Due to factors like osteoporosis or low bone density, what might be a minor fall for a healthier individual can lead to serious fractures in elderly patients. This susceptibility turns even routine falls into potential emergencies. Almost 90% of hip fractures in individuals aged 65 years or older are caused by falls.
Fractures pose a significant health risk for elderly residents in nursing homes, often resulting from a combination of internal and external factors that place undue strain on bones.
Primarily, medical conditions commonly affecting older adults increase their susceptibility to fractures:
Staff members and management of nursing homes are responsible for maintaining safe living spaces and monitoring residents for signs of illness.
The human body is comprised of around 206 bones, each susceptible to fractures, especially among more vulnerable populations, such as nursing home residents.
Elderly individuals in nursing homes are prone to a variety of bone fractures, including:
In nursing homes, certain fractures are observed more often due to the physical frailties associated with aging:
Fractures can leave older people more vulnerable to neglect due to reduced mobility, creating a dangerous feedback loop. As your family’s legal advocate, our team will fight to recover the damages your loved one is owed.
Nursing home residents who suffer from bone fractures may face various complications, including:
This condition arises when excessive pressure builds up within the muscles, restricting blood flow to the affected tissue. If left untreated, ACS can lead to irreversible muscle and nerve damage.
Malunion occurs when the fractured bones heal in a misaligned position, while nonunion refers to the incomplete or absent healing of the broken bones.
Fractures can lead to infections, which may spread throughout the body, causing sepsis. Additionally, the injury may cause harm to the tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels surrounding the affected bone.
The nursing facility staff has a vital responsibility to protect residents from potential hazards that could lead to injuries like fractures resulting from falls.
Upon the arrival of a new resident at a nursing home, staff members need to carry out a thorough assessment to develop a customized care plan that enhances the resident's quality of life. This includes evaluating the risk of incidents that could lead to broken bones. The next step is to implement appropriate measures to ensure supervision and support for navigating the nursing home facility.
In order to prevent injuries that could result in fractures, the following preventive measures should be taken:
Lastly, staff should handle all patient movements with care, especially when assisting residents in getting in and out of bed or moving about the facility.
When nursing home negligence results in injuries like bone fractures, affected residents and their families must seek appropriate compensation.
Compensation can cover various aspects, such as:
The legal action of seeking compensation serves not just to alleviate financial burdens related to the injury but also to hold the facility accountable and improve the care standards for the injured party.
When seeking legal counsel for cases involving fractures in nursing homes, it is essential to choose a firm that not only grasps the complexities of the legal system but also deeply understands the significant personal impact these injuries have.
Led by our attorney, who was awarded Trial Lawyer of the Year by the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association in 2022 and the Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association in 2021, our team is dedicated to addressing cases of nursing home negligence.
We have established a solid reputation for obtaining extensive compensation for our clients. Our method integrates thorough legal proficiency with heartfelt advocacy, addressing every element of the injury — from obtaining funds for medical costs to providing compensation for emotional and physical distress.
