What Should You Do If Your Family Member Falls in a Nursing Home?

A fall in a nursing home can change everything. It’s one of the most common causes of injury among residents, often leading to broken bones, head trauma, and serious complications. Even if injuries aren’t visible right away, they can surface later, making immediate action essential.

In Nebraska, falls happen too often—sometimes due to unavoidable circumstances, but many times because of preventable neglect. If your loved one has fallen, here’s what you need to know.

Why Falls Happen and What to Do Next

Falls don’t just happen. Aging brings balance issues and weakened muscles, but other factors often contribute, including:

• Poor lighting, wet floors, or unsafe facility conditions
• Medication side effects causing dizziness or confusion
• Staff shortages leading to a lack of supervision
• Failure to provide needed mobility aids or fall prevention measures

If your loved one has fallen, seek medical attention immediately, document the incident with photos, and request an official report from the facility. Be sure to ask what measures will be taken to prevent future falls.

Could This Be Neglect?

If falls continue to occur, your loved one appears withdrawn or in pain, or staff seem hesitant to answer questions, it may be a sign to look deeper into the situation. Review their care plan, check whether safety measures were followed, and, if necessary, file a complaint with Nebraska state agencies. Nursing homes are responsible for keeping residents safe—when they fail, they must be held accountable.

Protecting Your Loved One’s Rights

A preventable fall can result in costly medical care, lasting health issues, and unnecessary suffering. If negligence was a factor, legal action may help cover medical expenses, pain, and emotional distress.

If your loved one has suffered a fall in a Nebraska nursing home, call The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, at (402) 933-0588 to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help protect your family’s rights.