Falls in Nursing Homes
Call a Tampa attorney who will fight for the rights of your loved one
Nursing home residents often have limited mobility. This can result in falls, leaving them with serious injuries. But too many times, preventable falls are the result of nursing home abuse and neglect. An experienced attorney can hold negligent facilities accountable and help the injured recover financial compensation.
But getting the compensation you deserve can be complicated. At Armando Personal Injury Law, we know what it takes to build strong cases that nursing homes and their insurance companies have to take seriously. Attorney Armando Edmiston can guide you through the legal process every step of the way and is dedicated to getting the results you need.
Nursing homes have a responsibility to prevent falls
When nursing home residents fall, they can suffer concussions or a more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBI), hip fractures, broken bones in the arms or legs, and other injuries. This can result in the need for further medical treatment – including surgery, pain medication, and physical therapy. Their ability to take part in their usual activities can be restricted.
Nursing homes should be aware that their residents have mobility issues, and they have a responsibility to take steps that can help prevent falls from happening. These steps may include:
- Installing grab bars and handrails in certain areas
- Properly securing or getting rid of area rugs and mats
- Repairing any flooring that is loose or unsafe
- Making sure the facility is well-lit (especially important for residents with impaired vision)
- Ensuring there are enough staff members to assist residents
- Providing protective clothing and equipment as needed
- Adjusting bed and wheelchair heights appropriately
- Ensuring residents have proper footwear (such as rubber-soled shoes)
- Ensuring residents receive proper nutrition and hydration to prevent fainting
- Promoting exercise and activity for residents to maintain strength and balance
Certain medications and medical devices can increase a resident’s risk of falling. Nursing homes need to be aware of residents’ unique risks and take proactive steps to prevent falls. They also need to immediately intervene and get appropriate treatment to the resident when a fall does occur.
What to do if you suspect nursing home neglect after a fall
Your loved one fell at a nursing home facility. The most important thing is to make sure your loved one’s injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
Could this fall have been prevented? It can be difficult to tell sometimes. But you know when something doesn’t seem right. If you have concerns about what happened, talk to the facility administrator. Be sure to document your visit, including the time and date of your meeting and what was discussed.
Then, contact an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney. You may not be sure if you have a case. But it’s important to know where you stand. In Florida, the statute of limitations for taking legal action is two years from the date of your loved one’s fall. But it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible.
An attorney can meet with you and listen as you describe what happened to your loved one. You can learn about your legal options for recovering financial compensation and get answers to any questions you have. A lawyer can also give you an idea of what to expect if you move forward with your claim.
Our attorneys hold nursing homes accountable for falls
Nursing homes often deny that neglect played any role in a resident’s injuries from a fall. They may simply dismiss what happened as an unfortunate accident that couldn’t be prevented. Their explanation of the fall may be vague, and they may even fail to document it. At Armando Personal Injury Law, we know how to investigate to get the facts.
Our legal team takes action to gain access to medical records, hiring and supervision records, maintenance records, and other evidence. We identify and interview witnesses. And if needed, we consult experts who can help us understand how the fall happened and whether it could have been prevented.
Attorney Armando Edmiston can determine the total damages your loved one suffered and demand compensation. This includes compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to injuries suffered in the fall, as well as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages.
Our clients are like family, and we are determined to help you get the best possible results – whether that’s through a negotiated settlement or a jury award.
Schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer today
If your loved one was injured in a fall in a Florida nursing home, learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.