Recognizing Brain Injuries in Nursing Home Residents

An experienced attorney can fight to hold negligent facilities accountable

When families entrust a nursing home with the care of their loved ones, they expect a safe environment with proper medical attention. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to meet these expectations, putting residents at risk for serious injuries – especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and acquired brain injuries (ABIs).

TBIs and ABIs in nursing homes commonly result from physical abuse and neglect. These injuries often go unnoticed, as symptoms may be mistaken for normal aging or preexisting conditions. If left untreated, they can lead to permanent impairment – or in the worst-case scenario, a wrongful death.

If a nursing home’s negligence or abuse caused a brain injury, families have the right to demand justice. A Pennsylvania nursing home abuse and neglect attorney can investigate what happened, hold the facility accountable, and fight for the compensation and care your loved one deserves.

What are TBIs and ABIs?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden impact or force injures the brain. In nursing homes, this often results from falls, being dropped by staff, or physical abuse. Even a minor hit to the head can cause a TBI, leading to confusion, memory loss, or difficulty speaking. More serious TBIs can result in long-term brain damage or even death.

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is different because it’s not caused by an external blow. Instead, it happens when something inside the body disrupts normal brain function. In nursing homes, ABIs can be caused by choking, infections, lack of oxygen, or untreated medical conditions. These injuries can be just as dangerous as TBIs, leading to permanent cognitive or physical disabilities.

Both types of brain injuries are serious and require immediate medical attention.

Warning signs of brain injuries in nursing home residents

Brain injuries in nursing home residents can be difficult to spot, especially since symptoms may be mistaken for pre-existing, unrelated conditions. However, if a loved one shows sudden or unusual changes in their behavior, physical abilities, or overall health, it could be a sign of a traumatic or acquired brain injury. Recognizing these warning signs early is crucial for getting them the care they need. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

Confusion or disorientation: A resident seems lost, forgets things often, or struggles to follow conversations.
Sudden personality changes: Increased aggression, anxiety, or depression with no clear cause.
Slurred speech: Difficulty forming words or speaking clearly.
Unexplained falls or balance issues: Frequent stumbling, dizziness, or lack of coordination.
Severe headaches: Complaints of constant or worsening head pain.
Loss of consciousness: Even a brief blackout can indicate a serious injury.
Difficulty swallowing: Trouble eating or drinking, which may suggest an ABI from choking.
Seizures: Sudden shaking or convulsions.
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light: Vision problems that weren’t there before.
Unresponsiveness or extreme fatigue: Sleeping more than usual or being difficult to wake.
Weakness or numbness: Especially in the arms, legs, or one side of the body.
Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath or labored breathing.
Fractures: Broken bones, which may indicate falls or physical abuse.
Unusual bruises: Bruising in odd places or in patterns that suggest restraint or mistreatment.
Vomiting and poor nutrition: Frequent nausea, unexplained weight loss, or signs of dehydration.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act immediately. Brain injuries can get worse without treatment, and delays in care can lead to permanent damage.

Are brain injuries in nursing homes overlooked?

Brain injuries in nursing home residents don’t always get the attention they should. In many cases, symptoms are subtle or mistaken for other health issues, leading to delays in treatment. This puts residents at risk for worsening conditions, permanent damage, or even life-threatening complications. Families must be aware of the challenges in recognizing these injuries so they can step in when needed. Some of the most common reasons brain injuries go unnoticed in nursing homes include:

Symptoms resemble aging or other conditions: Memory loss, confusion, and personality changes can be mistaken for normal cognitive decline.
Residents may struggle to communicate: Some elderly residents have difficulty speaking or expressing discomfort, making it hard to report their symptoms.
Lack of proper medical evaluations: Nursing homes may downplay or ignore signs of brain injuries to avoid liability.
Fear of retaliation: If a resident suffered a brain injury due to abuse, they might be too scared to speak up.

When facilities fail to recognize or address these injuries, there can be devastating consequences. That’s why families must stay alert and take legal action if something seems wrong.

Should I contact a lawyer about a nursing home brain injury?

If your loved one has suffered a brain injury in a nursing home, you might be wondering whether you need legal help. While not every injury is caused by physical abuse, many could have been prevented with proper care. If you have suspicions that a nursing home failed to keep your loved one safe, delayed medical treatment, or tried to cover up what happened, it’s time to contact a lawyer.

A nursing home abuse and neglect attorney can help you determine whether your loved one’s injury was the result of negligence. Even if you’re unsure what caused the injury, an attorney can investigate the situation, gather evidence, and explain your legal options.

If any of the following apply, it’s a strong sign that you should reach out to a lawyer:

The nursing home staff can’t explain how the injury happened.
There were delays in getting medical care for your loved one.
The facility has a history of neglect, abuse, or safety violations.
You suspect physical abuse or mistreatment.
Staff members are dismissive, defensive, or avoiding your questions.

When a nursing home is responsible for a brain injury, they should be held accountable. Your lawyer will help make sure that happens.

How can a nursing home abuse lawyer help me?

If a nursing home’s negligence caused your loved one’s brain injury, a lawyer can help you hold them accountable. An experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney will help you file a complaint, investigate what happened, gather medical records, and speak with experts to prove the facility’s wrongdoing. They can also handle all communication with the nursing home and its insurance company, making sure you don’t get pressured into accepting a low settlement.

Beyond seeking compensation for medical bills and suffering, legal action can help prevent future harm to other residents. Nursing homes must be held to high standards, and when they fail, they should face consequences. A lawyer can guide you through the process and fight to get justice for your loved one.

Trusted legal help for your family is just a call away

If you believe your loved one is suffering from brain injuries due to nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s crucial to act quickly. The effects of these injuries can be devastating, not just physically, but emotionally and financially as well. At Hal Waldman & Associates, we understand the challenges of nursing home abuse cases and the long-lasting impact they have on both victims and their families. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to helping you navigate this difficult time with compassion and professionalism.

With over 40 years of experience fighting for victims of nursing home abuse in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania, our firm is dedicated to getting you the justice and compensation your family deserves. We will guide you through every step of the legal process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your loved one’s safety. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you ensure that your family is cared for and protected.

“Hands down the best law firm I have had the pleasure of working with. They set realistic expectations and are committed to the best outcomes for their clients.” – Dawn D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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