If you are like most people, you have suffered a fall at one point in your life. Falling is a common type of accident that affects virtually everyone. While most young and healthy people recover from minor falls, sometimes falls can lead to serious injuries. In severe cases, falls can even be debilitating or fatal.
Sometimes falls are preventable and could be caused by the negligence of a third party. One example of this is failure to maintain safety measures. In some tragic cases, physical abuse could potentially lead to falling and other injuries. If your loved one suffered a fall while living in a nursing home and you suspect a third party is even partially at fault, you could have grounds to file a legal claim against responsible parties.
While every case is different, some victims of falls collect financial compensation as a result of their case. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options contact a San Francisco falls lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm by calling. A team member will be able to discuss your case in detail and help you determine the next steps available to you and your family during this difficult time.
Increased Risks for Elderly Adults
For elderly adults, falling is more dangerous than for younger demographics. As we age, our bodies tend to lose muscle mass, bone density, joint elasticity, and the ability to maintain balance. This combination means a simple fall can lead to life-threatening injuries. Recovery time for the injuries after a fall can also be dramatically longer for the elderly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 3 million elderly adults over the age of 65 are treated annually for falls in the United States alone. Of these cases, over 800,000 require hospitalization and cost billions of dollars in medical expenses.
It is easy to see how falling is very dangerous, particularly for older adults. Understanding the causes of falls can help prevent you or a loved one from falling in the future.
Causes of Falls
Some of the common causes of falling include:
- Slipping on a wet surface
- Poor lighting
- Lower body or muscle weakness that can lead to instability
- Poor vision
- Side effects of medication, causing drowsiness or dizziness
- Improperly fitting footwear
- Low blood pressure or circulation issues
- Lack of feeling in the lower body, legs, feet, and toes
- Improperly moving a physically disabled person from one location to another
- Intentional physical abuse
In addition to these common factors that can lead to falling, sometimes hazardous conditions can increase the likelihood of a fall. One environment where this can happen is nursing homes. While these types of facilities can be a great option for older adults, they can prove to be dangerous if the staff does not properly take care of the premises. A loose guardrail, a wet floor, or an uneven carpet can all lead to falling. Medication administration errors can lead to unwanted side effects that may affect the balance of a nursing home resident. In tragic instances, some older adults are physically abused by perpetrators who intentionally want to harm others.
There are several ways in which a nursing home or the trained staff can be negligent or abusive and in turn, endanger residents. The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 explicitly states that facilities taking care of older adults are required to provide a high standard of care to the best of their ability. Failure to do so is in violation of federal law and could be ground for legal action. If you are considering taking legal action, speak with a team member at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to find out how a San Francisco falls lawyer can help.
For a free legal consultation with a Falls Lawyer serving San Francisco, call (800) 794-0444
Common Injuries From Falling Accidents
The injuries suffered from falling can range greatly in severity. In minor instances, a fall may not require any medical attention. Some of the more serious forms of injury that can result from a fall, particularly in older adults include:
- Cuts, scrapes, bruises, and abrasions
- Fractures and broken bones, including hip fractures
- Head injuries such as concussions
- Sprains, strains, tears, dislocations, and other joint-specific injuries
The injuries resulting from falls can take a long time to recover from. Multiple doctor visits, ongoing therapy, prescription medications, and more can lead to expensive medical bills and financial difficulties. If your loved one suffered from a fall and another party is at fault, you could be able to collect several forms of compensation.
Potentially Recoverable Compensation
Some victims of falling accidents caused by a third party receive financial compensation for their losses, pain, and suffering. This can come in the form of punitive damages, reimbursement for past and future medical expenses, compensation for legal fees, and more. If you are exploring your legal options and want to learn more about the potentially recoverable compensation in your case it may be beneficial to speak with a legal professional.
San Francisco Falls Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Contact a San Francisco Falls Lawyer
Dealing with an accident like a fall can be a very difficult and stressful time for you and your family. While you are focused on the health of your loved one, it may feel overwhelming to also consider your legal options. The legal process can be complex and confusing. Fortunately, the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to help. A San Francisco falls lawyer can help you better understand your path forward based on your case. Remember that time is important when taking legal action, as most jurisdictions have a statute of limitations regarding claims. If another party was at fault, you deserve justice. Call today to speak with one of our team members at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
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