New Jersey Nursing Home Lawyers
Falls are very dangerous for nursing home residents. Most falls are preventable and many result in death. Fractures are a common result of falls. In the elderly, fractures do not heal well, and can result in permanent immobility or death. Neglect is often a contributing factor in falls and fractures in nursing homes. If you loved one has been injured in a nursing home, please talk tour New Jersey nursing home lawyers today.
Falls Leading to Serious Injuries
When a nursing home resident falls down the injuries can be permanent or fatal. Falls can cause fractures and brain injury. Fractures may require surgery to realign the bone, and in some cases metal pins, rods, or plates are required to help repair the bone and provide strength. Nursing home patients who are already in a weakened condition may not be able to safely undergo the surgery they need to repair the fracture. With proper attention, falls are preventable; however corporate understaffing leads to many more falls.
Causes of Falls and Fractures in Nursing Homes
Falls and fractures may indicate neglect or physical abuse by nursing home staff or other residents. A fracture may be the result of a nursing home resident being dropped rather than falling on their own. Residents who are not attended to in a timely fashion may attempt to do things on their own which are beyond their capabilities, leading to a fall. Other causes can include:
- Poor care planning
- Understaffing
- Medication error
- Inadequate supervision
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Improper bed height
- Wet floors
- Poorly fitted wheelchairs
- Overuse of restraints leading to weakness
- Tripping hazards which are not removed in a timely fashion
- Poorly fitting shoes
- Poor lighting
- Lack of handrails and grab bars
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse in New Jersey, please call the New Jersey nursing home lawyers of Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our nursing home lawyers is free, and if we agree to represent you, we will work for a contingent fee, which means we won’t get paid for our services unless you receive a settlement or an award. In New Jersey, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed before the expiration of the statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.