Falls in hospitals and nursing homes are almost always preventable. Unfortunately, they still occur fairly often and can result in very serious injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of an unwarranted fall in a nursing home or hospital, you need to contact a Houston, Texas hospital & nursing home falls lawyer from Davis & Davis today. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are here to help you fight for the maximum compensation.
Holding Wrongdoers Responsible for Hospital & Nursing Home Falls
When a fall injury happens as a result of medical malpractice or nursing home negligence at a hospital or nursing home, taking legal action can help others as well as the patient and their family. Financial penalties and other legal sanctions can help promote improvements in procedures that may prevent future falls. At the same time, compensation can provide the patient with needed medical treatments, increased levels of needed care, and acknowledgment of emotional pain. A Houston hospital error lawyer and experienced nursing home negligence attorney can help hold these careless parties accountable.
Serving Houston & Surrounding Communities
Our Houston nursing home falls lawyers and hospital accident attorneys represent families throughout:
- Houston Medical Center area hospitals
- The Woodlands nursing facilities
- Sugar Land and Pearland care centers
- Katy assisted living facilities
- Spring and Conroe medical facilities
- Cypress and Tomball nursing homes
Whether your loved one was injured at Methodist Hospital, Memorial Hermann, CHI St. Luke’s, or a local nursing home, our medical malpractice lawyers in Houston provide immediate legal assistance.
Helping Victims & Their Families Get the Answers They Need
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a federal agency, has classified death associated with a fall as a “never event” for institutions caring for patients receiving Medicare or Medicaid. In other words, such an event should never happen because hospital and nursing home falls are preventable. Naturally, after a fall, an injured person and/or family members want to know, first of all, “Why did this happen?”
Our Houston elderly fall injury lawyers investigate every aspect of preventable accidents to determine liability and pursue maximum compensation for victims and their families.
Understanding Nursing Home Falls in Houston
Nursing home falls in Houston represent a serious and often overlooked danger for elderly residents. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and complications that diminish quality of life and, in some cases, even prove fatal. Houston nursing home staff are expected to maintain a safe environment and monitor residents’ physical conditions to prevent falls. However, a lack of adequate staffing, improper training, and facility neglect often increase the risks for falls.
The elderly are particularly susceptible due to issues like balance instability, weakened muscles, and vision impairments. Medications that cause dizziness or blood pressure fluctuations further exacerbate these risks. A comprehensive fall prevention strategy, including regular assessments of each resident’s risk factors, can significantly reduce the likelihood of nursing home falls, yet such precautions are frequently absent in Houston-area nursing homes where nursing home negligence is present.
When a Houston nursing home fails to provide the necessary supervision or a safe environment, families may consider seeking legal guidance to address the harm caused by nursing home neglect. At Davis & Davis, we understand the physical and emotional toll these incidents take on families. If you suspect your family member’s fall was due to nursing home negligence, reach out to learn how our experienced Houston nursing home falls lawyers may help.
Common Causes of Falls in Houston Care Facilities
Hospital and nursing home falls in Houston happen for reasons ranging from overmedication to understaffing. Some reasons, such as medication errors, may amount to medical malpractice. Others may be classified as general nursing home negligence. Either way, a legal claim or lawsuit may bring relief.
The first step in an investigation will be to explore the facts and related background information about:
- The person who fell, including known fall risks
- The nature of the injuries caused by a fall and their costs
- The actions or inaction of medical professionals who were prescribing or administering care
- The care facility’s protocols and practices, both in general and with regard to the injured person
- The organization’s response to the fall
Reconstruction of the factors leading to the fall can help determine who is liable to compensate the injured person or their family. This is a job for an experienced Houston medical malpractice lawyer, in collaboration with others who can provide relevant information.
Most Common Types of Facility Negligence in Houston:
- Inadequate supervision of high-risk patients
- Medication errors causing dizziness or confusion
- Unsafe premises with wet floors or poor lighting
- Failure to use proper fall prevention equipment
- Understaffing during critical care hours
- Improper restraint use or removal procedures
Common Injuries Sustained After a Houston Nursing Home Fall
Nursing home falls in Houston often lead to serious injuries. Common injuries resulting from elderly fall accidents include:
- Hip fractures: Hip fractures are among the most severe injuries sustained in Houston nursing home falls. Due to the brittle nature of aging bones, a fall can easily lead to a break that may require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and can even result in long-term mobility challenges.
- Head injuries: Hospital and nursing home falls can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially if the resident hits their head on the floor or nearby furniture. Even minor head injuries can have significant effects on cognitive function and may worsen pre-existing conditions like dementia.
- Broken bones and fractures: In addition to hips, other bones, such as wrists, arms, and legs, are commonly broken in elderly fall accidents. These fractures can lead to extended hospital stays, physical therapy, and a loss of independence.
- Spinal injuries: Preventable nursing home falls can also result in spinal injuries, which are particularly debilitating and may lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and can drastically impact a resident’s quality of life.
- Soft tissue injuries: While they might seem minor, bruises, sprains, and ligament tears are painful and can limit mobility. For elderly residents, even minor injuries can lead to further complications if they restrict movement and increase the risk of future falls.
The impact of these injuries goes beyond physical pain. They can lead to a loss of independence, emotional distress, and increased care needs. If you suspect a Houston nursing home’s negligence contributed to your family member’s fall, Davis & Davis medical malpractice attorneys may be able to assist. Contact us today at (713) 781-5200 for a free consultation.
- Multiple unexplained injuries or falls
- Facility staff reluctant to discuss incidents
- Changes in your loved one’s behavior or mood
- Inadequate staffing during visits
- Poor facility maintenance or safety hazards
Common Nursing Home Injuries Beyond Falls
In Houston-area nursing homes, residents often face heightened risks of physical harm due to vulnerabilities associated with age, medical conditions, and inadequate care. Common injuries include fractures resulting from preventable falls, which may occur due to unsafe walking conditions, unassisted mobility, or lack of appropriate equipment like handrails or wheelchairs. Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are another frequent issue, often caused by prolonged immobility and insufficient attention to repositioning patients. These injuries can quickly escalate, leading to severe infections or other medical complications if not addressed promptly.
Other common injuries involve medication errors, malnutrition, and dehydration, which often stem from nursing home neglect or insufficient staffing. Incorrect dosages or improper administration of medication can lead to adverse health effects, while inadequate dietary care may weaken residents, making them more susceptible to illnesses. These injuries highlight the many shortcomings in some Houston nursing homes, where lapses in oversight can profoundly impact residents’ well-being and dignity.
Filing a Houston Nursing Home Abuse or Injury Lawsuit
When filing a lawsuit for Houston nursing home abuse or injuries, it’s essential to establish that the harm resulted from nursing home negligence or a breach of duty by the facility or its staff. This process typically begins by gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and documentation of the injury or abuse. Additionally, testimony may be required to demonstrate how the facility’s actions–or inaction–contributed to the injury. Identifying the responsible parties is another critical step, as liability may rest with the Houston nursing home, individual caregivers, or other entities involved in the resident’s care.
Navigating the legal process can be complex. From filing deadlines to determining damage caps, adhering to these regulations is critical to ensure your claim proceeds effectively. This is why working with skilled Houston medical malpractice attorneys who understand these nuances may help you build a strong case and seek compensation for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other damages. If you suspect your loved one has suffered due to Houston nursing home neglect or abuse, it’s important to act quickly to protect their rights and well-being.
Our Houston nursing home falls lawyers handle cases involving:
- Wrongful death from preventable fall injuries
- Catastrophic injuries requiring long-term care
- Medical malpractice by facility physicians
- Corporate negligence by nursing home chains
- Insurance bad faith claims
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury or you lost a loved one as a result of a Houston-area nursing home or hospital injury, please contact a Houston, Texas hospital and nursing home falls lawyer from Davis & Davis. We help medical facility and nursing home injury victims nationwide.
How Davis & Davis Houston Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help You
Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, is a valuable resource for you and your family after a hospital or nursing home fall in Houston. We are one of the few law firms in Texas that still take on challenging cases involving medical malpractice and nursing home negligence. We encourage you to work with one of our attorneys to explore your potential injury claim or lawsuit, or wrongful death claim. Our Houston medical malpractice lawyers know the laws and can get your case off the ground quickly.
Why Choose Davis & Davis for Your Houston Nursing Home Fall Case
- Decades of experience in Houston medical malpractice law
- Proven track record of successful nursing home negligence cases
- No upfront fees – we only get paid if we win your case
- Available 24/7 for emergency consultations
- Hospital bedside meetings when necessary
- Fluent in Spanish – serving Houston’s diverse communities
- Statewide and national case representation
Contact a Houston Hospital & Nursing Home Fall Attorney Today
All cases at our Houston firm involving hospital falls or nursing home falls begin with a free consultation. Attorneys’ fees are not due until and unless we recover compensation for you through negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. To schedule a free consultation with our Houston, Texas, hospital & nursing home falls lawyers, simply contact us online today. We are here to help you in any way we can.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Nursing Home & Hospital Falls
How common are nursing home falls in Houston?
Nursing home falls affect nearly 30% of residents annually in Texas facilities. In Houston’s medical district and surrounding areas, elderly fall injuries from preventable accidents remain a leading cause of serious injury and wrongful death among nursing home residents.
What constitutes nursing home negligence in a fall case?
Nursing home negligence includes failure to assess fall risks, inadequate supervision, improper use of restraints, medication errors causing dizziness, and failure to maintain safe premises. Our Houston nursing home negligence attorneys investigate all potential liability factors to build strong cases.
How much compensation can I recover for a hospital fall injury in Houston?
Hospital fall injury settlements in Houston vary based on injury severity, medical expenses, and negligence level. Our Houston medical malpractice lawyers have secured significant settlements for clients suffering from hip fractures, brain injuries, and other elderly fall injuries. Compensation may include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and long-term care costs.
How quickly should I contact a Houston nursing home falls lawyer?
Contact experienced Houston nursing home falls attorneys immediately after any serious fall injury. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may become unavailable, and Texas has specific deadlines for filing medical malpractice and nursing home negligence claims. Early legal intervention often leads to better outcomes.
