Falls and Fractures: A Serious Issue in Nursing Homes

Bone Fractures

For younger individuals, a simple fracture might heal without lasting effects. However, as people age, the healing process becomes less efficient, and fractures often do not heal fully or properly. Additionally, a bone fracture can restrict mobility, leading to further injuries.

In nursing homes, improper supervision or mishandling by staff can result in falls and fractures that severely impact health. Common fractures in nursing homes include:

• Hip
• Arm
• Leg
• Neck vertebrae
• Spinal vertebrae
• Skull

Fractures in elderly patients are often more complex, with bones breaking into multiple pieces or shattering completely. Compound fractures, where broken bones penetrate the skin, can lead to severe complications.

Other Injuries from Falls

While fractures are common, falls can also result in other serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Falls can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, leading to tissue damage. If a head injury causes brain bleeding, the effects may not be immediately apparent but can result in permanent mental or physical incapacity or even death. Falls can also lead to spinal injuries, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life.

Treatment Delays

Unfortunately, nursing home patients often do not receive prompt treatment for falls and fractures. Staff may ignore complaints, leaving patients to suffer in pain for extended periods before seeking medical attention. Head injuries, in particular, may go unnoticed, causing symptoms to worsen over time. Complaints from nursing home patients are often met with indifference, and necessary medical care is delayed or denied.

Causes of Falls

Many nursing home falls result from inadequate care and supervision. Poorly maintained equipment also contributes to falls. Both staff actions and equipment conditions are controlled by nursing home owners and managers, making them potentially liable for injuries caused by falls. At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, we investigate the causes of falls to determine how the nursing home failed in its responsibilities. For instance, a nursing home might be liable for not posting or providing staff with necessary precautions to prevent falls for at-risk patients.

Get Help After a Fall from Nebraska’s Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Law Firm

The negligent practices that lead to falls and resulting fractures, head injuries, spinal trauma, and other injuries must be stopped. By taking legal action against a negligent nursing home, you can highlight these issues and drive change. At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, we are dedicated to obtaining justice for injury victims and improving care for future patients. For a confidential, free consultation to discuss a nursing home fall or other incidents, contact our team today.