Nursing Home Falls and Fractures

Compensation for Victims of Avoidable Falls in Chicago Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Chicago nursing home falls and fractures lawyer representation is critical when a preventable fall leads to serious injury or death in a long-term care facility. Falls remain one of the leading causes of harm in nursing homes and assisted living centers, often resulting from negligence, understaffing, or failure to follow safety protocols.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to holding facilities accountable when elderly residents suffer avoidable injuries. We help families pursue justice and secure the compensation their loved ones need to recover with dignity and support.

The Alarming Rate of Falls in Chicago Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Falls are a serious concern for seniors in care facilities.

• Nearly 24% of falls in these settings result in elderly residents requiring additional care or relocation.
• Each assisted living community reports around 260 falls per year.
• A 2019 study found 150,828 major falls injuries nursing homes.
• Approximately 1,800 nursing facility residents die each year from fall-related injuries.
• Up to 75% of nursing home residents experience a fall annually, more than double the rate of seniors living at home.
• Around 10% of falls cause major injuries.
• Environmental hazards, like poor lighting or wet floors, contribute to 16% to 27% of falls.
• Up to 6% of falls result in fractures.

These incidents result in physical injuries as well as emotional and psychological difficulties.

Why Seniors Are Vulnerable to Serious Fall Injury

Older adults commonly face risk factors for falls, such as reduced strength, muscle weakness, balance issues, and poor vision. Medications causing dizziness or confusion, along with conditions like arthritis or diabetes, can also impair mobility. Caregivers should address these risks by assisting with movement, improving lighting, and monitoring health regularly.

Common Causes: How Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Leads to Falls

Older adults already face an elevated risk of falling, but many serious injuries in nursing homes happen because staff and facility practices fall short of proper standards. This could include:

• Inadequate staffing levels
• Poor staff training
• Failure to assess individual risk
• Lack of fall prevention care plans
• Improper physical restraints

The failures of these group home facilities often lead to preventable falls, underscoring the importance of holding nursing homes accountable.

Hazardous Conditions and Lack of Supervision

Fall injuries in nursing homes often happen because of dangerous conditions and a lack of proper supervision. These are some of the most common issues that lead to injuries:

• Wet or slippery floors and poor lighting
• Walkways cluttered with furniture and cords
• Bathrooms and corridors without handrails or grab bars
• Improperly adjusted or overly high beds
• Staff failing to respond quickly to call lights or leaving at-risk residents unsupervised

When these preventable hazards exist, nursing home staff and management may be held responsible for injuries.

Devastating Consequences of Common Fall-Related Injuries

Fall injuries in nursing homes can lead to devastating outcomes like hip fractures or broken bones. Other common injuries include fractures of the spine, wrist, ankle, or arm.

When an older adult hits their head, they also risk traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Traumatic brain injuries can lead to cognitive decline or other serious complications.

Falls Leading to Wrongful Death in Nursing Facilities

Falls are a leading cause of injury-related death among the elderly, with nursing home residents at higher risk due to frailty or poor supervision. Serious injuries like hip fractures can cause complications such as infections, reduced mobility, or even death. Families may pursue a wrongful death claim if the fall was preventable and caused by inadequate care.

Nursing Home Duties: Fall Prevention and Resident Safety

All nursing homes have a clear duty to conduct thorough assessments for fall risks and develop appropriate care plans for each resident under the protections of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act. This responsibility includes ensuring there is enough appropriately trained staff to provide supervision and maintain a safe living space, as well as regularly inspecting for hazards.

Determining Liability When a Resident Falls

When a resident falls, the facility may be legally responsible if nursing home abuse or neglect caused the accident. This includes understaffing, skipping safety measures and checks, or neglecting a proper care plan. A breach of duty leading to nursing home injuries can make the facility liable for medical expenses related to the incident as well as other damages.

What Family Members Should Do After a Nursing Home Fall

After a nursing home fall, family members should take the following actions:

• Help your loved one seek immediate medical evaluation, even for minor injuries.
• Document details of the incident, including time, location, hazards, and staff response.
• Report the fall to the facility administration and the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state agency responsible for investigating nursing home neglect and abuse.
• Consult an Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer.

These steps can help ensure proper medical care for your loved one and preserve evidence if legal action becomes necessary.

Documenting the Fall and Injuries

Gathering medical documents after a fall is crucial for documenting your injuries. These records, including emergency room visits, doctor’s notes, and treatment plan details, provide clear evidence of the treatment needed and how the accident impacted your loved one’s well-being. Comprehensive records help demonstrate the fall injury’s severity and required care.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Chicago Nursing Home Fall Injury

If a resident’s injury results from negligence, the injured nursing home resident (or their family in cases of death) has the right to file a lawsuit against the facility. Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim, so acting quickly is crucial. .

Compensation for Victims and Families After a Fall

When a fall occurs in a nursing home due to negligence, victims and their families may be entitled to the following compensation:

• Medical expenses, both past and future
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disabilities resulting from the fall
• Diminished quality of life
• Death damages, which may include funeral costs and loss of companionship

Families should seek legal guidance to understand their rights and seek maximum compensation.

Why Experienced Legal Representation Matters

Legal experience and advocacy is vital for families facing nursing home abuse or neglect in Chicago. Attorneys specializing in these cases understand their complexity and can build strong claims by investigating falls, reviewing medical documents, gathering witness statements, and analyzing evidence.

Expert testimony often helps prove negligence. Lawyers can also uncover patterns of neglect or understaffing contributing to the fall injury.

How Our Chicago Law Firm Handles Fall Cases

Our Chicago nursing home abuse law firm handles fall cases with thorough attention to detail. We investigate by reviewing medical documents, facility policies, and evidence like photos or videos. Our legal team interviews witnesses, including staff and residents, to understand the events leading to the fall.

We consult experts to determine how the fall could have been prevented. We document the fall’s impact on the victim and their family, aiming to hold facilities accountable and seek compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Falls in Chicago Nursing Homes

Aren’t Falls Just an Expected Risk for Elderly Nursing Home Residents?

Falls among elderly individuals are not an inevitable aspect of nursing home care. Measures like maintaining safe environments, providing assistive devices, and ensuring proper supervision can greatly reduce fall risks.

How Can We Prove the Nursing Home’s Negligence Specifically Caused the Fall?

Proving negligence often involves examining evidence like medical records, staff reports, or security footage, as well as consulting with experts.

Can We Still File a Claim if Our Loved One Had Dementia or Existing Mobility Issues?

Pre-existing medical conditions do not absolve a nursing home of its responsibility to provide appropriate care. These medical conditions often make residents more vulnerable, which means extra precautions should be taken. If appropriate care was not provided, you may still have grounds for a claim for yourself or your elderly loved one.

Consult a Nursing Home Attorney Near You for a Free Consultation

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to standing up for victims of nursing home negligence. With decades of experience and more than $450 million recovered for our clients, our firm has the expertise to handle even the most complex cases. If you believe a nursing home fall or other negligent act has harmed you or a loved one, reach out today.

Call (888) 424-5757 or complete our online contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.