Nobody ever wants to reach a point where they need to leave their loved one in the care of a nursing home, though this does happen to a good percentage of Americans at one point or another. Unfortunately, nursing homes are notorious for providing substandard care to our nation’s most needy individuals. Staff members play a crucial role in either preventing or contributing to nursing home neglect and elder abuse, which can have serious consequences for nursing home residents. One of the most common types of injuries in nursing homes is those sustained following falls. If your loved one recently sustained a severe injury after a nursing home fall, please read on, then contact an experienced Houston, Texas, hospital and nursing home falls lawyer today.
Understanding Fall Risks and Prevention in Texas Nursing Homes
Fall risks are a major concern in Texas nursing homes, where elderly residents are especially vulnerable to serious injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, and other medical complications. Nursing home negligence, including inadequate supervision and failure to provide proper care, can significantly increase the likelihood of fall-related injuries. For family members, understanding these risks and taking proactive steps is crucial to protecting their loved ones’ well-being.
Nursing homes have a legal and ethical responsibility to create a safe environment for all residents. This means implementing safety measures like installing handrails, using non-slip flooring, and ensuring that residents have access to mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. Properly trained nursing home staff should assist residents with mobility challenges and respond quickly if a fall occurs. When nursing homes fail to provide adequate care or supervision, the risk of fall injuries rises—and so does the potential for nursing home abuse or neglect.
If a nursing home resident suffers a fall, it’s important for family members to gather evidence as soon as possible. This includes collecting medical records, taking photographs of the scene, and obtaining witness statements from staff or other residents. These steps can help determine whether nursing home negligence contributed to the fall injury. Consulting a nursing home abuse lawyer can help families understand their legal options, navigate the legal process, and seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. In tragic cases where a fall leads to wrongful death, a wrongful death claim may be necessary to hold the facility accountable.
Do I qualify for compensation after a fall caused by nursing home negligence in a Texas nursing home?
The first thing you should understand is that not every slip or trip and fall case automatically qualifies an individual or their family to receive financial compensation. However, if you can prove that your loved one was hurt because he or she did not receive adequate care in the nursing home, you may have a valid claim. Some common examples of conditions and actions that may lead to nursing home falls include:
- Inattentive staff
- Understaffing
- Lack of handrails or railings
- Dim lighting
- Allowing patients to wander or “elope”
- Allowing patients to participate in activities that they are not physically capable of safely doing
- Errors with their medication, leading to drowsiness
- Medication errors, such as incorrect dosages or missed medications, which can increase fall risks.
- Spilled liquids left uncleared away
- Failure to provide adequate medical care, including monitoring for pressure ulcers and other health issues.
- Underlying medical conditions that may contribute to falls or be mistaken for signs of abuse.
- Physical injuries resulting from improper supervision or unsafe environments.
- Neglect or abuse occurring in assisted living facilities, not just nursing homes.
- Incidents of sexual abuse or physical abuse by staff or other residents.
- Failure to provide adequate food and nutrition, leading to weakness and increased fall risk.
- Safety and care issues specific to Houston nursing homes.
What can I do if my loved one suffered serious injuries in a nursing home fall?
If your loved one was harmed as a result of a fall they sustained in a nursing home, you should do what you can to document the incident or the conditions that allowed the fall to occur. It is also important to consult medical professionals to assess injuries and thoroughly document the extent of harm.
From there, notify nursing home management and retain the services of a seasoned medical malpractice lawyer who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. The process may involve filing a nursing home negligence lawsuit, which requires proving negligence or intentional harm by the facility or staff. Be sure to include medical bills and related expenses as a key part of your compensation claim.
Contact Our Team Today
If you or a loved one suffered from medical malpractice, contact the law firm of Davis & Davis today for a free consultation.
