In nursing homes, slip and fall accidents are among the most serious risks to residents. Regardless of the reason for the accident, it’s important for the parent who falls to receive appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. However, there are many instances where this response is the farthest thing from reality and residents are not given the necessary medical attention.
Cause of Falls In Nursing Homes
In many cases, the cause of the fall is the result of some negated duty of the nursing home facility. A few of the most common reasons nursing home residents are injured are:
- Unsafe environment or premises
- Wet floors without proper signage
- Lack of handrails on the wall or bed rails
- Faulty equipment
- Defective wheelchairs or walkers
- Improperly maintained wheelchairs or equipment
- Lack of proper supervision
- Failure to maintain adequate number of staff
- Failure to maintain qualified and trained staff
- Failure to provide the appropriate care after a fall
Although there are several reasons a patient can fall in a nursing home, the problem is greatly amplified when the facility fails to provide adequate care after a fall. In any case, the nursing home and its staff are responsible for all of the residents. If your parent has been injured by a slip-and-fall accident, the party causing the fall should be held financially and legally responsible.
What Law Covers Nursing Home Falls?
Premises liability injury law specifically covers a broad range of conditions, which typically includes wrongful death or personal injury on either residential or commercial property. If your parent is under the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility, the facility is required to ensure their safety.
Truth In Nursing Home Slip-And-Falls
Even though accidents do happen, nursing home slip-and-falls are a serious problem. While you may initially think it only results in a bump or a bruise, the following statistics strongly suggest differently:
- In the United States, slip-and-fall accidents are the second leading cause of injuries leading to death behind automotive accidents.
- According to AARP, two-thirds of all injuries to seniors or adults over 65 are the direct result of slip-and-fall accidents.
- According to the Center for Disease Control, slip-and-fall accidents are the most common cause of brain injury.
- Among senior citizens, slip-and-fall accidents are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal incidents.
- In the United States, slip-and-fall injuries among senior citizens cost the government over 30 billion dollars every year.
If your parent in a nursing home has experienced a slip-and-fall, you shouldn’t accept it lying down. Instead, consult with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. in Amarillo, Texas for a closer look or second opinion.