Originally published: October 19, 2021 -- Updated: January 5, 2023
Update: In addition to understanding the causes of falls in nursing homes, as discussed below, it is also important to understand the different types of injuries that can occur in these situations. Elderly or disabled nursing home residents are often in frail physical condition, and an incident that may have caused minor injuries to others may result in serious complications affecting their health and well-being. Common injuries in these types of fall accidents include:
- Broken bones - Broken hips and other bone fractures are some of the most common injuries nursing home residents suffer in falls. Elderly people often have brittle bones, especially if they suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis, and sustained fractures may never heal properly. This may cause them to experience severe pain and issues that affect their mobility.
- Head trauma - Nursing home residents may suffer from concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or even skull fractures in a fall accident. When a person experiences diminished reflexes or does not have the physical strength to brace themselves against a fall, they may strike their head on the ground or other objects, resulting in severe injuries that may lead to permanent impairment or death.
- Internal organ damage - Damage to organs, especially the lungs and spleen, is a relatively common nursing home injury that can occur in a fall. If nursing home staff do not provide prompt medical attention after a fall, a resident may suffer from internal bleeding or organ failure.
- Spinal cord injuries - Falls are one of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries in nursing home residents. These types of incidents may lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, and a nursing home resident may experience excruciating pain, mobility issues, and other health complications.
- Severe bruising, lacerations, or sprains - In some cases, these types of nursing home injuries can cause a nursing home resident to experience long-term complications or chronic pain. These issues may also lead to other complications, such as serious infections, that may affect a person's overall health.
It is important to understand the risks nursing home residents face and the types of injuries they can suffer as a result of negligence. If your loved one has been injured in a fall accident that took place at a nursing home, the DuPage County nursing home negligence lawyers of Kaiser Hafezi Law can investigate the incident and determine if a nursing home facility is liable for the damages your family has suffered. Contact us at 630-233-9946 to arrange a free consultation today.
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