Nursing Home Negligence - Fractured Hip Accidents

Falls are the main cause of hip fractures in senior citizens. Falls might be the leading cause of fatal injury among the elderly and that is why there are proactive steps nursing homes can and should take to reasonably prevent falls. Keeping the elderly active and mobile, using non-slip surfaces and footwear, providing walkers and bars in showers, and improving environment safety can all reduce the risk of falls and fractured hips. Nursing homes legally must take “reasonable” action to prevent falls and hip fractures. What is reasonable depends upon the circumstances but reasonable means what a prudent and diligent facility should do.

A hip fracture is not your everyday injury for someone over the age of 65. A break in femoral head or acetabulum can be incapacitating for the duration of the individual’s life. Hip fractures can require surgeries and extensive rehabilitation efforts, as well as pain medications and supportive care from nursing home staff members. Most seniors will never fully recover from a hip fracture and must live with a permanent disability and varying levels of function. For others, hip fractures can be fatal injuries due to an increased risk of blood clots, infections, and malnutrition.

It’s incredibly important for elderly nursing home residents to feel well, able-bodied, and healthy. A fractured hip can make this impossible, forcing the person into bedrest or limiting his/her independence. This change, plus a greater propensity for health complications, can result in a decline in the person’s overall health and mental status. Failure to prevent hip fractures whenever possible is an act of negligence that victims should not tolerate. With help from Freedland Harwin Valori Gander, PL, victims can seek justice.