Why Falls in Nursing Homes Are So Prevalent

Falls in nursing homes are alarmingly common, with nearly half of nursing home residents experiencing falls each year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as fractures and head traumas, and even to death. The high incidence of falls in nursing homes is influenced by a combination of factors related to residents' health, environmental hazards and staff oversight, raising questions about legal responsibility.

One reason for the high frequency of nursing home falls is the vulnerability of residents themselves. Many patients are elderly and suffer from health conditions, such as muscle weakness, balance disorders, cognitive impairments and the side effects of medications. Some nursing home residents have limited mobility and weakened physical strength, making it more difficult for them to recover if they lose balance or stability.

The physical condition of the facility itself may contribute to residents’ falls. There may be hazardous conditions such as inadequate lighting, cluttered walkways, slippery floors and poorly maintained equipment. If a nursing home lacks adequate handrails, grab bars or other safety supports in key areas such as hallways and bathrooms, residents may be ill-equipped to navigate the space safely.

Many nursing homes are understaffed, leaving small crews of workers to monitor and support residents adequately. Undertrained or overworked staff may overlook critical fall prevention measures or fail to respond swiftly to residents who need assistance. When staff are unavailable to help with activities like walking, bathing or transferring from bed to a wheelchair, residents are more likely to fall while attempting these actions independently.

Multiple parties may be legally responsible for a patient’s fall. Nursing home management holds significant accountability for creating a safe environment and hiring adequate, qualified staff. Individual staff members may be responsible if they fail to adhere to protocols or neglect resident needs. In some cases, the manufacturer of faulty equipment or an outsourced cleaning service for maintaining safe walkways could be liable.

If your loved one is injured in a nursing home fall, it’s essential to act quickly. Document the injury and the circumstances around the fall. Take photos of the injury and the area where it occurred. Additionally, request a copy of the nursing home’s incident report and any medical records related to the fall. Lastly, file a report with the facility’s management

In cases of serious injury, an experienced New York nursing home injury attorney can help you assess whether the nursing home failed in its duty of care and guide you through the steps to seek financial compensation. With professional legal support, you can help ensure accountability and obtain the resources your loved one may need for recovery.

When an elderly loved one is injured in a nursing home fall, trust your legal needs to the malpractice attorneys at Rich & Rich, P.C. We have offices in midtown Manhattan and in Roslyn Heights, N.Y. Please call 917-746-3358 or contact us online for a free consultation.