Elder Slip and Fall Attorneys in Tallahassee, FL Fighting for Elderly Safety in Leon County, Wakulla County, Jefferson County, Gadsden County, and Throughout Florida
Elderly nursing home residents are known for sometimes being unsteady on their feet due to the physical health issues they face. When the family of a nursing home resident is notified of a fall injury, staff members may suggest that such an accident was inevitable, given the victim’s physical condition. However, when nursing home residents suffer from known fall risks, it doesn’t excuse the facility from responsibility. These facilities have a responsibility to take reasonable measures to prevent falls. When they don’t, seasoned Tallahassee nursing home fall injury lawyers like Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A. are here to help families hold these institutions liable for the consequences of their negligence.
In the midst of dealing with the serious harm your loved one suffered in a nursing home and the treatments needed to address their fall injuries, the idea of initiating legal action can feel overwhelming. At Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A., we won’t add to your stress. Our team of elder slip and fall attorneys in Tallahassee, FL, is here to guide you seamlessly through the process of recovering financial compensation for all of your family’s losses. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and find out how we can help protect your loved one and secure your family’s legal rights.
Nursing Home Fall Injury Claims in Tallahassee, FL
A nursing home may attempt to convince you that your loved one’s fall was no one’s fault. In some instances, the facility will try to place the blame for the injury on the residents themselves. However, a thorough investigation by experienced Tallahassee nursing home fall injury lawyers
often reveals that neglect or negligent conduct on the part of the nursing home, its staff, or another party contributed to the fall.
Injuries and Complications From Nursing Home Falls
The damage nursing home residents sustain when they fall can be serious. Common types of injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Concussions and other types of head injuries
- Spinal injuries
The age and vulnerable health status of many nursing home residents can amplify the damaging impact a fall injury can have. For example, broken hips and other fractures occur more commonly among residents who have osteoporosis. Residents on blood thinners may be more likely to suffer from uncontrolled bleeding. Any delays in getting medical care can result in worsened damage.
Falls in nursing homes can leave residents with more restricted mobility than they had suffered from previously, which can contribute to further complications like bed sores and contractures. Developing a fear of falling can impact the resident’s emotional health and social activities, as well. Falls can result in long-term injuries and disability and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the leading cause of injury death among adults 65 and older.
Legal Recourse for Falls in Nursing Homes
Falls that occur in nursing homes are often preventable by ensuring the proper supervision and care of residents and the use of appropriate safety measures.
One important step nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and other types of long-term care facilities should take is routinely conducting fall risk assessments to evaluate a resident’s risk of falling. Through the findings of this risk assessment, nursing home staff can develop and implement a resident care plan that includes appropriate fall prevention interventions.
Some examples of how falls occur in nursing homes include:
- Failing to support the resident while they are walking, standing, or moving into a wheelchair
- Failing to place the resident’s feet securely in the chair holds
- Improperly lifting a patient in or out of a bed or wheelchair
- Ignoring a diagnosis that constitutes a high fall risk
- Failing to implement the fall prevention measures included in a resident’s care plan
- Neglecting or abusing residents with mobility restrictions so that they feel they have no choice but to get up, stand, or walk on their own
- Allowing environmental safety hazards that could constitute a fall risk, such as equipment in hallways, to exist where residents could trip on them
Even if the fall itself did not result from negligence on the part of the nursing home or its staff, you may be able to hold the facility liable for any harm that results from a failure to conduct post-fall resident assessments and obtain timely medical attention. Fall-related injuries in nursing homes require prompt, thorough medical evaluation and treatment. There is no excuse for failing to obtain appropriate, timely care for fall injuries.
How Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A. Can Help
Nursing home injury claims are time-sensitive matters. Protecting your loved one and securing your family’s right to seek compensation should begin as soon as possible, with skilled Tallahassee nursing home fall injury lawyers like Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A. there to guide you.
When our team investigates a fall-related injury, we conduct a thorough review of all the facts to determine:
- Whether the nursing home knew or should have known that the resident was a fall risk
- What interventions were or should have been undertaken to reduce the risk of falls
- Whether appropriate safety measures were taken to protect at-risk residents
- Whether staffing levels and training were adequate
- The details of how the fall happened, including whether the resident was improperly left unsupervised or without the assistance they needed, including mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs
- Any environmental hazards in the nursing home that contributed to the fall
- Whether a pattern of falls exists involving the nursing home resident or the nursing home more broadly
As experienced elder slip and fall attorneys in Tallahassee, FL, we know what’s needed to successfully hold a nursing home accountable for injuries.
Why Choose Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A.?
When families in Florida need Tallahassee nursing home fall injury lawyers to protect their rights and fight for their interests, they turn to Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A.
Legal Experience You Can Trust
With more than 35 years in legal practice and over 100 years of combined experience, we’re prepared to confront every challenge that could arise in the course of your nursing home claim.
A Team of Dedicated Attorneys on Your Side
Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A. offers the advantages of having a team of dedicated legal authorities on your side. Throughout every phase of your claim, we’re dedicated to achieving the results your family deserves.
The Help You Need With No Upfront Fees
What if you could retain skilled professionals for the duration of your nursing home fall injury claim without ever being asked to pay upfront? Our firm’s free initial consultations and contingency representation make legal assistance affordable and accessible.
Contact the Tallahassee Nursing Home Fall Injury Lawyers at Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A. Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Don’t wait to secure the medical care or legal assistance you need to help your family member achieve the best possible physical and financial recovery from a fall injury.
For help from elder slip and fall attorneys in Tallahassee, FL, contact Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A. online or call 850-605-3555 today.