Placing a loved one in a nursing home is one of the most difficult decisions a child or grandchild has to make, but it is essential to ensure their safety and care. Unfortunately, falls are a common occurrence in nursing homes that can cause serious injuries and even lead to fatalities.
But, who is responsible for ensuring a resident’s safety in nursing homes, and can you hold them liable if your loved one falls? If your loved one sustained an injury after falling in a nursing home, reach out to our lawyers at Leitner Varughese PLLC. Our New York nursing home injury lawyers can guide you through the steps you should take to hold the facility liable for your loved one’s injury.
The Dangers of Falls in Nursing Homes
Falls are one of the most common reasons for injuries and hospital readmissions among nursing home residents. Falls can cause fractures, head injuries, and other serious complications, contributing to a decline in their physical and mental health.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, of the 1.6 million nursing home residents in facilities across the nation, approximately half fall annually. Nursing home residents often face a higher risk of falling due to mobility issues, chronic medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors such as poor lighting, uneven floors, and lack of handrails.
Common Causes of Falls in Nursing Homes
Some of the common causes of falls in nursing homes include:
Poor lighting and inadequate signage that can lead to confusion and disorientation.
Lack of handrails and grab bars in bathrooms and corridors, making it harder for them to support themselves.
Wet and slippery floors due to spills or mopping, and relocated furniture and equipment that can jeopardize their balance.
Medication errors, such as incorrect dosages or combinations of drugs that can cause dizziness and lead to falls.
Inadequate staffing levels, leading to understaffing, overworked staff, and delays in answering call lights or assisting with mobility.
When your loved one sustains an injury while in a nursing home, you might want to contact a skilled lawyer to help you investigate the facts of the incident and determine the facility’s liability.
Can You Hold a Nursing Home Liable for Your Loved One’s Fall?
Yes, you can hold a nursing home liable for your loved one’s fall injury if you can prove that it was due to their negligence or failure to provide a safe environment. In legal terms, “negligence” refers to a breach in the duty of care that caused harm to another person. Negligence can be demonstrated by proving these four components:
The nursing home owed a duty of care to your loved one as a resident with specific needs and risks.
The nursing home breached that duty of care by failing to take reasonable steps to prevent falls.
The breach directly caused or contributed to your loved one’s fall.
The fall resulted in injuries that resulted in damages, such as medical bills, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.
Consult with an experienced nursing home lawyer to review your legal options and assist you with filing a claim against the nursing home.
Discuss the Incident with a Lawyer
Falls can be devastating for nursing home residents and their family members, and it is essential to hold nursing homes accountable for their negligence and failures. If your loved one falls and suffers injuries in a nursing home, contact Leitner Varughese PLLC to get help. Our lawyers can help you seek justice and compensation and ensure that the nursing home is held accountable for its negligence. Call 212-671-1110 to get a free case evaluation.
