What factors increase the risk of fractures after a fall in a nursing care facility?

Fracture risk rises after a fall when residents have osteoporosis, malnutrition, or other bone-weakening conditions. The nursing home article explains that many falls are caused by environmental hazards, inadequate staffing, unsafe equipment, medication side-effects and a failure to create a comprehensive fall-prevention plan. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

What should a nursing home do immediately after a resident suffers a fall and potential fracture?

The facility should assess the resident immediately, monitor vital signs, immobilize suspected fractures, order imaging (X-rays) when indicated, notify family and physician, document the incident and update the care plan to prevent further falls. These steps are part of expected standards of care in nursing homes following falls. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

When should families consider legal action after a fall resulting in a fracture at a nursing home?

If the fall occurred under dangerous or preventable conditions, thereu2019s evidence the facility ignored known risks (like inadequate staffing, hazards, unmonitored mobility), or the resident sustained a serious fracture such as a hip break and required hospitalization, then it may be time to contact an attorney. The Rooth Law Firm article states that when falls and fractures appear, the victims and their families may hold the nursing home accountable. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Falls & Fractures Lawyer | The Rooth Law Firm

Q: Why are falls so common and dangerous in nursing homes?

Falls are prevalent among nursing-home residents because many have limited mobility, frailty, chronic illness and balance problems. According to the article by The Rooth Law Firm, u201capproximately 10% to 25% of these falls result in hospital admissions and or fractures.u201d :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Falls often lead to hip fractures, head injuries or even death, making them especially serious in this setting. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

December 23, 2020

Families often face the hard choice of placing elderly relatives in nursing homes to receive specialized care. When loved ones enter a nursing home or assisted living facility, families expect a high standard of care. Sadly, some elderly residents experience abuse or neglect in the very facilities trusted with their safety. In these situations, families often work with a Chicago nursing home neglect lawyer to hold nursing homes accountable through legal action.

A competent nursing home negligence abuse lawyer helps victims and their families seek compensation for the harms and losses they suffered at the hands of the nursing home. If your loved one sustained a fall or fracture while in the care of a nursing home, you are encouraged to speak with a nursing home negligence attorney. Contact compassionate and experienced nursing home litigation attorney Robert J. Rooth of The Rooth Law Firm to get your claim started today.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse

Unfortunately, falls are prevalent with elderly patients who reside in nursing homes. Approximately 10% to 25% of these falls result in hospital admissions and or fractures. According to the CDC, only 5% of adults 65 and older live in nursing homes, but they account for 20% of deaths from falls within this age group.

Family members should watch out for the four common tell-tale signs of nursing home abuse. Common signs of nursing home abuse include:

Physical injuries – commonly occur when staff members abuse the elderly or neglect their duties.
Medical complications – sudden weight loss, dehydration, poor nutrition and the appearance of being over-medicated or fatigued.
Behavioral changes – sudden angry or withdrawn behavior.
Staffing issues – medication errors, low ratio of staff to residents, behavior changes in front of staff and residents habitually dressed in the same clothing.

Unfortunately, these signs often go undetected allowing the abuse and neglect to continue.

Common Causes for Nursing Home Falls

Falls in nursing homes have serious consequences, especially for those who are frail. Nursing home fall injuries commonly result in serious injuries, hip fractures, and an increased risk of death. Most nursing home falls are caused by environmental hazards, inadequate staffing, unsafe equipment, unsafe personal care items, medication side effects, chronic and acute diseases, effects of aging on gait and a facility’s failure to create a comprehensive fall prevention care plan.

Nursing homes are required to have fall prevention procedures that include proper placement and installation of bed alarms, chair alarm systems, fall mats, lighting, medication re-assessments, and appropriate staffing.

Who Can Sue the Nursing Home?

There are federal and state laws that have been created to protect the elderly from nursing home neglect and abuse that could result in a fall or fracture. The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act grants nursing home residents legal rights and protections from any type of nursing home neglect and abuse. When falls and fractures or other signs of nursing home abuse appear, the victim and their family have the legal right to file a lawsuit against the negligent nursing home.

Nursing home negligence victims and their families have the right to sue for monetary compensation. Nursing home victims may be able to recover compensation to address all medical costs related to a nursing home fall for fracture and mental anguish. Depending on the severity of the negligence surrounding the victims’ falls or fractures, victims may be entitled to punitive damages.

Speak With an Elder Abuse Attorney

If you believe a loved one in a nursing home may be experiencing abuse, the Rooth Law Firm is here to help. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with an Evanston, Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer contact The Rooth Law Firm.

Written by

Robert Rooth

Robert J. Rooth is the founder of The Rooth Law Firm, which focuses on nursing home abuse and personal injury cases. He has devoted his career to seeking justice on behalf of the underserved.

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Falls and Fractures in Nursing Homes

Call An Illinois Nursing Home Abuse & Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse

Common Causes for Nursing Home Falls

Who Can Sue the Nursing Home?

Speak With an Elder Abuse Attorney

ILLINOIS NURSING HOME ABUSE & PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Robert Rooth

Free Case Evaluation

*No Fees Unless We Win

Falls and Fractures in Nursing Homes

Call An Illinois Nursing Home Abuse & Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse

Common Causes for Nursing Home Falls

Who Can Sue the Nursing Home?

Speak With an Elder Abuse Attorney

ILLINOIS NURSING HOME ABUSE & PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Robert Rooth

Related Posts

Most Common Nursing Home Complaints

Reporting Nursing Home Neglect in Illinois

Free Case Evaluation

*No Fees Unless We Win