Fall Injuries

Every nursing home has a duty to provide a safe environment for its residents—one that is as free from hazards as possible. That includes providing adequate supervision, appropriate assistive devices, and individualized care plans to prevent falls and other avoidable accidents.

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging—they are often preventable, especially in a controlled care setting. When nursing homes fail to take the right precautions, residents can suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, or even death.

To meet the standard of care, nursing homes are required to:

• Identify environmental hazards (e.g., wet floors, poor lighting, cluttered walkways)
• Assess each resident’s individual fall risk based on their medical and functional profile
• Determine when supervision or staff assistance is needed
• Implement appropriate interventions tailored to the resident’s needs, care plan, and goals
• Monitor and adjust interventions based on outcomes and changes in the resident’s condition
  
  

Older adults have both a higher risk of falling and a greater likelihood of suffering serious injury from a fall. Contributing factors include:

• Environmental hazards (slippery floors, loose rugs, poor lighting)
• Medical conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, stroke, low blood pressure)
• Functional and mobility impairments
• Cognitive impairment (including dementia and Alzheimer’s)
• Visual impairments
• Side effects from medications (e.g., dizziness, sedation)
  
  

Residents at risk of falling should be provided with appropriate assistive devices such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs, and receive staff assistance with transfers, toileting, and bathing when needed. Trip hazards should be eliminated, and bed or chair alarms should be used for residents prone to wandering or elopement.

Above all, nursing home staff must remain vigilant, properly trained, and present in adequate numbers to monitor residents and intervene before a fall occurs.

At Lowe Trial Lawyers, we believe that most falls in nursing homes are preventable. If your loved one has suffered a serious injury from a fall due to inadequate supervision or unsafe conditions, contact us today. We’ll help you uncover the truth and fight for the justice your family deserves.