Nursing Home Negligence: Falls

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death for nursing home residents. A good nursing home assesses patients for risk of falling and institutes a plan to keep them safe. But many long-term care facilities lack the proper staffing, training and protocols to prevent falls.

If your parent or elderly loved one was seriously hurt in a nursing home fall, or you are suspicious about an unexplained injury, call Carter Law Offices at 816-283-3500 for a free case evaluation. Our nursing home negligence attorneys represent clients in the K.C. metro area and surrounding counties in both Missouri and Kansas.

Nursing Home Falls — Greater Risk and Greater Harm

Nursing home residents are more prone to falls because of weakened muscles and joints, balance problems and other conditions relating to age or illness. Certain medications also increase the risk of falling. These patients also suffer more severe injuries because of brittle bones and lesser ability to break their own fall. Fractures of hips, legs, arms and wrists are common, as well as serious cuts, head trauma and sometimes death.

The most common scenarios in nursing home falls relate to failure of staff to closely monitor and assist patients, or negligence of the facility in providing for resident safety:

Falls while being transferred or escorted (treatment, exercise, restroom)

Patients trying to walk or get out of bed on their own for lack of assistance

Falling while unattended in the bathroom or shower

Wet floors, poor lighting, shoddy wheelchairs or walking aids

Experienced, Aggressive Representation

Our on-staff registered nurses can help assess the severity of the injury and appropriate monetary damages for the medical treatment and reduced quality of life from a lasting bodily injury. Our RN’s also assist our trial lawyers in their investigation: patient records and whether the client was identified as a risk for falling; ratio of staff to patients; history of similar falls at the nursing home; and background of staff members responsible for the client’s care.

Contact our Kansas City office for a free case evaluation. We can meet clients at the nursing home or hospital, and we take no attorney fees unless we are successful in recovering compensation. Call 816-283-3500 or contact us online.