Nursing homes are meant to be havens of safety, providing a caring and compassionate environment for our elderly loved ones. Yet, every year, countless families are left heartbroken when their elderly family members suffer injuries including slip and fall, trip and fall, falls from bed accidents, falls from using improper equipment, etc. within these supposed sanctuaries. If your loved one has sustained an injury in such an accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a Rochester nursing home slip and fall lawyer from Lacy Katzen LLP today.
Nursing Home Slip and Fall Lawyer | Here for Injured Nursing Home Residents
Nursing homes are meant to be havens of safety, providing a caring and compassionate environment for our elderly loved ones. Yet, every year, countless families are left heartbroken when their elderly family members suffer injuries including slip and fall, trip and fall, falls from bed accidents, falls from using improper equipment, etc. within these supposed sanctuaries. If your loved one has sustained an injury in such an accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a Rochester nursing home slip and fall lawyer from Lacy Katzen LLP today.
The Most Common Causes of Falls in Nursing Homes
Nursing home slip and fall accidents can occur due to a wide range of circumstances, but they are most often a result of the following:
- Inadequate Staffing: Often, nursing homes are understaffed. When there aren’t enough hands on deck, residents may try to do things on their own, resulting in falls. An overworked staff may also overlook a resident’s use of improper equipment, wet floors, or other hazards.
- Poor Training: Even when the staff numbers are adequate, if they aren’t trained properly, residents are at risk. A well-trained employee knows how to assist residents in moving about safely.
- Environmental Hazards: Loose carpeting, wet floors, improper lighting, and cluttered walkways are common environmental risks in nursing homes. A well-maintained facility can prevent many of these issues.
- Medication Side Effects: Sometimes, the medications given to residents can cause dizziness or a decrease in bone density. Both factors increase the risk of falls.
Steps to Take Following a Slip and Fall in a Nursing Home
If you can, try to take the following steps after a nursing home slip and fall accident:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: The health and well-being of your loved one is paramount. Even if they say they’re okay, certain injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, might not show immediate symptoms.
- Document The Incident: Take pictures of the location where the fall occurred and make note of any hazards. It’s also a good idea to get the names of any staff or residents who witnessed the fall.
- Report the Incident: Notify the nursing home’s administration about the accident. They should have procedures in place for documenting and investigating such incidents.
- Contact a Nursing Home Slip and Fall Lawyer: Especially in New York, where the laws concerning nursing home negligence are intricate, consulting with an experienced attorney is advisable. They can guide you on the best steps to take, ensuring the protection of your loved one’s rights.
Common Injuries Resulting from Slip and Falls in Nursing Homes
While injuries can range from minor to severe, there are some that are more prevalent in the context of nursing homes. They are as follows:
- Fractures: Given the fragile state of many elderly residents, bones can easily break from a fall.
- Head Injuries: Falls can lead to concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries, which can have lasting effects.
- Sprains and Strains: Though less severe, these injuries can still cause a lot of pain and take time to heal, especially in older individuals.
- Cuts and Bruises: These might seem minor but can lead to complications, especially if left untreated.
It’s also worth noting that, beyond physical injuries, slip and fall accidents can result in significant psychological trauma. Victims might develop a fear of walking or become more isolated due to their injuries.
Contact a Nursing Home Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
The emotional toll of learning your loved one has suffered a slip and fall injury in a place where they were meant to be safe can be overwhelming. If your loved one was harmed due to negligence in a nursing home slip or trip and fall accident, simply contact Lacy Katzen LLP for help.
