Slip and Fall in Nursing Homes

The decision to put a loved one in a nursing home is a tough one. When your loved one is injured in a slip and fall at a nursing home, there can be serious injuries such as fractured hips, fractured arms, and even traumatic brain injury. A fall in a nursing home is one of the most common causes of injuries.

Nursing Home Liability

Just like any other property or business owner, a nursing home is liable for slip and falls on their property if they have failed to keep the property in a reasonably safe condition. Therefore, a nursing home can be liable for falls caused by conditions such as:

• Torn carpeting 
• Slippery floors
• Poorly lit staircases
• Uneven surfaces
• Loose floorboards
• Debris on the floor

However, a nursing home is also a skilled medical facility and can be held responsible for failing to adequately guard and protect residents who are especially prone to falling due to a medical condition. Many residents are admitted to nursing homes for health conditions that can make them prone to falling such as hip injuries, vertigo, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and other medical issues. When a resident falls in a nursing home, there are a number of different factors that must be taken into consideration.  

Nursing homes are required to maintain certain standards in regard to patient safety and care. The reality is that these standards are not always followed and falls can result from nursing home neglect. Some negligent acts by nursing homes that can lead to a fall include:

• Lack of supervision
• Overmedication
• Undermedication
• Lack of handrails
• Inappropriate activities
• Unsecured facilities

When an elderly person falls in a nursing home, the resulting complications can be more serious than if a younger person fell. Fractured bones are common in nursing home falls. Therefore, if a resident falls, it is also important that the nursing home facility gets them evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney

The issues involved in a nursing home fall can be complex, so it is important if your loved one has been injured to contact a trusted personal injury attorney. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have over 30 years of experience representing the injured. Consultations are free so contact us online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule an appointment.