Elderly Falls in Nursing Homes
Having to have an extended stay in a hospital or place a loved one in a nursing home is hard enough. When a fall occurs sometimes the family is left with little answers and lots of subterfuge on the part of the risk mangers for the nursing home.
The Centers for disease control and prevention report that "each year, an average nursing home with 100 beds reports 100 to 200 falls about 1,800 older adults living in nursing homes die each year from fall-related injuries. Those who experience non-fatal falls can suffer injuries, have difficulty getting around and have a reduced quality of life."
Falls should be prevented. Each patient is required to under go an initial assessment of their condition including a fall risk assessment. If the risks for falling is high the care provider needs to take extra precaution to prevent a fall. This is often difficult because nursing homes are often under staffed.
In a recent fall case, I took the deposition of the Nurses Assistant after she described all of her job duties and all the patients she was responsible for, I asked if she had enough time to complete her regular job duties let alone prove extra care to someone with a high risk for falls. She laughed in frustration claiming she could barely due her job while the administrators keep asking her to do more, and she admits this impacted patient care. Tragic results occurred when my client who was a high fall risk tried to get out of his wheel chair, fell and hit his head. We were able to get his family a substantial recovery.
Evaluating nursing home abuse and neglect cases requires a skilled and caring attorney. One that will push and push to get answers and results for their clients.
If you have a loved one who has been neglected or abused in a nursing home please contact The Halpern Law Firm to speak to attorney who care, listen and help.
