Falls in hospitals and nursing homes are almost always preventable. Unfortunately, they still occur fairly often and can result in very serious injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of an unwarranted fall in a nursing home or hospital, you need to contact a Houston, Texas hospital & nursing home falls lawyer from Davis & Davis today. We are here to help you fight for the maximum compensation.
Houston, Texas Lawyer | Holding Wrongdoers Responsible for Hospital & Nursing Home Falls
When a fall injury happens as a result of medical malpractice, or negligence of a hospital or nursing home, taking legal action can help others as well as the patient and their family. Financial penalties and other legal sanctions can help promote improvements in procedures that may prevent future falls. At the same time, compensation can provide the patient with needed medical treatments, increased levels of needed care, and acknowledgment of emotional pain. A Houston hospital error lawyer can help hold these careless parties accountable.
Helping Victims & Their Families Get the Answers They Need
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a federal agency, has classified death associated with a fall as a “never event” for institutions caring for patients receiving Medicare or Medicaid. In other words, such an event should never happen because falls are preventable. Naturally, after a fall, an injured person and/or family members want to know, first of all, “Why did this happen?”
Nursing Home Falls
Falls in nursing homes represent a serious and often overlooked danger for elderly residents. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and complications that diminish quality of life and, in some cases, even prove fatal. Nursing home staff are expected to maintain a safe environment and monitor residents’ physical conditions to prevent falls. However, a lack of adequate staffing, improper training, and facility neglect often increase the risks for falls.
The elderly are particularly susceptible due to issues like balance instability, weakened muscles, and vision impairments. Medications that cause dizziness or blood pressure fluctuations further exacerbate these risks. A comprehensive fall prevention strategy, including regular assessments of each resident’s risk factors, can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls, yet such precautions are frequently absent in nursing homes where negligence is present.
When a nursing home fails to provide the necessary supervision or a safe environment, families may consider seeking legal guidance to address the harm caused by neglect. At Davis & Davis, we understand the physical and emotional toll these incidents take on families. If you suspect your family member’s fall was due to nursing home negligence, reach out to learn how we may help.
Common Causes of Falls in Care Facilities
Falls in hospitals and nursing homes happen for reasons ranging from overmedication to understaffing. Some reasons, such as medication errors, may amount to medical malpractice. Others may be classified as general negligence. Either way, a legal claim or lawsuit may bring relief.
The first step in an investigation will be to explore the facts and related background information about:
- The person who fell, including known fall risks
- The nature of the injuries caused by a fall and their costs
- The actions or inaction of medical professionals who were prescribing or administering care
- The care facility’s protocols and practices, both in general and with regard to the injured person
- The organization’s response to the fall
Reconstruction of the factors leading to the fall can help determine who is liable to compensate the injured person or their family. This is a job for an experienced lawyer, in collaboration with others who can provide relevant information.
Common Injuries Sustained After a Nursing Home Fall
Falls in nursing homes often lead to serious injuries. Common injuries resulting from nursing home falls include:
- Hip fractures: Hip fractures are among the most severe injuries sustained in nursing home falls. Due to the brittle nature of aging bones, a fall can easily lead to a break that may require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and can even result in long-term mobility challenges.
- Head injuries: Falls can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially if the resident hits their head on the floor or nearby furniture. Even minor head injuries can have significant effects on cognitive function and may worsen pre-existing conditions like dementia.
- Broken bones and fractures: In addition to hips, other bones, such as wrists, arms, and legs, are commonly broken in falls. These fractures can lead to extended hospital stays, physical therapy, and a loss of independence.
- Spinal injuries: Falls can also result in spinal injuries, which are particularly debilitating and may lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and can drastically impact a resident’s quality of life.
- Soft tissue injuries: While they might seem minor, bruises, sprains, and ligament tears are painful and can limit mobility. For elderly residents, even minor injuries can lead to further complications if they restrict movement and increase the risk of future falls.
The impact of these injuries goes beyond physical pain. They can lead to a loss of independence, emotional distress, and increased care needs. If you suspect a nursing home’s negligence contributed to your family member’s fall, Davis & Davis may be able to assist. Contact us today at (888) 522-9444 for a free consultation.
How Davis & Davis Can Help You
Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, is a valuable resource for you and your family after a fall in a hospital or nursing home. We are one of the few law firms in Texas that still take on challenging cases involving medical malpractice and nursing home negligence. We encourage you to work with one of our attorneys to explore your potential injury claim or lawsuit, or wrongful death claim. We know the laws and can get your case off the ground quickly.
Contact a Hospital & Nursing Home Fall Attorney Today
All cases at our Houston firm involving falls in hospitals or nursing homes begin with a free consultation. Attorneys’ fees are not due until and unless we recover compensation for you through negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. To schedule a free consultation with our Houston, Texas hospital & nursing home falls lawyers, simply contact us online today. We are here to help you in any way we can.
