While falls happen to people all the time, they’re a serious concern for older adults. Many older people who slip and fall are vulnerable to injuries like hip fractures, which can greatly reduce their mobility and may lead to death. Though many slip and fall accidents are natural, some are preventable and are caused by human error, including by nursing home staff. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1,800 people in nursing homes die every year after falls. If your loved one has been injured after a fall, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bostic Law Group, P.A. for help. Our Charleston nursing home slip and fall accident attorneys are passionate about helping individuals and families, including those who have suffered at the hands of abusive and neglectful nursing home staff members.
Contact our team online or by phone at (843) 350-9646 to take advantage of your legal consultation. Our team operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay until we win.
WHY ARE FALLS MORE COMMON IN NURSING HOMES?
Today there are more than 1.4 million Americans older than 65 who live in nursing homes, and according to statistics, between 50 and 60 percent of nursing facility residents fall every year. One of the main reasons why older adults living in nursing homes tend to fall more is because they’re usually frailer than adults who continue to live at home or in a community setting. Research shows that nursing home residents are typically older and suffer from more chronic conditions than other senior citizens.
However, it’s possible that your loved one fell not because of their own accord, but as a result of nursing home neglect. Our attorneys know that all nursing homes, including those in South Carolina, must pass safety inspections and are required to train their staff to anticipate these issues and prevent them.
COMMON CAUSES OF FALLS
Nursing homes, like any other business, are obligated to keep their premises safe for residents and visitors alike. This includes not only removing hazards like wet or slippery flooring, but also properly supervising residents and help them move around if they need it.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents in nursing homes include:
- Poor lighting in walkways or common areas
- Wet or slippery floors where residents are walking
- Unsecured rugs or torn carpeting that residents can trip over
- Failing to install handrails by walkways and ramps
- Failing to provide residents with canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and other equipment for mobility
- Leaving items on the ground
- Failing to secure electrical or medical cords
- Not helping residents move around the facility or to the bathroom
- Improperly securing residents in their wheelchairs
Injuries from slip and falls can be severe. Besides hip fractures, older adults can suffer from spinal cord injuries, head trauma and brain injuries, internal bleeding, fractured wrists or arms, and back and neck injuries. Injuries can be made worse if surgery is required for treatment, as other complications may arise because of other health conditions. Even if the injury isn’t life-threatening, it could result in permanent immobility for the older adult.
WHY YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY
Nursing home abuse might not be obvious. While many people associate abuse with being physically or sexually harmed by another person, nursing home abuse can also include neglect. It’s possible that the nursing home’s neglect is what led to your loved one’s fall and injuries.
Even if you’re unsure whether the nursing home is responsible, it’s important that you consult with our attorneys so we can investigate the accident as soon as possible. The sooner we get started, the sooner we can collect evidence of liability before it disappears. Our team can talk to witnesses, review records, obtain video surveillance footage, and more to ensure that your family is able to secure the compensation you need to help your loved one heal.
Our team can recover the following damages when we work on your claim:
- Additional medical bills, including emergency costs like surgery and hospitalization
- Costs of future care, including medical equipment, medications, and more
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
We understand how traumatic this time must be for both your injured loved one and your family. We choose nursing homes based on trustworthiness, and we expect them to take good care of our family members. Unfortunately, nursing homes can sometimes not meet standards of care. If this is the case, we’re willing to go after your goals and hold negligent parties responsible for their actions on your behalf.
Call (843) 350-9646 to get the help you need from our Charleston nursing home slip and fall accident attorneys. You shouldn’t have to pay for the mistakes of others.
