Older adults are generally more vulnerable than younger people when same-level falls occur. A same-level fall, possibly due to a slip, trip or loss of balance, can easily cause fractures or broken bones for older adults.
Older adults are at higher risk of sustaining a fracture initially and may have a harder time recovering from a fall-related injury than younger adults. Concerns about fall risk and the inability to provide hands-on care consistently are often why families choose to move older adults to nursing homes.
If significant, preventable falls occur in a nursing home facility, family members may sometimes have grounds to allege that negligence caused their loved one’s injuries.
Falls are a known safety issue
The chances of an older adult falling depend on numerous details about their health. Generally speaking, nursing homes should conduct a fall risk assessment when an older adult moves into an assisted care facility. They should also reassess the resident occasionally as their health issues evolve over time.
In addition to identifying those most at risk of a fall, nursing homes should ensure they have enough workers on hand to meet the care needs of their residents. Leaving people without support when they need to go to the bathroom or get dressed for the day can result in them attempting to manage those activities without support and then getting hurt.
When understaffing or a failure to assess an older adult contributed to their fall injuries, nursing home negligence may be the true underlying cause of their injuries. Families can sometimes pursue nursing home negligence lawsuits after a fall increases care costs and diminishes the quality of life for an older adult. Reviewing medical records with a legal professional can help families identify and address signs of negligent care accordingly.