Causes and Complications of Nursing Home Falls

Experienced Legal Representation for NJ Nursing Home Residents

Falls are a serious health risk for nursing home residents. The average nursing home reports one to two falls per resident each year, and we know that many more falls go unreported. Nursing home residents who fall frequently suffer serious injuries, and in many cases, these injuries lead to further complications that can have long-term (or permanent) consequences.

Common Causes of Falls in Nursing Homes

In general, the elderly tend to be more at-risk for falls than younger members of the population. Our bodies begin to deteriorate as we age, and loss of bone mass, muscle strength, cognition, and coordination are all factors that can contribute to an increased risk for falls. Elderly individuals who live in nursing homes are often particularly at-risk for falls, due to the conditions necessitating nursing home care.

While nursing homes are supposed to provide necessary assistance to residents who are at-risk for falls, the data show that many nursing homes fall far short of meeting their obligations. In fact, while only about five percent of senior citizens live in nursing homes, 20 percent of all fall-related deaths among the elderly occur under nursing home care.

Some of the factors that lead to falls in nursing homes include:

  • Failure to adequately assess residents’ fall risks
  • Failure to adequately monitor residents who are at-risk for falls
  • Medical equipment left in hallways and residents’ rooms
  • Slippery floors, torn carpet, as well as other slip and trip hazards
  • Use of inappropriate restraints
  • Lack of handrails in hallways and stairwells

Oftentimes, these causes will rise to the level of nursing home negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of nursing home negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. While nursing home staff may try to convince you that certain fall risks are “normal,” the truth is that no one should have to face the risk of fall-related injuries while under nursing home care.

Injuries and Complications from Falls

For the elderly in particular, falls can lead to serious injuries and complications. Some of the most common fall-related injuries resulting from inadequate nursing home care include:

  • Back and spinal cord injuries
  • Broken hips and other bone fractures
  • Concussions and other head injuries
  • Severe cuts and bruises

In addition, as a result of their fall-related injuries, many nursing home residents experience additional complications, as well. These can include things like:

  • Bedsores
  • Infections
  • Incontinence
  • Stress and anxiety
  • The need for long-term prescriptions or medical devices

Like falls themselves, many complications can – and should – be avoided with proper care. Unfortunately, many nursing home residents who have fallen still do not receive the level of care that they deserve.

Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers Serving Bergen & Hudson, NJ

At the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C., we provide experienced, compassionate legal representation for nursing home fall victims and their families in Bergen and Hudson Counties. If you would like to speak with an attorney about you or your loved one’s legal rights, give us a call at (201) 928-0300 or submit our online consultation form today.