Nursing Home Fall Injury Lawyer Cherry Hill NJ

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Cherry Hill Nursing Home Fall Attorneys

Experienced representation for elderly fall victims in South Jersey

For elderly and vulnerable individuals residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, falls can be a significant and potentially life-altering event. These incidents often lead to injuries, complications, and a decrease in the overall quality of life for the affected residents. At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill nursing home fall attorneys work to support families, caregivers, and individuals affected by falls in nursing homes.

Our nursing home abuse attorneys are here to help recover compensation after a resident falls and suffers injury due to negligence. Let us assure you we are dedicated to each and every case, and can provide guidance and help throughout the legal process. To find out some of our successes, read our verdicts and settlement page.

Free Case Evaluation

Call 856-779-9500 now or fill out the form above to receive a free confidential consultation.

How often do seniors fall in nursing homes?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that falls are common in nursing home facilities – “Of the 1.6 million residents in U.S. nursing facilities, approximately half fall annually. About 1 in 3 of those who fall will fall two or more times in a year.” Further, “One in every 10 residents who fall has a serious related injury and about 65,000 patients suffer a hip fracture each year.”

What are the causes of falls in Cherry Hill nursing homes?

Per the AHRQ, falls in nursing homes are caused by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including:

Intrinsic

  • Effects of aging on gait, balance and strength
  • Acute medical conditions
  • Chronic diseases
  • Deconditioning from inactivity
  • Behavioral symptoms and unsafe behaviors
  • Medication side effects

Extrinsic

  • Environmental hazards
  • Unsafe equipment
  • Unsafe personal care items

Although some of these factors can’t be eliminated, they can be mitigated – and should be by nursing home staff.

What types of injuries happen with falls?

Senior citizens are at an increased risk of falls due to several factors, including age-related changes in muscle mass, balance, and coordination; vision problems; and medication side effects. When senior citizens fall, they are more likely to suffer serious injuries than younger people.

Here are some of the most common types of injuries that senior citizens suffer when they fall:

  • Hip fractures. Hip fractures are one of the most serious injuries that senior citizens can suffer in a fall. Hip fractures can lead to long-term disability and even death.
  • Wrist fractures. Wrist fractures are another common injury among senior citizens. Wrist fractures can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as cooking and bathing.
  • Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can be caused by falls that result in head or neck injuries. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis and other serious complications.
  • Brain injuries. Head injuries can be caused by falls that result in a blow to the head. Head injuries can lead to a variety of problems, including concussions, brain damage, and death.
  • Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and strains, are also common among senior citizens who fall. Soft tissue injuries can be painful and can make it difficult to move around.
  • Death. Sometimes falls are serious enough to be fatal.

In addition to these specific injuries, falls can also lead to other health problems in senior citizens, such as depression, anxiety, and fear of falling. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries from a fall in a nursing home, talk to the Cherry Hill personal injury attorneys at Ferrara & Gable today.

How can falls be mitigated in Cherry Hill nursing homes?

There are several things that nursing homes can do to mitigate falls, including:

  • Identifying and assessing fall risks. Nursing homes should identify and assess all residents for fall risks. This includes assessing their medical history, medications, physical abilities, and cognitive function. Once residents have been assessed for fall risks, nursing homes can develop individualized fall prevention plans.
  • Implementing fall prevention measures. Nursing homes can implement a variety of fall prevention measures, such as:
    • Modifying the environment. This includes removing tripping hazards, providing adequate lighting, and installing grab bars in bathrooms.
    • Providing assistive devices. This includes providing residents with canes, walkers, and wheelchairs as needed.
    • Educating residents and staff. Nursing homes should educate residents and staff about fall prevention. This includes teaching residents how to move safely and how to use assistive devices. Staff members should be trained on how to identify and respond to fall risks.
    • Monitoring residents. Nursing homes should monitor residents who are at high risk for falls. This may include checking on them more frequently and providing more assistance with activities of daily living.

In addition to these general measures, nursing homes can also implement specific programs to reduce falls. For example, some nursing homes have tai chi classes or other exercise programs that can help to improve residents' balance and coordination. Other nursing homes have implemented fall detection systems that can alert staff members if a resident falls.

Who is liable for a fall in a Cherry Hill nursing home?

Determining liability for a fall in a Cherry Hill nursing home can be a complex matter, as it depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for the fall. Liability may extend to:

  • Nursing home facility. The nursing home itself can be held liable if it is determined that the facility's policies, procedures, or overall management contributed to the fall. This may involve issues such as inadequate staffing, lack of supervision, improper training of staff, or failure to maintain safe conditions within the facility.
  • Staff and caregivers. Individual staff members and caregivers may be liable if their actions or omissions directly led to the fall. For example, if a staff member fails to properly assist a resident in transferring from a bed to a wheelchair, leading to a fall, they may be held responsible.
  • Medical professionals. If a resident's fall is linked to a medication error, a misdiagnosis, or other medical negligence, medical professionals such as physicians, nurses, or therapists could be liable.
  • Pharmaceutical companies. In cases where medication side effects contributed to the fall, the pharmaceutical company that produced the drug may be held liable if the medication was improperly prescribed or administered.
  • Equipment manufacturers. Liability may extend to manufacturers of mobility devices or assistive equipment if a resident's fall was caused by equipment failure or defects.
  • Other residents. In some situations, another resident's actions may have directly caused a fall. If the facility fails to provide proper supervision and security, it might share liability for not preventing such incidents.

Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation, including the review of medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and expert evaluations. It's essential to consult with the experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Ferrara & Gable. We can assess the facts of the case, identify responsible parties, and guide you through the legal process. We can help you pursue a claim against those who may be liable for the fall, seeking compensation for the resident's injuries, pain and suffering, and any associated medical expenses. Holding responsible parties accountable not only provides justice for the specific resident, but also helps improve safety standards within nursing homes.

Do you have a Cherry Hill nursing home fall attorney near me?

Ferrara & Gable maintains an office at 601 Longwood Avenue in Cherry Hill, NJ. Parking is available, and a bus stop is right up the block on Rt. 38. We can schedule a phone or video consultation if you are too injured or ill to travel.

Cherry Hill nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers serving South Jersey

If you or a loved one has experienced a fall in a nursing home, don't hesitate to seek the legal support and guidance you need. At Ferrara & Gable, our experienced Cherry Hill nursing home falls attorneys are here to be your advocates, to fight for your rights, and to help you seek justice and compensation for the harm you've suffered. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that falls can take on nursing home residents and their families, and we are committed to guiding you through the legal process. To schedule a consultation, call our Cherry Hill offices or contact us today. Proudly serving Camden County, Burlington County & all of South Jersey.

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