Who is at fault for a slip and fall accident in a nursing home?
Posted July 9th, 2014 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Personal Injury, Slip and Falls.
We all know what happens when we get older. Lack of energy, joints begin to ache, memory fades. What also happens is a lack of coordination. When day you’re walking down a flight of stairs without a problem and then next day you keep tripping on your own two feet.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three adults ages 65 and older suffer a slip and fall accident each year. It is the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. It is the most common cause for brain injuries in older adults and most fractures are caused by falls. It’s a bigger problem than you think.
So since it’s such a common problem in older adults, when a senior falls while living in a nursing home, the fault lies with him/her, right? Well, no, not really. Just like any other public facility, it is the duty of the nursing home to make sure the premises are safe for its residents. The nursing home should create care plan for each of its residents that will protect that resident. If the resident is known to have balance issues, then it is the responsibility of the nursing home to address the issue. Failure to do so is considered negligence on part of the facility and could result in a personal injury lawsuit.
Unfortunately, many seniors don’t seek medical attention after a fall. This can cause more damage and could lead to death. If you notice a loved one with a bruise or cuts, make sure you tell the nursing home staff. If the injuries were caused by a fall, check with the staff to see the incident was properly recorded and your loved one gets medical assistance.
Were you injured in a slip and fall accident? We are here to help you! Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, PC today for a free consultation. With more than 25 years of experience, we are prepared to get you what you deserve.
