Kansas City Nursing Home Fall Attorneys

Slips, Trips & Falls in Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in seniors. Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and other assisted living facilities have a responsibility to take certain measures to prevent falls. They should properly supervise residents, adequately maintain their premises, and install handrails, warning signs, and other safety precautions to keep residents safe. 

If you or your loved one fell in a nursing home, leading to injury, you could have grounds for legal action. If the nursing home failed to provide a reasonably safe environment, it could be responsible for your resulting medical bills, pain and suffering, financial losses, and other damages. 

At the Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr., we represent clients in all types of nursing home abuse and neglect cases, including those involving slips, trips, and falls. Our experienced attorneys provide compassionate, client-focused legal representation as they tirelessly pursue maximum compensation and the justice you and your family deserve. We genuinely care about you, your loved one, and your family. Let our team help you navigate the legal process. 

Call (816) 597-4556 or contact us online for a free consultation. There are no legal fees for you unless/until we win your case.

How Do Nursing Home Falls Happen? 

Seniors are at a higher risk for falls and fall-related injuries than other people, and many of these falls occur in nursing homes and similar assisted living facilities throughout the United States. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, about half of all nursing home residents—or approximately 800,000 people—fall every year. 

Sadly, many of these falls are entirely preventable. Most occur due simply to the negligence of nursing homes and other facilities. 

Specifically, some of the most common causes of falls in nursing homes include: 

• Inadequate property maintenance 
• Lack of proper resident supervision 
• Inadequate training and staff 
• Malnutrition and dehydration 
• Missing handrails, signage, and other safety features
• Wandering 
• Cluttered walkways and living spaces 
• Missing or defective equipment 
• Poor lighting 
• Uneven, slippery, and wet floors 
• Dangerous or defective stairs/steps
• Inaccessible personal belongings 
• Defective or poorly maintained wheelchairs 
• Unstable furniture, including beds
• Inadequate resident assistance 

Seniors are more likely to suffer from muscle weakness, gait problems, limited mobility, memory problems, confusion, and dizziness, all of which put them at a higher risk of falls. Nursing homes should not only be aware of these risks but also take the proper measures to counter them and prevent avoidable accidents, including falls. 

Common Fall-Related Injuries 

Falls can lead to serious injuries, especially when the victim is elderly. Seniors are at a higher risk of suffering severe fall-related injuries, including fatal injuries and complications.

Some of the most common fall-related injuries in the elderly include: 

• Broken bones 
• Head and brain injuries 
• Concussions 
• Spine injuries 
• Bruises
• Cuts and scrapes

Additionally, elderly individuals who fall may suffer serious complications. Being hospitalized for a serious fall-related injury can increase the risk of infection, and individuals who take certain medications, such as blood thinners, could be at an increased risk of uncontrollable bleeding. This could lead to catastrophic personal injury or even wrongful death.

A serious fall could also significantly limit an elderly individual’s ability to get around and care for themselves, leading to decreased enjoyment of life. It could also cause a new fear of falling again, causing the individual to become less active than they once were. This may lead to social isolation and other changes that significantly impact the individual’s quality of life. 

Who Is Liable for a Nursing Home Fall? 

In many cases, the nursing home (or similar facility) is legally responsible for falls that occur on its premises. If you can prove that the nursing home or its staff failed to properly care for your loved one or failed to take the necessary measures to prevent falls from occurring, you could have a case against the facility. 

In certain instances, you could have a claim against an individual caregiver or even a third-party manufacturer or distributor of defective equipment or devices. It is important that you work with a highly experienced and knowledgeable attorney—like those at the Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr.—who can identify the liable party/parties and seek full compensation for your damages.