Nursing Home Fall Related Injuries and Accidents

Kentucky nursing home residents and nursing home residents all across the United States may suffer injuries for several reasons. It may be because of understaffing in the nursing homes. It could also be because of improper training in the nursing homes. However, one of the main reasons for injuries in nursing homes is because the patients may be at a risk of falling and suffering an injury due to that falls. Falls might not seem like that big of a problem, but unfortunately, it is estimated that 1,800 nursing home residents may die each year as the result of a fall. If someone you love has been injured or even died after falling in a nursing home, it is advised that you talk to a Kentucky nursing home and injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will review your case to see if the nursing home was negligent. If they find that the home was in fact negligent, they will work with you to make sure you receive the money you are entitled to for what you have suffered.

Many things can led to an elderly patient falling in a nursing home. However, here are some of main reasons for falls. These reasons may include but are not limited to:

• Dangers in the facility such as floors that are wet, inadequate lighting, beds that may be too high or too low, wheelchairs that are not properly fixed, and medical equipment that is not in its proper place.
• Problems with prescription medicines that affect the nervous system such as medications for anxiety
• Improper use of restraints or using them too often
• Providing inadequate assistance to patients or failing to provide proper assistance devices such as bathroom chairs, stands, grab bars and grips for the shower or bathtub
• Improperly transferring a patient in and out of bed or in and out of a wheelchair
• Forgetting to properly secure wheelchairs
• Failing to keep stairs and walkways clear and safe

One of the ways Kentucky and other nursing homes can help prevent falls from happening is to have programs in place that help staff members recognize the factors that may increase the risk and likelihood that a patient might fall. It is then important to provide safety measures that staff members can follow to help reduce the risk of falling again at some other time. Finally, nursing home staff needs to be aware of the patients that may need assistance, standing, walking, sitting, or just getting around the home. If a particular person has fallen in the past, the nursing home should implement alarms on their bed or wheelchair to help make the staff more aware of when the person may be trying to walk or get around on their own.

If someone you care about has been injured or died following a fall in a nursing home, it is important that you contact a knowledgeable and compassionate Kentucky nursing home and injury attorney at the Higgins Firm. We will evaluate your claim and see if the nursing home’s negligence was the reason for the injury or death. If it seems that negligence is the reason for the injury or death, we will work with you so that you get the compensation you need for what you have suffered.

Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.