If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, it is important that you begin looking out for your best interests.

Fall injuries pose a serious threat to nursing home residents

Families in Illinois and elsewhere who have loved ones who reside in a care facility may rely on this establishment to provide a certain quality of care. Those who receive notification that a loved one has been injured in an accident may experience an understandable need for answers, especially if it seems as if the incident could have been avoided. Fall-related injuries continue to be a major issue for many nursing home patients and studies suggest that if the necessary precautions are taken, many of these incidents may be preventable.

Studies indicate that falls continue to be one of the leading causes of injury in nursing homes and some of the most common causes of such incidents may include:

  • Health conditions: Studies suggest that there are a variety of health conditions that could cause a person to be more susceptible to falling and that failure to monitor and address such issues may only increase this risk.
  • Effects of treatment: The effects of certain types of treatment such as the use of prescription medication could also increase patient fall risks and taking steps to limit this risk could prove imperative.
  • Patient transfers: When nursing home patients are required to move from place to place or from a bed to a wheelchair, the transition can also be dangerous without the proper precautions in place.
  • Slippery surfaces: Slippery surfaces can be hazardous to navigate under any circumstances, especially for those who are already at high risk of falling.

Studies also indicate that fall-related accidents can take a devastating toll on the health of nursing home residents, potentially decreasing their mobility and causing severe or permanent harm.

Should a facility fail to take the necessary actions to protect nursing home patients from suffering a fall, the results could prove cataclysmic. Families who experience similar concerns may have questions about their available options for legal recourse and they could choose to consult with an attorney for guidance on how best to approach the situation. An attorney in Illinois can help a client better prepare to protect the well-being and rights of his or her loved one and if necessary, assist him or her in seeking restitution through the appropriate channels.

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