Are Nursing Homes Liable for Falls & Fractures?

Fight nursing home neglect with the help of a trusted attorney

Falls in nursing homes are a serious issue, often leading to painful fractures and long-term complications for elderly residents. Nursing homes are meant to provide care, safety, and support, but when a facility fails to follow the proper standards, serious injuries – such as fractures from falls – can happen. If your loved one has suffered a broken bone in a nursing home, you may be wondering what went wrong, whether neglect played a role, and what legal options you have. Your family deserves justice and those responsible can and should be held accountable.

What are the common causes of falls in nursing homes?

Falls are one of the most common – and dangerous – incidents in nursing homes. While some falls may be accidental, many occur due to negligence. Common causes of falls include:

Issues with staff: When there aren’t enough staff members or when staff are inexperienced, they may not be able to assist residents properly. This can lead to accidents, like falls, especially when residents need help moving or getting out of bed. Without enough trained staff to keep an eye on everyone, it’s easier for falls to happen.
Hazardous conditions: Poor lighting, wet floors, or obstacles such as loose rugs can make it easy for residents to trip and fall. If the nursing home doesn’t keep the environment safe and clean, these hazards can lead to serious injuries like fractures and broken bones.
Improper use of equipment: Nursing homes often rely on special equipment, such as walkers or bedrails, to help residents move safely. If this equipment is used incorrectly or isn’t properly maintained, it can cause accidents. For example, a walker that isn’t adjusted to the right height or a bedrail that’s loose could easily lead to a fall.
Medication errors and side effects: Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. If residents take the wrong medication or if their dosage is incorrect, it can make them unsteady on their feet, increasing the risk of a fall. Staff should closely monitor medications and be aware of any side effects.

Warning signs to look for after a nursing home fracture

If your loved one suffered a fracture in a nursing home, you may be wondering whether it was truly an accident or if neglect played a role. Here are some warning signs to be aware of that could uncover that the injury resulted from negligence:

Unexplained or delayed medical attention: If staff cannot clearly explain how the injury occurred or there was a delay in seeking medical help, this could indicate negligence.
Bruises, cuts, or additional injuries: Other signs of physical trauma may suggest a fall was not properly reported.
Inconsistent or changing stories: If nursing home staff give different explanations about what happened, it may be a red flag.
Fear or anxiety in your loved one: If they seem scared, withdrawn, or hesitant to talk about their injury, they may be hiding details due to fear of retaliation.
History of falls: If the nursing home has a history of frequent falls, it may indicate that they are not implementing proper safety measures to prevent accidents.

Can you take action against a nursing home for a fall-related fracture?

Yes, you can take action if a nursing home’s negligence led to your loved one suffering a fall and a resulting fracture. Nursing homes are legally responsible for ensuring a safe environment for residents and taking steps to prevent injuries. If they fail in this duty, they can be held accountable for the harm caused.

If you believe your loved one’s fall was due to neglect or unsafe conditions at the nursing home, you have a few options to pursue action:

File a complaint with the PA Department of Health: You can file a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Health if you suspect negligence. They will investigate your claim and take appropriate action to hold the nursing home accountable.
File a complaint with the PA Long-Term Care Ombudsman: The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the rights of residents in nursing homes. They can help you file a complaint and work toward a resolution if you feel your loved one’s safety and care are being ignored.
Speak with a lawyer: Talking to an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can ensure a smoother filing process. They can guide you through the necessary steps, including reporting the issue and preparing your case. If you’re considering a lawsuit, a lawyer can advise you on the best course of action to take based on your situation.

Taking these steps can help protect your loved one and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

Who can be held responsible for a fall-related injury?

Several parties may share responsibility in cases of nursing home falls:

The nursing home: If the facility failed to implement proper fall prevention strategies, lacked sufficient staffing, or ignored known risks within the environment, they could be held liable for the injuries sustained by residents.
Staff members: Caregivers and nursing staff have a duty to assist residents with mobility and daily activities. If a staff member’s negligence, such as not providing necessary assistance or failing to follow safety protocols, contributes to a fall, they could be held personally responsible.
Third-party contractors: In some cases, outside companies are contracted to maintain the facility’s safety, such as repairing equipment or ensuring proper lighting and flooring. If these third parties fail in their duties and contribute to unsafe conditions, they may share in the liability for the fall-related injury.

An experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can investigate the fall, gather evidence, and determine who is legally responsible.

Preventing falls in nursing homes

Falls in nursing homes can often lead to broken bones, especially when facilities neglect to take proper precautions. Nursing homes have a responsibility to minimize fall risks by conducting regular fall risk assessments, ensuring there is enough staffing to assist residents, and maintaining a clean, hazard-free environment. When these measures are ignored or improperly handled, residents can easily slip, trip, and fall.

Here are some steps you can take to help ensure your loved ones stay safe:

Visit frequently and observe the facility’s conditions, making sure safety protocols are being followed.
Speak with staff about your loved one’s fall risk and discuss their fall prevention plan.
Ensure your loved one has properly fitted shoes and assistive devices that improve mobility and balance.
Ask about the side effects of medications and their potential risks for causing dizziness or other fall-related issues.
Advocate for a care plan that prioritizes fall prevention and regular checks on your loved one’s safety.

Take action to protect your loved one and contact a nursing home neglect lawyer today

If your loved one suffered a fracture in a Pennsylvania nursing home, don’t assume it was just an accident. When it comes to nursing home neglect, facilities often look the other way or try and hide it. You have the right to seek justice for your family. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can help you hold negligent facilities accountable and pursue the compensation your family deserves.

At Hal Waldman & Associates, we understand how devastating cases of nursing home abuse and neglect can be. That’s why we are dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help your family.

“Hal Waldman & Associates could not be more professional and responsive. Outstanding guidance!” – Rachel L., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Click here for a printable PDF of this article, “Are Nursing Homes Liable for Falls & Fractures?”