Motor skills tend to decline as people age. As you get older, you start to lose your sense of balance and your mobility can greatly decrease. Even regular activities such as walking or sitting down can be a challenge and put seniors at a high risk of slipping and falling. Seniors falling in nursing homes pose a significant health risk in the United States. Around 1800 seniors die from fall-related injuries every year. Others suffer from permanent and severe injuries.
Fall Risks in Nursing Homes.
Even if a fall doesn’t seem to have been that bad, the elderly risk the potential of a hip fracture or other complications. These falls can cause pain and suffering to their victims and have the potential to drastically affect the quality of life of most seniors. Falls can lead to additional medical treatment or rehabilitation which could end up being a serious financial burden to not only the victim but to their families as well. If the fall was caused due to the nursing home’s negligence, you do have the right to sue. Sometimes the nursing home lacks supervision or creates a dangerous environment for the resident. In these cases, the nursing home can be accountable for the accident.
Liability
Just like with any other landowner, nursing homes are liable for any accidents that occur on their property. Not only that, but nursing homes take on a specific duty and responsibility to provide round-the-clock care to their residents. This includes making sure they do not suffer from any injuries. While nursing home staff cannot prevent every accident, if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent falls, it could lead to a liability case. Some examples of this are
· Inadequate lighting.
· Poor supervision.
· Failure to reassess the resident’s care plan.
· Use of improper care techniques.
· Misdiagnosis.
· Failure to remedy environmental hazards (wet floors, exposed electrical cords, defective flooring, etc.)
· Hiring unqualified employees.
· Understaffing.
· Inappropriate activities.
· Over or under medication.
· Lack of safety fixtures (handrails, grab bars, etc.)
Seek a San Antonio Elder Abuse Attorney
If you suspect that a loved one has been or is the victim of abuse in a nursing home in San Antonio, do not hesitate to seek help. You or your loved one may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as pain and suffering. You need to contact a San Antonio nursing home abuse lawyer right away.
The Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS is knowledgeable in elder and nursing home abuse cases. We will protect your rights and the rights of your loved one. Call today for your free consultation.
The Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS dedicates their time and effort towards helping people in Texas find justice for personal negligence encountered while living their normal, everyday lives.