According to MedicineNet, falls are the most common cause of bone fractures in seniors, accounting for 87% of all fractures in those aged 65 and older. Unfortunately, fractures can have a devastating effect on the life quality of a senior, potentially rendering them temporarily or permanently immobile. Serious bone breaks that commonly occur in falls can include:
- Hip fractures
- Pelvic fractures
- Leg and ankle fractures
- Arm and hand fractures
Hip fractures can require long hospital stays and recovery periods. In some cases, an elderly nursing home resident may never fully recover from a major bone break, such as a hip fracture.
If your loved one suffered a major bone fracture and you suspect that the nursing home is to blame for your loved one’s suffering, you should consult with an Atlanta bone fractures and breaks lawyer as soon as possible. If your loved one’s injuries occurred due to nursing home negligence or abuse, you could potentially recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free evaluation of your case at (800) 842-6336.
The Impacts of Bone Fractures and Breaks on the Elderly
As we age, our body’s immune system generally weakens, and it takes longer to heal from bone fractures as well as other conditions. Many elderly also suffer from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis sufferers are more prone to suffering from fractures and may also need a longer recovery time. In some cases, a bad fracture may never heal fully.
Potential Reasons for Fractures and Bone Breaks in the Nursing Home
Bone breaks and fractures can happen due to a number of reasons in the nursing home, including:
- Physical abuse
- Lack of mobility aids
- Slip and falls due to hazardous conditions
- Staff not assisting residents with moving around the facility
- Over-medicating residents causing dizziness
- Residents wandering the property unsupervised
- Accidents when moving or transferring residents
For a free legal consultation with a Bone Fractures and Breaks Lawyer serving Atlanta, call (800) 794-0444
How a Nursing Home Can Prevent Fractures and Bone Breaks
A nursing home has the duty to prevent and limit falls and any resulting bone fractures as much as possible. Falls can be prevented by:
- Assessing seniors for fall risk.
- Helping at-risk seniors move around the facility.
- Providing mobility aids, such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs.
- Reviewing and adjusting medication.
- Offering regular strength training exercises.
Several factors can contribute to falls and bone breaks, such as understaffing. Residents can potentially suffer fractures in a variety of circumstances, including when they are moving around the facility unassisted or wandering off the property. Residents have the right to assistance with their daily tasks and should not be left unsupervised for long periods, especially if they are at risk of falling.
Physical abuse can also be a factor in bone breaks. It is the nursing home’s responsibility to ensure that there is no physical abuse and neglect in the home.
Atlanta Bone Fractures and Breaks Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Establishing Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
In order to hold the nursing home to account for your loved one’s injuries and damages, you will need to prove negligence. A nursing home can potentially be held accountable if they neglected your loved one, and this neglect caused the bone fracture injury. The nursing home could also be held liable if you can prove that your loved one’s fractures or bone breaks are due to physical abuse.
Nursing home abuse and neglect are illegal. If your relative suffered bone breaks and fractures due to abuse or neglect, the law is on your side. The Nursing Home Reform Act, 42 U.S. Code § 1395i–3, is a federal law mandating that residents in long-term care have the right to be free from abuse and neglect.
If you are able to prove that the nursing home breached their duty of care and failed to keep your loved one safe and that this caused their bone breaks, you might have a claim. Ways in which the nursing home may have been negligent can include not having enough staff on the premises to make sure they meet residents’ needs. The home might also be negligent if the staff lacks the appropriate qualifications and training for their positions.
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Your Atlanta Bone Fractures and Breaks Lawyer Can Help
It can be heartbreaking to see your loved one suffer from a horrific injury that may have been completely avoidable. However, you are not powerless and do not have to accept your loved one’s mistreatment. In a lawsuit, you could potentially recover compensation for any injuries and damages, including:
- Hospital stays and other medical expenses
- Rehabilitative treatments
- Medical transportation costs
- Awards for physical pain and anguish
- Awards for emotional distress
If your loved one has died due to a preventable injury such as a complicated fracture or bone break, you could potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Taking on a nursing home by yourself can feel daunting and difficult. However, help is available. Your Atlanta bone fractures and breaks lawyer can build a case against the nursing home and fight for the justice and compensation that you and your loved one deserve. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a no-obligation consultation. Ways in which your nursing home lawyer can help include:
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Gathering Evidence to Prove Your Claim
You will need comprehensive evidence showing the nursing home’s breach of duty and your loved one’s injuries and damages. We can collect crucial evidence to further your case, including medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and any other important proof of negligence and damages.
Negotiating with the Nursing Home and Insurances
In some personal injury cases, both parties can agree on an out-of-court settlement. Your lawyer will fully explore this option and negotiate with the insurances and the defendant, with the aim of securing a comprehensive settlement.
Legal Representation
Your Atlanta bone fractures and breaks lawyer knows the laws and regulations governing nursing homes. Your lawyer can represent you in a court of law, fighting for your best interests.
Most of all, having a nursing home lawyer by your side can provide reassurance during a stressful and upsetting time. We do not shy away from tough cases and can help you hold a nursing home to account for their failures.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now and find out how we could help you fight for justice and compensation at (800) 842-6336.
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