Falls in Illinois Nursing Homes

Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorneys Fighting For Victims of Falls in Nursing Homes

Falls are a common and dangerous issue in nursing homes, often leading to severe injuries, long-term complications, or even death for elderly residents. Many nursing home residents are at an increased risk of falling due to mobility issues, cognitive impairments, and other health conditions. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of nursing home residents who have suffered injuries from preventable falls. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our experienced Illinois personal injury attorneys are committed to helping victims and their families seek justice and obtain compensation for the harm caused by nursing home negligence.

What is a Fall in a Nursing Home?

A fall occurs when a resident loses their balance or trips and is unable to regain stability, resulting in a tumble to the ground. Falls in nursing homes are often preventable with the proper precautions, supervision, and care. Common causes of falls in nursing homes include:

• Lack of Supervision: Residents who require assistance with walking or standing may be left unsupervised, increasing the risk of falls.
• Unsafe Walking Conditions: Poorly maintained floors, wet surfaces, or cluttered hallways can create hazardous conditions that lead to trips and falls.
• Inadequate Mobility Assistance: Some residents require assistive devices like walkers, canes, or wheelchairs, and failure to provide or properly assist them with these devices can result in falls.
• Improper Use of Restraints: The inappropriate use of physical restraints can lead to injuries, especially if residents try to move on their own.
• Medication Errors: Certain medications can cause dizziness or weakness, increasing the likelihood of a fall if the side effects are not monitored or addressed.

“Falls in nursing homes are often preventable with proper care and supervision. Our Illinois nursing home injury firm is committed to holding nursing homes accountable when they fail to protect residents from dangerous falls.” — John J. Malm, Illinois nursing home abuse attorney.

Recognizing the Risk Factors for Falls in Nursing Homes

Many nursing home residents are more susceptible to falls due to age-related health conditions or limited mobility. However, there are several specific factors that can increase the risk of falls, including:

• Cognitive Impairments: Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may be unaware of their surroundings or unable to recognize hazards, putting them at greater risk of falls.
• Limited Mobility: Elderly residents who have difficulty walking, standing, or transferring between positions (such as getting out of bed) are more prone to falls.
• Vision or Hearing Problems: Residents with impaired vision or hearing may not see or hear potential hazards, increasing the likelihood of falls.
• Inappropriate Footwear: Wearing shoes without proper support or traction can lead to slips and falls.
• Inconsistent Monitoring: Residents who are not regularly checked on by staff may attempt to move around on their own, leading to dangerous falls, especially if they are unable to move safely.

If you notice any of these risk factors in your loved one, it’s important to ensure the nursing home staff is taking the necessary precautions to prevent falls.

The Impact of Falls on Nursing Home Residents

Falls can have devastating effects on nursing home residents, particularly because elderly individuals are more prone to serious injuries. Some of the common consequences of falls include:

• Broken Bones: Falls often result in fractures, particularly in the hips, wrists, or arms, which may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
• Head Injuries: A fall can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or concussions, which can have lasting effects on a resident’s cognitive abilities and overall health.
• Bruising and Lacerations: Even minor falls can cause painful bruises, cuts, and abrasions, which may take longer to heal in older adults.
• Fear of Falling Again: After experiencing a fall, residents may become fearful of walking or moving independently, leading to decreased mobility and a decline in quality of life.
• Hospitalization and Complications: Serious falls often result in hospitalization and, in severe cases, may lead to long-term disability or even death.

The consequences of a fall can be life-changing, making it essential to address the root cause and hold nursing homes accountable for failing to protect residents from preventable falls.

Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents in Illinois

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act provides legal protections for nursing home residents, ensuring that they are entitled to safe living conditions and adequate care to prevent falls. Nursing homes are required to assess residents’ fall risks, implement fall prevention measures, and provide necessary supervision and assistance to minimize the risk of falls.

When nursing homes fail to meet these standards, they can be held legally responsible for the injuries or harm caused by their negligence. Victims of falls and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for the cost of medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, or rehabilitation needed due to fall-related injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Residents who have endured physical pain and emotional distress from a fall may be entitled to compensation for their suffering.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where a fall leads to the death of a resident, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our experienced Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys have successfully represented victims of falls in Illinois nursing homes. We work diligently to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve and that negligent facilities are held accountable.

How Our Attorneys Can Help Victims of Falls

Proving negligence in a nursing home fall case requires a thorough understanding of fall prevention measures and nursing home standards. At John J. Malm & Associates, we have the expertise and resources necessary to pursue justice on behalf of victims of falls. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Thorough Investigation: We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the fall, gathering evidence such as medical records, staff reports, and facility safety records to build a strong case.
• Advocating for Residents’ Rights: Our legal team is dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents, ensuring they receive the care and supervision they need, and holding negligent facilities accountable.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, we will file a lawsuit against the nursing home and any responsible parties, seeking compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the fall.
• Negotiating Settlements: We will work to negotiate a fair settlement that compensates the victim for their suffering and ensures they receive the necessary care moving forward.
• Trial Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to take the case to court, presenting a compelling argument on behalf of the victim.

With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our team at John J. Malm & Associates is ready to represent victims of falls across Illinois.

What to Do if You Suspect a Fall in a Nursing Home

If you suspect that your loved one has been injured in a fall in a nursing home, it is important to take immediate action to protect their health and well-being. Follow these steps:

1. Document the Evidence: Keep detailed records of any signs of injury or complaints of pain related to the fall. Take photographs of any visible injuries and document conversations with staff.
2. Speak with Nursing Home Management: If it is safe to do so, discuss your concerns with the nursing home’s administration and document their response.
3. Report the Fall: Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to report the suspected neglect. The IDPH is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and neglect in Illinois nursing homes.
4. Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: Reach out to John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. Our attorneys will investigate the fall and work to hold the nursing home accountable for failing to protect your loved one.

Protecting Your Loved One’s Rights in Fall Cases

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to holding nursing homes accountable for failing to prevent falls and ensuring that residents receive the care they need. Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide safe environments and proper supervision, and when they fail to meet this responsibility, they must be held responsible.

Our firm provides compassionate, skilled legal representation to victims of falls and their families, and we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Nursing Home Injury Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall in an Illinois nursing home, don’t wait to take action. Contact the experienced Illinois nursing home injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Naperville and St. Charles, our personal injury lawyers are here to help families throughout Illinois. Let us fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.