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Long Beach Attorneys Handling Falls in Nursing Homes
Skilled advocacy when California nursing home residents are injured in falls
Many seniors in nursing homes suffer falls for a variety of reasons. The impact of falls on senior citizens in nursing homes goes far beyond physical injuries. These incidents can lead to a loss of independence, increased fear, and a decline in overall well-being. Families entrust nursing homes with the care of their elderly loved ones, expecting that they will receive the attention and assistance they require. When this trust is breached, it is essential to take action.
At Garcia & Artigliere, our Long Beach attorneys believe that nursing homes have a duty to provide a safe and secure environment for their residents. If your loved one has experienced a fall due to nursing home neglect, our compassionate and experienced legal team is here to fight for justice. We are dedicated to holding these facilities accountable and ensuring that the rights of our senior citizens are protected. With over 150 years of combined experience, let us be the California law firm you can trust.
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How often do senior citizens fall?
The CDC reports that “Falls among adults 65 and older caused over 36,000 deaths in 2020, making it the leading cause of injury death for that group.” They also note that, in 2020, three million older adults visited emergency rooms for falls. Further:
- One out of five falls causes severe injuries like a broken bone or head injury
- Over 800,000 people are hospitalized a year for fall injuries
- 300,000 older patients are hospitalized a year for hip fractures
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
It is important that nursing homes and assisted living facilities institute fall prevention and keep a special eye on residents who may be at heightened risk for falls.
Who is most at risk for falls?
Many factors can contribute to an increased risk of falls among seniors. Some of the most common risk factors include:
- Age. As people age, their balance, mobility, and muscle strength may decline, making them more susceptible to falls.
- Physical health. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and neurological disorders can affect balance and increase the risk of falling.
- Medications. Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in blood pressure, which may lead to falls.
- Muscle weakness. Lack of exercise and muscle strength can impact stability and increase the likelihood of falling.
- Impaired vision. Poor eyesight or untreated eye conditions can hinder a person's ability to navigate their surroundings safely.
- Environmental hazards. Clutter, slippery floors, inadequate lighting, and uneven surfaces can create hazards in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- History of falls. Individuals who have experienced falls in the past are at a higher risk of falling again.
- Cognitive impairment. Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia can lead to confusion and disorientation, increasing the likelihood of falls.
- Foot problems. Issues with footwear or foot pain can affect balance and stability.
It's important to identify and address these risk factors to implement preventive measures and reduce the chances of falls, especially among vulnerable populations like senior citizens in nursing homes. Regular exercise, building or room modifications, medication reviews, and ongoing monitoring can significantly mitigate the risk of falls and improve the overall safety and well-being of individuals at risk.
If you or your loved one were injured in a preventable fall, the Long Beach attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere want to help. Remember, you have rights.
What types of injuries result from falls?
Falls can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on factors such as the height of the fall, the age and health of the individual, and the surface they land on. Some common injuries resulting from falls include:
- Fractures. Falls often lead to fractures, with hip fractures being particularly common among older adults. Other frequently affected bones include wrists, arms, ankles, and legs.
- Head injuries. Head injuries can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head trauma can have long-term cognitive and neurological effects.
- Bruises and contusions. These are common minor injuries resulting from falls, but they can still cause discomfort and pain.
- Sprains and strains. Falls may cause ligaments and muscles to stretch or tear, resulting in sprains and strains.
- Cuts and abrasions. Falling on a hard surface may cause cuts, scrapes, and abrasions, which can range from minor to more serious wounds.
- Dislocations. A fall may lead to joint dislocations, particularly in areas like the shoulders or hips.
- Spinal cord injuries. In severe cases, falls can cause damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site.
- Internal injuries. Falls can result in internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent but require urgent medical attention.
For older adults, even seemingly minor injuries from falls can have significant consequences, affecting their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. In some cases, the fall itself may be fatal. It's essential to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of falls and ensure a safe environment, especially in nursing homes and other care facilities where the residents may be more vulnerable to such incidents.
How can nursing homes reduce the risk of falls?
There are several things that nursing homes can do to reduce the risk of falls. The first step is to identify residents who are at risk of falling. This can be done by conducting a fall risk assessment, which will look at factors such as the resident's age, medical history, and mobility.
Once residents at risk have been identified, nursing homes can implement fall prevention interventions. These interventions may include:
- Strength and balance training. This can help to improve the resident's ability to prevent falls.
- Environmental modifications. This can include things like removing clutter from the floor, installing grab bars in the bathroom, and using non-slip flooring.
- Medication review. Some medications can increase the risk of falls, so it is important to review the resident's medications to make sure that they are not taking anything that could put them at risk.
All staff members who interact with residents should be trained in fall prevention. This training should cover how to identify residents at risk, how to implement fall prevention interventions, and how to respond to falls.
By implementing these measures, nursing homes can help to reduce the risk of falls and keep their residents safe.
Do you have an attorney who handles nursing home neglect near me?
Garcia & Artigliere has offices at 180 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1100, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Experienced California attorneys handling nursing home fall claims
If your loved one has experienced a preventable fall in a nursing home, it's time to seek justice and demand accountability. At Garcia & Artigliere, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of seniors and their families. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of handling fall-related cases, and we are ready to fight tirelessly on your behalf. Don't let neglect go unnoticed – reach out to us today for a free, confidential consultation. We'll listen to your story, assess your claim, and guide you through the process of seeking the compensation and closure you deserve. Call our Long Beach offices or fill out our contact form today.
We only collect attorney fees if we win your case. We maintain additional offices in Los Angeles, New Orleans, Phoenix, and Louisville.. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.
Se habla español.