Slip and fall accidents are no joke, in fact, they are one of the leading causes of injury in America. Furthermore, slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, at any time. These types of accidents are often linked to premises liability, construction accidents, nursing home accidents, traumatic brain injury, and even wrongful death. Falls in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities are common in large part because of the age and physical health of people. Those living in nursing homes or staying in hospitals generally have more chronic conditions and difficulty walking around compared to other older adults living on their own in the community. Many nursing home residents also have problems keeping their thoughts straight and remember important details, which can all play a part in their risk of falling. However, elderly people and those under the care of hospital staff members also sustain injuries from falls due to inadequate care or supervision. In some serious cases, the injuries sustained from slip or fall accidents are very severe and can cause wrongful deaths. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,800 elderly people living in nursing homes die from fall-related injuries each year.
As a prominent patient falls attorney in Fort Worth, we are dedicated to representing patients who have sustained any serious injuries as a result of falling while under the care of a trained medical staff. If you or a loved one has been the victim of this type of personal injury, please contact an attorney from Wormington & Bollinger today. We will review your case and answer any questions you may have, helping to give you a better idea of your legal rights.
Why Do Patient Falls Occur?
Slip and fall patient accidents occur in a variety of settings and under a range of circumstances. They also result in numerous injuries that range from mild to severe. Here is a look at some of the factors that can cause or contribute to patient falls:
- Disoriented patients failing to call for assistance. When patients are confused or disoriented, they may not realize they are in an unfamiliar environment and may forget to use the nurse call button when getting out of bed or going to the bathroom. In some cases, this may result in the patient falling and becoming injured.
- The patient assessment was inadequate. It is the job of the medical staff to assess every single patient for fall risk on intake. If they are either improperly assessed or if the patient’s ability is overestimated, this may result in less medical attention and more opportunities for the patient to slip or fall.
- Failure of medical staff to respond in a timely manner. If a patient falls and does hit the call button, it is assumed that the on-duty nurse will respond as quickly as possible. When this does not happen, the risk of more serious injury or even death increases. Furthermore, if the nursing home or hospital is not fully staffed, this may result in a lapse in care and supervision.
- Damaged, uneven, or broken equipment. If the bedding, handrails, flooring, or walkways are not properly maintained, it may lead to an increased chance of the patient falling or becoming injured.
Addition factors that may contribute to patient falls include wet or slick floors, inadequate or broken lighting, snowy or icy walkways, dilapidated parking lots, and uneven flooring. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a slip or fall while under the supervision of medical personnel, contact Wormington & Bollinger today.