As a leading personal injury law firm in Ohio, Paulozzi LPA has seen firsthand the devastating impact that nursing home fall accidents can have on elderly residents. These accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and even death. If your loved one has been injured in a nursing home fall accident, it is important to seek legal representation to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation your family deserves.
Understanding Nursing Home Fall Accidents in Ohio
Nursing home fall accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence in Ohio, with thousands of residents suffering injuries each year. Falls in nursing homes are a major cause of serious injury and can often be preventable if the proper care and safety measures are in place. Here are some common causes and contributing factors of nursing home fall accidents:
Common Causes of Nursing Home Falls
- Negligent Staff Members: Staff who fail to properly supervise residents, especially those who are at a higher risk of falls, contribute significantly to these accidents.
- Hazardous Conditions: Conditions such as wet or slippery floors, cluttered hallways, and poorly maintained walkways can create an environment ripe for falls.
- Lack of Proper Safety Equipment: The absence of safety aids such as handrails in hallways, grab bars in bathrooms, and bed rails can increase the likelihood of falls.
- Understaffing: Many nursing homes operate with insufficient staff, which can lead to residents not receiving the assistance they need for daily activities like walking, getting out of bed, or using the restroom.
- Medication Side Effects: Medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness can increase the risk of falls. In some cases, inappropriate prescriptions or dosage errors can further elevate this risk.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting in common areas, hallways, or individual rooms can make it difficult for residents to see potential hazards, increasing the risk of trips and falls.
- Improper Footwear: Residents may not be provided with appropriate, non-slip footwear, increasing their chances of slipping on hard surfaces.
Types of Injuries Caused by Nursing Home Falls
Nursing home fall accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, including:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Hip fractures are particularly common among elderly residents and often require surgery, which can be risky due to age and preexisting health conditions.
- Head Trauma: Falls can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may result in permanent cognitive impairment, reduced mobility, or even death.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls can result in spinal cord damage, leading to chronic pain or paralysis.
- Bruises, Cuts, and Abrasions: Although these may seem minor, they can be serious for older adults due to their thinner skin and slower healing rates.
- Internal Bleeding: Falls can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Signs of Negligence in Nursing Home Falls
In many cases, nursing home falls occur as a result of negligence. It’s important to recognize the signs of potential negligence to protect your loved one. Some warning signs include:
- Unexplained or Repeated Falls: Multiple falls without a clear explanation can be a red flag for inadequate supervision or negligence.
- Lack of Proper Safety Measures: If the facility lacks safety equipment like grab bars, bed rails, or non-slip mats, it may indicate negligence.
- Delayed Medical Attention: If the nursing home staff delays getting medical care for a fall, it can indicate that they are trying to cover up their negligence.
- Inadequate Staff Training: Staff members who are untrained or not adequately prepared to assist elderly residents can contribute to increased fall risks.
Who Is Liable for Nursing Home Fall Accidents?
When a nursing home fall accident occurs, it is crucial to investigate the circumstances to determine who is at fault. This can be a complex process that may involve multiple liable parties, such as:
- Nursing Home Facility: The facility itself may be liable for falls resulting from unsafe conditions, inadequate staff training, or understaffing.
- Staff Members: Individual staff members may be held accountable if their negligent behavior directly caused or contributed to the accident.
- Third-Party Vendors: If equipment such as bed rails or walkers failed due to poor maintenance or defective manufacturing, the vendor or manufacturer could be liable.
Steps to Take After a Nursing Home Fall Accident
If your loved one has been involved in a fall accident, taking the following steps can help build a strong case for compensation:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Ensure that your loved one receives proper medical care to address any injuries from the fall. Document all medical treatment and obtain copies of records.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the location where the fall occurred, and note any hazards or unsafe conditions.
- File a Report with the Nursing Home: Ensure that the incident is reported to the nursing home administration and that a formal record is made.
- Gather Witness Statements: If other residents, visitors, or staff members witnessed the fall, obtain their contact information and written statements if possible.
- Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney: Contacting a personal injury attorney experienced in nursing home negligence cases is crucial to hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Paulozzi LPA Can Help
At Paulozzi LPA, we have extensive experience representing clients who have been injured in nursing home fall accidents. Our team of dedicated attorneys understands the unique challenges that these cases present and is committed to helping our clients secure the compensation they deserve.
When you choose Paulozzi LPA to represent you in your nursing home fall accident case, you can expect:
- Personalized Attention: We understand that each case is unique, and we will take the time to listen to your story and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs.
- Thorough Investigation: Our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the nursing home fall accident to determine who is at fault and hold them accountable.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We will fight tirelessly on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation available under the law, including compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
- Compassionate Support: We understand that nursing home fall accidents can be emotionally and physically traumatic for victims and their families. We will provide you with the compassionate support you need during this difficult time.
You May Be Entitled To Compensation
If your loved one has suffered injuries from a nursing home fall, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and any ongoing medical care that may be required due to the fall.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering endured by your loved one due to the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Falls can result in a loss of mobility and independence, impacting your loved one’s quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the nursing home’s negligence was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the facility and deter future negligence.
Why Choose Paulozzi LPA?
When it comes to choosing a personal injury attorney to represent you in your nursing home fall accident case, experience matters. Paulozzi LPA has a proven track record of success in handling complex personal injury cases, including nursing home fall accidents. Our attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to effectively advocate for our clients and secure the best possible outcome in their cases.
In addition to our experience, there are several other reasons to choose Paulozzi LPA for your nursing home fall accident case:
- Reputation for Excellence: Paulozzi LPA is widely recognized as one of the top personal injury law firms in Ohio. Our attorneys have earned numerous accolades for their legal skills and dedication to their clients.
- Client-Focused Approach: At Paulozzi LPA, our clients always come first. We are committed to providing the highest level of service and support to each and every client we represent.
- Proven Results: Our track record of success speaks for itself. We have helped countless clients secure significant settlements and verdicts in their personal injury cases.
- No Upfront Fees: We understand that the financial burden of a nursing home fall accident can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Contact Paulozzi LPA Today
If your loved one has been injured in a nursing home fall accident in Ohio, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Paulozzi LPA today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. We will review your case, answer any questions you may have, and help you understand your legal rights and options. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.