When we put our moms, dads, and loved ones in a nursing home, we do our research. We try our best to find a place that will take care of them when we’re no longer able to do it alone. Nursing homes unfortunately betray that trust. They say they’ll keep your loved one safe and have them feel at home. Instead, nursing home staff fail to follow safety protocols, often resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Falls Are CommonOne of the most common injuries that happen at nursing homes is a fall. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, about half of people living in nursing homes fall every year. As people get older, there are many factors that contribute to falls being so prevalent. This includes typical mobility issues, but also conditions that impact balance or vision. Then, there are many chronic issues that can lead to a fall. Because falls are so common, they are something that nursing homes must expect and try to prevent.
Falls Are DangerousIn older adults, falls are one of the leading causes of death. While some nursing home residents might escape a fall with just some bruising, many are not as lucky. Falls can lead to broken bones, including fractured hips, and head injuries. Even otherwise spry nursing home residents can see a quick and significant decline after a devastating fall. Sometimes, these fractures and injuries are events that your loved one will never fully recover from.
Fall Risk AssessmentMost nursing homes should be doing a Fall Risk Assessment on their patients. This is an evaluation that is used to determine whether a patient or resident is at an increased risk for a fall due to their overall condition. This Assessment is meant to see if your family member is at a low, moderate, or high risk of a fall. The CDC has come up with an approach called STEADI, which is an acronym for Stopping Elderly Accidents, Death, and Injuries. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, the CDC recommends certain interventions that can reduce the risk of a fall. If a nursing home fails to do the assessment or implement the suggested plan, it may be responsible for your loved one’s injury.
“There’s Nothing We Could Do”One of the most common defenses that we see is when the nursing home says that it’s not their fault; your loved one didn’t follow directions. Like any insurance company or big business, they’ll say anything to deny that it’s their fault. Even so, an experienced attorney will see through these excuses. The reason why we pay nursing homes thousands of dollars every month is because they’re supposed to watch out for the elderly. We all know that the elderly don’t like having to rely on others. They don’t see the risk in everyday activities like walking to the bathroom. We choose a nursing home because they tell us they’re going to make sure that mom or dad will always have someone there to help. When that promise is broken, the consequences are catastrophic. We hold these nursing homes accountable.
Experienced Nursing Home Injury AttorneysAt Marcotte Law Firm, our injury attorneys are experienced in pursuing claims against nursing homes for preventable nursing home falls. We understand the importance of the rules and regulations nursing homes are required to follow, and we understand that these injuries can be life altering, if not ultimately fatal.
If you or a loved one fell at a nursing home, call the Personal Injury Attorneys at Marcotte Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation.