Falls in Indianapolis Nursing Homes

Falls in Indianapolis nursing homes can result in serious injuries or death for nursing home residents. If you believe your loved one has suffered from either abuse or neglect that resulted in an injurious fall, it is critical to hold the involved parties accountable for their actions to prevent future incidents.

Understanding the causes of falls and the nature of their injuries can help determine whether nursing home staff were liable for an accident and the related damages. Our elder abuse attorneys can discuss further during a free consultation.

What Injuries Can Result from Nursing Home Falls?

Multiple injuries could result from nursing home falls in Indianapolis, such as:

• Fractures and Broken Bones: Nursing home residents’ bones are often more fragile, making them vulnerable to fractures or broken bones, especially in the hips
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries, including brain injuries ranging from concussions to more serious TBIs, can permanently alter a patient’s personality and cognitive abilities
• Back and Spinal Injuries: Damage to vertebrae or the spinal cord could temporarily or permanently paralyze individuals in part or all of their body
• Lacerations: Lacerations and cuts can develop when falling on certain surfaces or objects, potentially leading to significant blood loss
• Internal Injuries: Falls can cause damage to internal organs, along with internal bleeding
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, tears, and bruises are also frequently sustained in nursing home falls

If a nursing home resident has sustained any of these injuries, it could be indicative of a fall, if not another accident that may have resulted from a form of abuse or neglect.

When Is It Possible to Sue for a Fall in a Nursing Home?

While some falls result from a mere accident, nursing home staff and facilities may be responsible for a fall and the related damages stemming from that fall, including medical expenses and the pain and suffering that the resident and their loved ones experienced. Taking legal action could also discourage negligent or abusive staff from committing the same acts in the future.

Nursing home staff may be responsible for a fall due to negligence. One example of this is staff failing to maintain safe areas for residents to walk in that are free of obstacles or other hazards. Additionally, they might fail to prevent a fall by not properly monitoring residents or neglecting to adhere to safety protocols. In some cases, they might directly abuse residents, shoving or pushing them to cause a fall.

Nursing home facilities might also be liable if they fail to maintain a safe environment for residents, which could involve failing to hire qualified nursing staff or perform necessary maintenance. They may also fail to implement effective safety protocols or properly train employees to prevent and manage falls.

Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to Discuss a Fall Case in Indy

After serious falls in Indianapolis nursing homes, victims and their loved ones should be able to get the compensation they need to start the recovery process. Holding the liable parties responsible can help prevent incidents while securing justice for injured residents and their families. If you would like to find out whether you have a case against a nursing home or staff members, schedule a free consultation with a trusted personal injury attorney.