Seniors often face a higher risk of falls, prompting many families to opt for nursing homes that provide round-the-clock care. Unfortunately, when staff members fail to offer adequate supervision, serious injuries can still occur.
At Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law, our compassionate team is here to assist you in seeking justice for any negligence your loved one has faced. Holding these facilities accountable is important, as they can be responsible for medical expenses.
Physical and neglect should never be tolerated. If your family member has experienced a fall, it’s important to consult a Sandy Springs nursing home falls lawyer. Our Sandy Springs nursing home abuse lawyer is ready to provide the support you need.
Common Causes of Falls Due to Neglect
Nursing home neglect is a leading factor contributing to falls among residents, highlighting the seriousness of elder abuse in Georgia. When facilities fail to provide appropriate care, it can result in severe injuries for vulnerable individuals.
Inadequate Supervision
One significant aspect of negligence is inadequate supervision. Residents require constant monitoring to prevent falls and other incidents. Delays in responding to call lights can be seen as a form of neglect, especially if they lead to harm.
Medication Errors
Medication mishaps, such as incorrect dosages or harmful combinations, can destabilize residents and result in falls. Proper management of medications is essential for ensuring the safety of nursing home residents.
Understaffing
Understaffing is another critical issue that can lead to neglect in nursing homes. A lack of sufficient staff can hinder the ability to provide proper care, increasing the risk of injuries among residents.
Unsafe Environment
An unsafe living environment can also contribute to falls. Hazards such as clutter, wet floors, inadequate lighting, or malfunctioning equipment pose significant risks. Taking legal action may be necessary to address these unsafe conditions.
Support from Attorney Rob Schenk
If you or a loved one has experienced neglect in a nursing home, attorney Rob Schenk is here to help. His compassionate approach ensures that you receive the support you need while pursuing justice for your family’s experience.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home falls lawyer serving Sandy Springs, call
Factors Contributing to Falls in Nursing Homes
Several factors can increase the chance of a fall for elderly individuals, including:
- Trouble with balance or walking
- Weakness in the lower body
- Poor coordination
- Certain medications, such as sedatives or antidepressants
- Vision impairments
- Foot pain or uncomfortable shoes
When a person has multiple risk factors, the likelihood of falling becomes greater. Nursing homes must recognize residents who are more prone to falls and take steps to protect them. If a facility neglects this responsibility, it could be held accountable for any injuries that occur.
Sandy Springs Nursing Home Falls Lawyer Near Me (678) 823-7678
Common Injuries from Nursing Home Falls
Falls in nursing homes can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 3 million older adults were treated in emergency rooms for falls, and tragically, 36,000 of them did not survive.
While not all falls result in harm, about 1 in 5 leads to serious injuries such as:
- Fractures in wrists, arms, ankles, or hips
- Cuts, abrasions, and bruising
- Sprains, strains, or soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fatalities in some cases
Beyond physical injuries, falls can cause significant emotional distress. Many elderly individuals develop a fear of falling, which often leads to reduced activity. Unfortunately, this can create a cycle of inactivity, further weakening the body and increasing the risk of future falls.
Seeking Compensation for Nursing Home Fall Injuries
Nursing home neglect can have both physical and financial consequences, especially when a fall results in harm to a loved one. If your family member has suffered due to negligence, a lawsuit may provide a path toward recovering financial compensation.
A Sandy Springs nursing home falls attorney can assist in seeking damages for the following:
- Medical expenses: Fall injuries often require extensive medical care, from hospital bills to rehabilitation. If neglect led to a fall, you may be entitled to recover costs related to your loved one’s treatment, both past and future.
- Pain and suffering: Beyond physical injuries, nursing home neglect can cause ongoing pain and distress. Limited mobility and the inability to enjoy activities once loved are significant factors in determining compensation.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Falls can lead to mental anguish, diminishing your loved one’s quality of life. A Sandy Springs nursing home falls attorney will take this into account when pursuing justice on behalf of your family.
- Wrongful death: In tragic cases where nursing home neglect results in death, wrongful death lawsuits offer a way to address the emotional and financial burdens left behind.
While no legal action can undo the harm, holding negligent facilities accountable helps bring awareness and prevent further suffering.
Steps to Take After a Nursing Home Fall
If your loved one has suffered a fall due to neglect or abuse in a nursing home, taking prompt action is key to addressing the situation.
Here’s what you should consider:
- Get medical help right away: Falls often result in injuries that need immediate care. Contact emergency services to make sure your family member gets the treatment they need as soon as possible.
- Report the incident: It’s important to inform the nursing home about the fall and any concerns of neglect or abuse. This creates an official record of the incident, which can be valuable if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Collect evidence: To support any claims, start gathering evidence, such as photos of injuries and the environment where the fall occurred. Medical records are also essential. A nursing home attorney can guide you in collecting the necessary proof for your case.
- Consult with an attorney: Speaking with a skilled nursing home falls lawyer in Sandy Springs can help you take the right steps in holding the facility accountable for its neglect. We will work with you to ensure your loved one’s rights are protected and that the nursing home is held responsible.
Protecting Your Loved One with a Sandy Springs Nursing Home Falls Lawyer
Our legal team helps families hold nursing homes accountable for neglect that leads to fall injuries. We work hard to build a strong case and seek justice for your loved one. A Sandy Springs nursing home falls lawyer is here to protect their rights.
At Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law, we provide compassionate guidance and support during these already difficult times. We understand the emotional and physical toll such incidents can have on families, and we are committed to helping you seek justice for your loved one.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact Sandy Springs nursing home falls lawyer at Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law to learn how we can help ensure your family member’s safety and pursue justice for their suffering.