Fighting for Victims of Falls in NYC Area Nursing Homes Due to Negligence
Resolute attorneys protect the rights of the elderly in care facilities
Falls in nursing homes are disturbingly common. According to a recent study, of the 1.6 million residents in U.S. long-term care facilities, approximately 50 percent fall annually, and about one in three of those fall two or more times in a year. When an elderly person suffers a fall, it can cause severe injuries and even death. If a fall is due to negligence of the facility managers or staff, they can be held accountable through a legal action. At Rich & Rich, P.C., our attorneys have extensive experience providing staunch representation for victims of nursing home falls throughout New York City and Long Island.
Understanding nursing home falls
Why are there so many resident falls at nursing homes? These facilities are crowded, busy places that are often understaffed. Staff members may be poorly trained. Elderly residents may be frail and have poor balance. They can fall if they cannot get the assistance they require to get out of bed or walk. Even residents who are mobile can trip and fall if the hallways and other areas are not policed for hazards.
Causes of falls due to negligence in nursing homes
Residents’ falls often occur due to the nursing home staff’s negligence, which may consist of any of the following:
- Not remediating hazards such as wet floors or clutter in hallways
- Not providing walkers or other assistive devices
- Inadequately monitoring residents’ activity
- Failing to properly train staff in safety protocols
- Not maintaining assistive equipment
- Allowing residents to become malnourished and weak
Negligence is more likely to occur at understaffed facilities and those with poorly trained workers. If you believe your fall or those of your family member could have been avoided, we will investigate to gather the evidence that will assist in proving negligence.
Common types of fall injuries
Injuries suffered by an elderly or frail individual in a fall can be severe and even catastrophic. Common types of fall injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Hip fractures
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue damage and lacerations
- Death
If your family member has sustained a severe injury in a fall, our attorneys will investigate the incident thoroughly and take the proper action to obtain financial compensation for all related losses.
Damages in nursing home fall cases
Compensable losses in nursing home fall cases may include:
- Medical bills for treating fall injuries
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
- Funeral and burial costs and pain and suffering of the deceased in wrongful death cases.
Our lawyers will evaluate all the factors involved to determine recoverable damages and take position action to achieve the best possible outcome.
Building your nursing home fall case
We amass all evidence available that may show that the nursing home and staff members were negligent in causing the fall. We review nursing home files, medical reports, photographs and videos. We conduct interviews of staff members and eyewitnesses. We may bring in expert witnesses to testify about conditions that can lead to resident falls and how they can be prevented. We will initially pursue a claim with the nursing home and their insurer. If an adequate settlement offer is not forthcoming, we will take your case to trial.
Contact our New York law firm for guidance related to nursing home falls
At Rich & Rich, P.C., with offices in Manhattan and Long Island, our attorneys are experienced in championing the rights of nursing home residents who suffer physical harm due to neglect or abuse. We can make the strongest case possible for the full compensation you are owed. Call our firm at 917-746-3358 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation.
