Falling is one of the biggest risks seniors face. In fact, many people are admitted to nursing homes because their risk of falling is unacceptably high, and it is not safe for them to live at home.
Unfortunately, nursing homes do not always do a good job at fall prevention, even though the risk of falls in these facilities is high. Falls in Stamford nursing homes can be a sign of facility negligence.
When your loved one has suffered one or more falls, and you believe the facility is to blame, contact the nursing home negligence attorneys at Berkowitz Hanna. We will review the circumstances and advise you on your next best steps, including taking legal action when warranted.
Even the healthiest seniors lose muscle mass and bone density as they age. Older people are more prone to falls for this reason alone, but the other health conditions that may require placement in a nursing home and the medications used to treat those conditions can aggravate the risk.
Falls can cause serious injuries and injury-related fatalities among older adults. Falls also commonly cause traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries in seniors.
Fractures of the wrist, arm, ankle, and hip are common among fall victims. These injuries may be slower to heal in older people, especially those taking certain medications. People who have experienced falls must restrict their activity and often continue to be less active after they have healed because they are afraid of falling again. The limited activity can lead to increased muscle weakness, which heightens the risk of falling again.
Fall prevention should be a priority at any nursing home. Simple steps like installing adequate lighting, being aware of tripping hazards and immediately correcting them, and ensuring patients get regular eye exams and have glasses with the appropriate prescription can reduce the risk of falling.
Almost all falls are preventable. Nursing homes can be liable for injuries a resident suffered in a fall when the fall happened because the:
A Stamford attorney could review the circumstances of a patient’s fall to determine what caused the incident and who is responsible for it.
In most cases, the company that owns the facility will be liable when the negligence of the home’s management or staff members contributed to the fall. They may be liable for the patient’s fall-related medical costs, physical pain, emotional suffering, and any incidental expenses. When a nursing home resident dies because of a fall, their family may bring a wrongful death action against the facility.
When a skilled nursing facility does not provide a resident with the appropriate standard of care, the patient or their guardian can bring a lawsuit alleging medical malpractice and negligence. The burden is on the patient and their family to prove the care the facility provided was inadequate.
Connecticut General Statutes §52-190a requires an attorney to consult a medical expert in a related field for a review of the patient’s medical records. The expert must confirm that the care did not meet a reasonable standard. Our team at Berkowitz Hanna can connect with experts to fulfill this case requirement.
Most falls are preventable accidents that should not occur in nursing homes. When your loved one has suffered injuries from one or more falls in a Stamford nursing home, get in touch with the lawyers at Berkowitz Hanna immediately.
We will review medical records and look for evidence of facility negligence. We work aggressively to fight for justice on behalf of nursing home residents. Call today to learn more about what we can do for you.
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