Nursing Home Slip and Fall Injuries: Who is Responsible?

Serious Slip And Fall Accidents at Nursing Homes

When your loved one is in a nursing home receiving care, you are bound to be worried about the type of care they are receiving.

While they might be receiving the best care, falls in the elderly are common, even in nursing homes, and this can be cause for concern.

There are a number of reasons for falls in the elderly in nursing homes, and the consequences of these incidents can be frightening. The best way to deal with these types of nursing home injuries is to take care to prevent them, but what happens when they do occur?

According to Canada’s Public Health Agency, approximately one-third of seniors living in nursing homes suffer at least one fall per year.

A significant number of elderly falls occur in nursing homes, and most of them are accidents that might have been prevented.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Nursing Home Slip and Fall Injuries?

Falls in nursing homes are caused by a wide range of factors. While some are easily preventable with the proper care, some falls cannot be avoided, as they are genuine accidents, and accidents do happen.

Some elderly falls in nursing homes occur due to negligence in nursing homes, so it’s important to be able to tell the difference.

Some of the main causes for elderly falls in nursing homes include:

Medications
Weakness or illness
Hazards in the environment, such as wet floors or rugs that are not properly secured
Inability to use or reach aids such as canes or walkers
Lack of adequate care or response to patient requests

Remember: the impact of falls in the elderly can lead to devastating injuries and significant health complications, so it’s important to prevent falls before they happen.

What to Do if Someone Suffers a Fall in a Nursing Home

If a loved one, such as your mother, father, or grandparent, suffers a fall in a nursing home, there’s no doubt you’ll want answers as to why the incident occurred.

If your family member falls in a nursing home, the first thing you need to do is ensure they are receiving proper medical attention. Once that has been addressed and your loved one is recovering from the fall, you might be wondering when to consider legal action after nursing home falls.

An experienced attorney can help assess your case, provide invaluable advice, and guide you through the claims process.

What is Nursing Home Negligence?

Negligence occurs when an elder is not receiving adequate care in a nursing home. The facility’s equipment may not be up to standards, or the senior may not be receiving proper medications or aids. Seniors may also experience neglect from the nurses and orderlies who are in charge of caring for them.

Elder abuse is a horrifying concept for both the senior and their family, so it’s important to report abuse and negligence when you see it. Look for the warning signs of elder abuse and talk to your loved one about their experience in the nursing facility.

Risk Factors and Prevention for Nursing Home Falls

Elders who live in nursing homes are already at risk for falls, but some seniors are more susceptible than others.

The following factors can dramatically increase the likelihood of a fall occurring:

Chronic health issues such as heart disease, dementia, or low blood pressure
Impairments, such as poor vision
Illnesses that affect balance
Immobility
Weakness

Some of these risk factors can be reduced by identifying and removing any potential environmental hazards and ensuring your loved one can properly use their aids and walkers.

Since impaired strength can often lead to falls, exercise should be encouraged to help strengthen muscles and increase endurance.

It’s also important to talk to your loved one to ensure they are being treated well, with respect, and that they are happy.

When Are Nursing Homes Liable for Slip and Fall Injuries?

If your loved one has been the victim of negligence or has suffered a fall in a nursing home, you might be curious about whether you can take legal action against the facility.

Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, nursing homes are required to provide a safe and secure environment for residents. This includes eliminating slip-and-fall hazards and maintaining their equipment and facilities.

If the nursing home has failed to uphold these responsibilities, the law states they are negligent.

While nursing homes are not always necessarily responsible for falls, there’s a distinct difference between an accident and a fall which results from improper care or negligence.

You may be eligible to to file a nursing home negligence claim if your loved one has experienced one of the following types of injuries or incidents:

Injuries caused by improper medication administration
Falls due to improper use of equipment
Malnutrition caused by the failure to provide enough food
Falls due to environmental hazards
Falls that occur when caretakers drop or injure a patient while moving them

The bottom line is, if your loved one has been injured in a nursing home and they are responsible for that injury, it’s best to contact a personal injury lawyer for guidance and advice.

Has Your Loved One Suffered an Injury in a Nursing Home?

If your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or negligence in a nursing home, it’s time to make sure you do what’s best for them.

At Conte Jaswal, our team of dedicated and compassionate lawyers will fight on your behalf to get you and your loved one the compensation you deserve.