Falls in Elder Care Facilities: A Sign of Neglect?

We place our trust in nursing homes and assisted living facilities to provide a safe and secure environment for our loved ones. When an elderly resident suffers a fall, the consequences can be devastating, leading to serious injuries like hip fractures, head trauma, and even wrongful death.

While some falls may be unavoidable, many are the direct result of negligence or abuse. Facilities have a legal obligation (a “duty of care”) to assess each resident’s fall risk and implement specific prevention plans. When they fail in this duty, they must be held accountable.

Common Indicators of Negligence in Falls

Falls in long-term care facilities are often linked to preventable issues, not just the natural aging process. Key signs of potential negligence include:

• Inadequate Staffing/Supervision: Residents at high risk for falls need close monitoring and prompt assistance. Understaffing often means call buttons go unanswered, forcing residents to attempt to move on their own.
• Failure to Implement Care Plans: A facility must create and follow an individualized fall prevention plan. Neglecting to use prescribed safety equipment (like bed/chair alarms or grab bars) is a form of negligence.
• Environmental Hazards: Poor lighting, wet floors, cluttered hallways, or faulty equipment can all contribute to falls and are the facility’s responsibility to manage.
• Medication Errors: Improperly administered medications can cause dizziness, disorientation, or weakness, leading to falls.
• Lack of Proper Equipment: Ensuring residents have well-fitting, non-slip footwear and appropriate walking aids is essential for fall prevention.

Your Rights & Our Commitment

If your loved one has been injured in a fall at a nursing home or assisted living facility, you have the right to seek justice and compensation for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages.

Our experienced legal team is committed to:

• Thorough Investigation: We will meticulously review medical records, interview witnesses, and gather all necessary evidence to determine if negligence occurred.
• Determining Liability: We identify all responsible parties, from individual staff members to the facility’s management.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We will fight for the maximum compensation possible, through negotiation or litigation, if necessary, to hold the facility accountable for its failure to provide a safe environment.

Don’t Wait, Take Action

Unexplained bruises, repeated falls, or a sudden decline in condition can be warning signs of serious neglect.

If you suspect your loved one’s fall could have been prevented, do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation today. We will help you understand your legal options and guide you on the path to justice.