Tampa Nursing Home Fall Injuries
It is common sense to expect that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are the safest places possible for the elderly. Yet despite the presence of trained staff, safety equipment, and a controlled environment, thousands of residents slip and fall every year.
A slip and fall accident can have serious consequences for the most resilient of us. But when elderly people experience these falls, the result can be catastrophic. It is not uncommon for these people to need serious medical treatment after a fall.
A Tampa nursing home fall injury lawyer is dedicated to helping residents and their families after falls that occur in Tampa nursing homes. An experienced attorney can work with people to help them understand their rights and hold negligent nursing homes responsible for their actions.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls in Tampa Nursing Homes
A slip and fall can happen at any time and for almost any reason. Even in places where there is a maintenance department, hazards can spring up at any time. Especially in locations such as nursing homes, where residents are not able to care for many of their own needs, it is especially important that any hazards be addressed immediately after they become apparent.
Common examples of hazards in nursing homes include:
- Liquid spills on floors
- Falling in the shower
- Faulty stairs
- Improperly maintained handrails
- Ineffective staff assistance
All nursing homes and assisted care facilities have a legal duty to ensure the health and wellbeing of their residents. This includes providing adequately trained staff keep accidents from happening. From the dining staff who serve meals, to the janitors who clean the floors, to the nursing assistants who aid residents with bathing, all employees must protect the residents. When they fail in this duty, the nursing facility is legally liable.
Injuries from Slip and Falls
Many people are surprised when they learn about the extent and seriousness of injuries that can result from a slip and fall. While a person may only fall a few feet to the ground, this can create enough force to cause serious injuries. Even for an otherwise healthy adult, a fall can cause broken bones, separated joints, concussions, and even spinal cord injuries.
Naturally, a similar fall endured by a resident in a nursing home may have harsher consequences. The elderly suffer from a natural loss in bone density that makes them far more vulnerable to falls. Particularly in the hip and pelvis area, severe bone breaks are an unfortunate result of many falls. They will also need a longer time frame to recover from any injury.
Consulting About Tampa Nursing Home Fall Injuries
All nursing homes and assisted living facilities have a legal duty to care for the health of their residents. This includes a duty to keep them safe from foreseeable harm. If a nursing home or staff member violates this duty, and a resident suffers an injury, that resident may sue for damages. In situations where a family member has power of attorney, that family member may take the lead in the case.
Whether a nursing home fall injury in Tampa was due to an environmental hazard, the result of improper staff care, or due to poor maintenance procedures, injured people have rights.
A Tampa attorney represents residents in lawsuits against negligent nursing homes. They aim to collect compensation for not just the medical costs associated with the injury, but also for the pain and suffering endured by residents. Tampa nursing home falls are sadly common; but by working with a lawyer can bring negligent facilities to justice. Contact a lawyer today to see how they can help.