Fall injuries in nursing homes are among the most common and serious dangers elderly residents face every day. These incidents can lead to broken bones, head trauma, and even death. In many cases, these falls are not merely accidents but the result of neglect or unsafe conditions within the facility. Families trust nursing homes to provide safety and care for their loved ones, and when that trust is broken, legal action may be necessary. At Phillips Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois, we work tirelessly to help victims and their families seek justice for preventable fall injuries in nursing homes.
Understanding Fall Injuries in Nursing Homes
Falls are a leading cause of injury among the elderly population, and nursing homes are expected to maintain an environment that minimizes these risks. However, studies have shown that up to 50% of nursing home residents fall each year, and many experience multiple falls. These accidents often occur in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways, areas that should be designed for safety.
The impact of a fall can be devastating for older adults. Many residents suffer hip fractures, head injuries, and internal bleeding, which can lead to long-term disability or even fatal outcomes. For seniors with existing health issues, even minor injuries can cause a rapid decline in overall well-being. When a fall occurs due to improper supervision, lack of staff, or unsafe facility conditions, the nursing home may be held legally responsible.
Common Causes of Nursing Home Falls
1. Staff Negligence and Lack of Supervision
One of the leading causes of falls in nursing homes is staff negligence. When residents are not properly supervised, especially those with mobility issues or cognitive impairments such as dementia, the risk of falling increases significantly. Many facilities are understaffed, forcing employees to rush between duties, often leaving residents unattended for long periods.
Staff members are responsible for assisting residents when walking, bathing, or transferring from beds and chairs. When they fail to provide this help, residents may attempt these tasks alone, resulting in serious falls. Proper supervision and timely assistance could prevent many of these tragic incidents.
2. Unsafe Living Conditions
The physical environment of a nursing home plays a major role in fall prevention. Poor lighting, wet floors, loose carpets, and cluttered hallways are common hazards that can cause residents to trip or slip. A well-maintained facility should have handrails, non-slip flooring, and accessible bathroom equipment to reduce risks. When these safety features are missing or not properly maintained, it shows clear negligence by the nursing home management.
3. Medication-Related Falls
Certain medications prescribed to elderly residents can cause dizziness, confusion, or low blood pressure, all of which increase the risk of falls. When nursing home staff administer medications without monitoring their side effects or fail to adjust dosages, residents may become more vulnerable to losing balance. Proper medication management and medical oversight are essential to protect residents from unnecessary harm.
4. Lack of Proper Training
Nursing home employees must be properly trained in mobility assistance, fall prevention, and emergency response. Without adequate training, caregivers may handle residents incorrectly during transfers or fail to recognize warning signs of instability. When training is overlooked, even well-meaning caregivers can unintentionally cause or fail to prevent falls.
Common Types of Fall Injuries
Fractures and Broken Bones
The elderly are particularly prone to hip, arm, and wrist fractures due to weakened bones from osteoporosis or aging. These injuries can severely limit a resident’s independence and often require surgery or long-term rehabilitation. Some residents never fully recover their mobility after a severe fracture.
Head and Brain Injuries
A fall that results in a head impact can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). For older adults, TBIs can lead to memory loss, confusion, speech problems, and even death. These injuries often go unnoticed initially, especially if staff members fail to seek immediate medical attention.
Soft Tissue and Internal Injuries
Even when no bones are broken, internal bleeding or muscle tears can cause severe pain and long-lasting effects. These injuries can lead to complications such as blood clots or organ damage, which are especially dangerous for residents with pre-existing health conditions.
Who Is Liable for Nursing Home Fall Injuries?
Determining liability for a nursing home fall depends on whether the facility and its staff acted reasonably to prevent foreseeable harm. In many cases, the nursing home is legally responsible due to negligence or failure to meet state and federal safety standards.
A facility may be held liable if it:
- Failed to maintain safe conditions
- Did not provide adequate staffing levels
- Ignored residents’ care plans or mobility needs
- Neglected to monitor or assist residents at risk of falling
Families who suspect negligence should consult a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer to investigate the incident. At Phillips Law Offices, our legal team reviews medical records, safety reports, and witness statements to identify signs of neglect and hold responsible parties accountable.
How to Prove Nursing Home Negligence
To establish a legal claim, you must demonstrate that the nursing home owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused injury to the resident. Proving this often requires collecting medical evidence, staff logs, and witness testimonies.
An experienced attorney will work with medical experts and investigators to build a strong case. The legal process may include:
- Reviewing care plans and facility policies
- Examining surveillance footage if available
- Consulting with medical professionals to determine the cause and extent of injuries
- Filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim depending on the case
Our firm takes a comprehensive approach to uncovering the truth behind every nursing home fall case in Illinois.
What to Do If Your Loved One Has Fallen in a Nursing Home
If your loved one has suffered a fall, immediate action is crucial. Begin by ensuring they receive urgent medical care to assess the extent of injuries. Request incident reports from the nursing home and document all visible injuries with photos and notes. You should also keep a record of all communications with the facility’s staff and administrators.
Next, reach out to a Chicago nursing home injury attorney to discuss your legal options. A lawyer can help you determine if the fall was preventable and whether negligence played a role. Families should never feel powerless—legal representation ensures that your loved one’s rights are protected.
Compensation for Nursing Home Fall Injuries
Victims of nursing home falls may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (for fatal falls)
Each case is unique, and the value of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and the level of negligence involved. At Phillips Law Offices, we are committed to helping families recover the compensation they deserve and to holding negligent facilities accountable.
Preventing Future Falls in Nursing Homes
Prevention begins with awareness, accountability, and proper care practices. Nursing homes must ensure residents’ environments are free from hazards, staff members are well-trained, and individualized care plans are followed. Families can help by visiting regularly, observing the facility’s cleanliness, and asking questions about safety policies.
When nursing homes know that families and legal professionals are watching closely, they are more likely to maintain high standards of care and safety.
Why Choose Phillips Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois
For decades, Phillips Law Offices has been one of Illinois’s leading personal injury law firms, representing victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Our team understands how traumatic it can be to see a loved one suffer due to a preventable fall. We provide compassionate support while aggressively pursuing justice.
We handle every case with care, dedication, and attention to detail, ensuring that families get the results they deserve. If your loved one has been injured in a nursing home fall, you can trust our firm to fight for accountability and fair compensation.
Protect Your Loved One’s Rights – Contact Phillips Law Offices Today
If your loved one has suffered a fall injury in a nursing home, do not wait to take action. These incidents are often the result of neglect or poor care, and your family deserves answers. At Phillips Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois, our experienced attorneys are ready to investigate, hold negligent facilities accountable, and secure the compensation your loved one deserves.
We treat every case with compassion and determination, fighting to make sure no family suffers in silence. Call us today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your loved one’s safety and dignity.
Interesting Reads:
How Do You Report Abuse in a Nursing Home?
12 Things Nursing Homes Are Not Allowed to Do
How and Where to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Illinois
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