderly care attorney today to explore the rights you and your family may have in your case.
Contact Our Connecticut Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm
The personal injury lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers realize the impact that nursing home abuse can have on not only on the victim’s life, but also on the family’s, too. We know that these injuries bring unnecessary pain to the victims and our legal team, with over 140 years of combined legal experience, will fight for the MAXIMUM compensation that you may be eligible to receive. Our offices are located in New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury and New London.
Call 800-PERKINS or complete the 100% FREE and COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL Case Evaluation form to see how the lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers could help you on your road to recovery from elevator accident injuries.
