Fractures From Falls in Nursing Homes
Many of the fractures from falls in nursing homes and other care settings are preventable had the resident received proper supervision or had their been adequate numbers of well trained staff to perform tasks such as transfers from wheelchairs and chairs, toileting, and assessment related to falls from the bed. Fractures can be very serious and due to complications can often lead to permanent injuries and disabilities or death.
Fractures From Falls From Hoyer Type Mechanical Patient Lift
Fractures from Falls. One of the higher risk situations for residents of nursing homes or other elder care facilities is patient transfer from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to bed or toilet and other transfers. The use of a patient lift injuries can assist with these transfer when done safely but can lead to serious injuries when not performed correctly. Many times accident are due to the lifts not being used or set up as directed by the manufacturer. Another reason is the failure to use the right size or proper type of sling for the patient lift. Many falls occur when the sling is not attached to the lift clips per directions. According to Minnesota Falls Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury for children and for adults 35-years and older. Falls and fall-related injuries among adults over age 65 are on the rise.
Fractures From Falls From Wheelchairs and Chairs
Injuries from wheelchair and even reclining chairs are common in senior care environments. The injuries usually occur due to a wheelchair tips over on ramps or curbs, falls down stairs, allows the resident to slip out of the chair, the resident’s feet are allowed to drag causing leg and feet injuries and others. Residents must receive the supervision and care necessary to avoid injuries including wheelchair falls and injuries.
Fractures From Falls In Bathroom
The bathroom is an area where many types of injuries occur. Fall injuries related to a loss of balance when setting down or getting up from the toilet. Injuries from lifts on the toilet or in the shower. Injuries from slipping in the shower or entering bath or shower. Injuries also occur when dressing and undressing for baths and showering. Most injuries in the bathroom are preventable if the resident receives the patient assistance and supervision necessary to provide for their toileting and hygiene needs.
Fractures From Falls From Bed
Although it may seem like someone is safe in their bed, vulnerable nursing home residents suffer serious fractures, head injuries and others when they fall from their bed onto the floor or hit their head or body on items near the bed such as oxygen tanks and night stands. Many of the injuries as result of falling from bed are preventable, however, nursing homes often refuse or negligently fail to provide bed rails, lower the bed height, provide safety mats or other safety interventions to protect residents at risk of falls.
Falls Injuries are Often Medical Malpractice Cases
If you suffer an fractures from falls when a resident in a nursing home, assisted living, memory care, hospital or other medical or senior care environment the provide may be responsible in part or whole for a lack of supervision or improper use of medical equipment and other reasons. You need expert medical opinions in Minnesota to bring a lawsuit for medical malpractice and for many issues related to wrongful death claims.
If you have questions about nursing home abuse and neglect and fractures or other fall related injuries contact Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore can be reached directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.
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