Peoria Nursing Home Traumatic Brain Injuries Lawyer
Protect Your Loved One’s Rights with a Peoria TBI Lawyer
Falls are one of the leading causes of nursing home injuries, and a significant number of those falls can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). This is an umbrella term for any type of injury to the head that affects normal cognitive or physical functioning. Nursing homes have a duty to provide their residents with a safe environment free from hazards that could lead to falls. However, nursing home negligence can often be the root cause behind nursing home falls, and when patients suffer brain injuries, their loved ones may struggle to determine how to respond.
The team at Nursing Home Injury Center works to ensure that families of nursing home residents who have suffered injuries can address concerns related to their loved ones’ health and well-being. We know the emotional difficulties that families often face in these situations, and we can help them determine the best ways to proceed as they make sure an elderly loved one receives the proper medical care and will be able to live in a safe environment. We can also make sure negligence by a nursing home or its staff will be addressed correctly, reducing the possibility that these types of accidents will occur in the future.
Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries for Nursing Home Patients
Anyone who experiences a fall injury is at risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury. A person may hit their head on the ground or nearby objects, and depending on the force of the blow, different parts of the brain may suffer damage. In especially serious cases, the skull may be fractured, or bleeding may occur that places pressure on the brain, leading to additional damage and putting the person’s life at risk.
Elderly or disabled nursing home residents are especially susceptible to suffering serious harm due to a traumatic brain injury. Nursing home patients who may already have limited mobility or who may suffer from issues such as dementia will likely experience a worsening of these conditions, as well as other health issues that could complicate their recovery and limit their ability to live independently.
TBIs can affect nursing home residents in multiple ways, including:
- Cognitive problems – A person may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and difficulty expressing thoughts. This can limit their ability to communicate with others or express their needs to nursing home staff. Their ability to properly care for themselves may also be affected, especially if they struggle to complete certain tasks or fully pay attention to their own needs.
- Physical issues – A brain injury can affect a person’s balance and coordination, limiting their ability to walk or move throughout a nursing home. This may also increase the risk of falls or other types of injuries. Muscle weakness and difficulty moving different parts of the body may affect a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, such as feeding themselves, bathing, or going to the bathroom, and they may require additional assistance from nursing home staff to address their ongoing needs.
- Mood disorders – A TBI can result in a wide variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, difficulty regulating emotions, mood swings, and irritability. These issues may be exacerbated by other issues related to a brain injury, such as confusion or memory loss. Emotional issues can significantly affect a person’s health and well-being, and they may act aggressively against others or attempt to harm themselves. Patients may need psychological treatment to help address these concerns in addition to medical care to address the physical effects of a brain injury.
Taking Steps to Address Brain Injuries That Affect Nursing Home Residents
If you believe your elderly loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to nursing home negligence, contact Nursing Home Injury Center for assistance. We can help you determine the best steps to take to provide your loved one with the care they need, while also addressing the issues that led to a fall accident and brain injury. We can advise you of the options available to you, including taking action to ensure that the nursing home is held responsible for the negligence that caused your loved one to suffer an injury. Call our office at 309-524-6900 to set up your free consultation today.