Nursing home residents are some of the most vulnerable people in society. This is why they need to be protected and cared for, both physically and socially. We often accept that our loved ones need to live in a nursing home because we are concerned for their safety and believe that they need 24-hour care and support.
Nursing home support should give the resident’s loved ones peace of mind that they are being adequately cared for. However, if your loved one suffered a fall while they were living in a nursing home, you may call into question the quality of support that they are receiving.
Can falls in a nursing home always be prevented?
It is not realistic for nursing homes to prevent patient falls completely. However, they are expected to calculate a resident’s risk of a fall and take appropriate measures. This means that residents with a high risk of having a fall should always have support when walking around, and they should never be left without a wheelchair or walker.
Can I take action against a nursing home if my loved one had a fall?
To take action against a nursing home, you should be able to show that their negligence led to the fall. For example, suppose a nursing home resident was left without walking aids and support. If they fell on the way to the bathroom, this could be a case of neglect. Residents should always be able to have their needs met without risking their safety.
It is important that you understand the law before taking action to file a claim against a nursing home. It’s also important to note that Michigan is the second worst state for nursing home abuse.
If your loved one was injured due to a fall in a nursing home, contact the Michigan nursing home abuse attorneys at Lipton Law for a free consultation.