Falls are one of the most serious risks for nursing home residents, with 5.3% of falls leading to serious injuries and complications. Even more concerning, 8% of these falls are linked to resident care issues, raising questions about negligence among nursing home owners, administrators, and staff.

If your loved one suffers a fall injury in a nursing home, you may be left with questions like: “Was this accident avoidable?” or “Could better care have prevented it?” Falls often happen because staff fail to provide proper supervision, maintain safe conditions, or meet nursing residents’ individual needs.

Understanding who is responsible after a fall can help you take the appropriate action to protect your family member. At Fieger Law, our Michigan nursing home abuse attorneys investigate these incidents to learn the truth, hold the negligent care facilities accountable, and pursue justice for your family.

Common Causes of Falls in Nursing Homes

Falls in nursing homes often occur due to hazards that could have been avoided with the proper precautions. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Slippery floors due to spills or inadequate cleaning practices
  • Inadequate staffing leading to delayed assistance
  • Improperly maintained equipment, such as faulty wheelchairs or beds
  • Failure to assess fall risks, especially for residents with mobility issues

Preventing falls should be a priority for any nursing home facility. If your loved one fell due to unsafe conditions, consider seeking legal support. Contact a nursing home abuse attorney at Fieger Law today to learn your legal options.

Factors That Can Lead to Negligence

When a nursing home neglects its responsibility to protect residents, it can lead to devastating fall injuries. These facilities have a duty to create a safe environment and take reasonable steps to prevent harm.

Failing to meet this duty may result in liability, particularly in situations such as:

  • Inadequate Supervision: Caregivers may leave residents unattended when they require assistance moving around, increasing the likelihood of falls. In 2023, a University of Michigan study found that nursing homes reported having 5% fewer staff than before the pandemic, making this a widespread issue.
  • Missing or Improper Fall Prevention Measures: The facility may fail to install or maintain essential safety features, such as bed rails, handrails, or non-slip mats, exposing residents to unnecessary dangers.
  • Unsafe Environmental Conditions: Staff may ignore or fail to address risks like wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven walkways, creating unsafe environments for residents.

If your loved one’s fall was due to the nursing home’s failure to provide proper care, you may have grounds for legal action. Consult Fieger Law’s qualified nursing home abuse attorneys to discuss your next steps.

Steps To Take After a Fall Injury in a Nursing Home

If your loved one has experienced a fall injury in a nursing home, acting quickly can help protect their well-being and uncover potential negligence. Here’s what your family should do:

  • Get Medical Attention Right Away: Request a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment for your loved one’s injuries. Retain copies of medical records to document the harm.
  • Document the Incident: Photograph the area where the fall occurred, noting hazards like wet floors or poor lighting. Speak with staff or residents who witnessed the fall to gather firsthand accounts.
  • File a Formal Complaint: Report the fall to the nursing home administration and, if needed, to state regulatory agencies. This creates a formal record of the incident.
  • Speak with an Attorney: Consult a nursing home abuse lawyer to help with your case. At Fieger Law, our knowledgeable team can help determine if negligence played a role, gather further evidence, and guide your family through the legal process.

Legal Recourse for Nursing Home Negligence

When the state or your attorney finds evidence of neglect, your family may have the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim due to a breach of duty of care. This legal action can provide financial relief for the harm caused and help address the ongoing needs of your loved one. A settlement may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Relocation to a safer facility
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death damages such as funeral expenses, if applicable

Holding negligent nursing homes accountable can also prevent similar incidents from happening to others. If your loved one suffered due to a preventable fall, consult our nursing home abuse attorneys at Fieger Law.

Get a Free Legal Consultation Today With Fieger Law

Falls in nursing homes can leave families feeling devastated and uncertain about how to move forward. At Fieger Law, we understand the pain and frustration that comes with knowing a loved one’s injury could have been prevented.

Our nursing home abuse attorneys support families through these challenging situations, working to address your loved one’s needs and ensure negligent facilities face consequences.

Contact Fieger Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys. We’ll fight to hold negligent facilities accountable and secure the justice your loved one deserves.