What Are Signs to Watch for After a Fall in a Nursing Home?
Falls in nursing homes are a prevalent and serious issue, affecting a significant proportion of the elderly population each year. This blog post aims to shed light on the signs to watch for after such an incident and the potential legal implications, providing valuable information for families and caregivers of nursing home residents.
Understanding the Risk Factors for Falls in Nursing Homes
Falls often occur due to a combination of individual and environmental factors. Age-related changes, chronic health conditions, medication side effects, and mobility problems can increase an individual's risk. On the environmental side, hazards such as poor lighting, wet floors, or inadequate assistive devices can contribute to falls.
Signs to Watch for After a Fall in a Nursing Home
After a fall, it is crucial to look for signs of injury or distress. Physical signs could include bruising, cuts, fractures, and changes in mobility or functionality. Psychological signs may involve changes in behavior, withdrawal, fear of standing or walking, or signs of depression or anxiety. Additionally, a sudden increase in medication, worsening health, or new diagnoses could indicate complications following a fall. Noticing administrative changes, like alterations in staffing or procedures, or reluctance to discuss the incident can also be telling.
Understanding the Legal Implications of a Fall in a Nursing Home
Nursing homes have a duty of care toward their residents, and if a fall occurs due to negligence, there may be legal implications. This could involve a failure to provide a safe environment, inadequate staffing, or improper training. Victims or their families may have the right to file a lawsuit for damages. Evidence, such as medical records and incident reports, is crucial in establishing negligence. Outcomes of legal action can vary but may include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
Steps to Take After a Fall in a Nursing Home
Immediate medical attention is paramount after a fall to ensure any injuries are promptly and properly treated. Documenting the incident, including the conditions leading to the fall and the aftermath, is key. Reporting the incident to nursing home management and, if necessary, local authorities, is an important step. Consulting with a legal professional can provide a clearer understanding of your rights and potential next steps.
Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer
If a loved one has been injured in an Illinois nursing home fall, an experienced Aurora nursing home attorney can help. Our lawyers represent clients from all across the state and have extensive experience handling these types of cases. We provide legal advice tailored to each client’s individual needs and guide them through every step of the process. Call 630-907-0909 at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6365117/
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1225&ChapterID=21
