East Peoria Nursing Home Injury Lawyers
Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys Serving East Peoria, IL
As the population in Illinois and the United States ages, more families are entrusting their loved ones to nursing homes. When they do so, they expect these facilities to provide the highest level of care. Unfortunately, nursing home injuries are far too common, and these incidents can have devastating consequences for residents and their families. At Nursing Home Injury Center, our nursing home injury attorneys in East Peoria, Illinois, are committed to holding negligent facilities accountable and ensuring that vulnerable residents receive the care and respect they deserve.
The Risks of Fall Injuries in Nursing Homes
Fall injuries are some of the most common risks faced by nursing home residents. As people age, they often experience a decline in their physical abilities, which can increase the likelihood of falls. Nursing homes are expected to take proactive measures to minimize the risk of falls, but unfortunately, many facilities fail to implement adequate precautions.
Reasons Why Falls Occur
Falls in nursing homes can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are related to the negligence of a facility or its staff. Some common factors contributing to falls include:
- Inadequate Supervision: Nursing home residents, particularly those with cognitive impairments or mobility issues, require close supervision to prevent falls. When staff members are overworked, undertrained, or inattentive, residents may be left unattended, increasing the risk of falls.
- Poorly Maintained Facilities: Hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, loose rugs, or poorly lit hallways can significantly increase the risk of falls. Nursing homes are responsible for maintaining a safe environment, and failure to do so can lead to serious injuries.
- Improper Use of Mobility Aids: Many residents rely on walkers, wheelchairs, or other devices to move around safely. If these devices are not properly maintained, or if staff members fail to assist residents in using them correctly, the risk of falls can increase.
- Medication Errors: Certain medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other side effects that increase the likelihood of falls. Nursing homes must carefully monitor residents’ medications and adjust dosages as necessary to minimize fall risks.
Types of Injuries from Falls
Falls in nursing homes can lead to multiple types of serious injuries that may have long-lasting effects on a resident’s health and quality of life. Common injuries resulting from falls include:
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the hips, wrists, and arms, are common fall injuries. Hip fractures are especially concerning, as they often require surgery and can lead to long-term disability.
- Head Injuries: A fall can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other severe neurological issues. Head injuries can be life-threatening, especially for older adults.
- Lacerations and Bruises: Falls can cause cuts, bruises, and other soft tissue injuries. While these injuries may seem minor, they can still lead to complications, especially if they become infected.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe cases, a fall can cause damage to the back and spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can drastically alter a resident’s life, and they may require extensive medical care.
Other Forms of Nursing Home Negligence
While falls are a significant concern, they are not the only form of negligence that can occur in nursing homes. Residents are vulnerable to a range of other issues, including abuse and neglect, that can have serious consequences for their health and well-being. Common forms of negligence that can lead to injuries include:
- Physical Abuse: This form of abuse can take many forms, including hitting, slapping, pushing, or other violent actions by staff members or other residents. Residents who suffer abuse may experience injuries such as bruises or broken bones, as well as emotional trauma. Nursing homes have a duty to protect residents from harm, and failure to do so is a serious violation of their responsibilities.
- Verbal Abuse: The use of words or actions by staff members to intimidate, threaten, or humiliate a resident can result in serious emotional trauma. These actions may include yelling, making derogatory comments, or using foul language. Verbal abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse, leading to anxiety, depression, and a decline in the resident’s overall well-being.
- Malnutrition and Dehydration: Nursing home residents rely on staff members to provide proper nutrition and hydration. When residents are not given enough food or water, they can suffer from a host of health problems, including weakened immune systems, infections, and organ failure. These conditions are entirely preventable with proper care and attention.
- Wandering and elopement: Nursing home residents, especially those with cognitive impairments like dementia, require constant supervision to ensure their safety. When staff members fail to provide adequate supervision, residents may wander off and suffer injuries or be exposed to dangerous situations.
Contact Our East Peoria, Illinois Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys
When a person has suffered an injury in a nursing home, it is crucial to take action. The nursing home injury lawyers at Nursing Home Injury Center are here to help families seek justice for the harm done to a loved one due to nursing home abuse or neglect. We are committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable and ensuring that residents receive the care and respect they deserve. Contact us today at 309-524-6900 to schedule a free consultation.
