Bones can break in many ways, from partial to complete breaks. Some less severe fractures—broken bones—heal on their own while others require surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sometimes, it signals the presence of osteoporosis, which can then lead to more fractures, especially in people 50 years of age and older.
As we age, we are more at risk for bone fractures, especially in the hips. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are approximately 340,000 hip fractures each year, with 90 percent of hip fractures occurring as a result of falls. The NIH also reports that pain following orthopedic surgery for a fracture may indicate that the patient will experience long-term pain.
Healing Broken Bones and Fractures
The type of fracture can determine the healing process’s length and difficulty, and about 10% of fractures will not heal normally, according to the National Institutes of Health. Generally, when you have a broken bone you will need at least six to eight weeks to heal.
There are several types of fractures which include:
- Stable fracture: A relatively low-harm break with the broken ends mostly lining up.
- Open, compound fracture: A break that also penetrates the skin.
- Oblique fracture: A break that occurs in an angled pattern.
- Comminuted fracture: A break that shatters the bone into three or more piecesHealing requires the injured person to bring the broken bones together, immobilize the bones so they can heal, and rest the area around the fracture. In an elderly person, healing can take even longer.
Seniors are at a Higher Risk for Broken Bones
After a broken bone heals, the injured person may still experience chronic pain at the original site of the fracture. Someone who has a history of bone fractures could be at greater risk for re-breaking the bone or experiencing another broken bone in the event of a fall, according to the NIH.
If your loved one was previously diagnosed with osteoporosis and has a history of falls or any cognitive disease, they live with an increased risk for broken bones. If your loved one suffered the broken bone as a result of nursing home neglect, it could help to go over your case with a nursing home neglect attorney.
Compensation May Be Awarded for Neglect in a Nursing Home
Often families move loved ones into a nursing home to avoid broken bones and other potentially life-threatening injuries. When you suspect your loved one suffered a broken bone as a result of neglect in a nursing home facility, you have the right to legal representation. You may qualify for compensation from anyone responsible for the care of your loved one.
In any case, including negligence, wrongful death, medical malpractice or breach of contract, you will need to gather evidence that an intention of neglect beyond a reasonable doubt existed.
Laws Governing Nursing Homes
Laws surrounding nursing homes protect our loved ones and make sure that caregivers meet a universal standard of care for elderly adults. A nursing home attorney may be able to help you understand nursing home laws and other requirements the care facility may have neglected to follow, such as:
- Nursing Home Reform Act.
- Social Security Act.
- Older Americans Act.
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
- State-specific Adult Protective Services.
- State-specific Elder Abuse Laws.
These laws deal with nursing home regulations down to the routines and processes nurses must follow to make your loved ones safe and comfortable on a daily basis. If you suspect that a person or facility responsible for your loved one’s care contributed to an injury, a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney may help you build a case.
Contact a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
If you placed your trust for the care of your loved one in the hands of a nursing home, you can hold them responsible for any long-term costs of care resulting from a fracture caused by their negligence. You should not handle a nursing home neglect case alone; a nursing home neglect lawyer can help to navigate the legal process while protecting your rights.
The lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will help you and your family seek compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering, medical bills, and more. Call us at (800) 842-6336 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning you pay nothing up-front or out of pocket. We only collect a fee if we secure financial awards in your favor.