Las Cruces Nursing Home Falls and Fractures Lawyer

Las Cruces Nursing Home Falls and Fractures Attorney

Nursing home falls are among the most serious yet also preventable incidents affecting elderly Americans living in long-term care facilities. When a resident falls, their injuries can be severe, leading to fractures, bruising, and other complications that can affect them for the rest of their lives and even lead to death. A Las Cruces nursing home falls and fractures lawyer can help residents and their families pursue compensation for damages if a fall was the result of a facility’s negligence.

Hire a Nursing Home Falls and Fractures Lawyer

Since 1966, Branch Law Firm has been helping personal injury victims recover compensation for their damages caused by the negligence of others. We know how emotionally challenging nursing home fall cases can be for families. You brought your loved one to a facility expecting them to provide excellent care, and they betrayed that trust. Now it’s time to hold them accountable for their negligence.

Our firm can investigate the fall, explain how the state’s nursing home fracture laws impact your case, collect evidence, and represent you in settlement negotiations or court. Don’t let a negligent nursing home get away with causing your loved one harm. Consult an experienced attorney to learn about your legal options and begin working on your case.

Causes of Falls in Nursing Homes

Falls in nursing homes are far too common, often resulting from preventable issues tied to staffing, safety practices, and resident care. One of the most common causes is inadequate supervision. Many residents require assistance with transfers. When they aren’t properly supervised and try to move by themselves, this increases the chances of falling.

Unsafe conditions in facilities also play a role. Poor lighting, uneven floors, cluttered walkways, and missing handrails can create an unsafe environment. What’s more, medication side effects are also common factors in falls, particularly when coupled with a lack of supervision or inadequate safety equipment.

What Makes Nursing Home Falls So Dangerous?

Falls in nursing homes are particularly dangerous because residents are often elderly, medically fragile, and slower to recover. Even a simple fall can have life-altering consequences. One of the biggest risks of these falls is fractures, particularly hip fractures. These injuries often require surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Some injury victims never fully recover. Head injuries are also a major concern. A fall can lead to concussions or traumatic brain injuries, which can lead to long-term cognitive decline and even death.

Perhaps what makes falls so dangerous, though, is how often medical facilities fail to properly report them. Findings show that 43% of falls in nursing homes that result in major injury go unreported. Not only is this a violation of state law, but it also puts residents at great risk as their families and physicians cannot step in to make sure they receive appropriate care. This is why it’s important to work with a Las Cruces nursing home falls and fractures attorney to help you prove negligence and pursue compensation.

Fractures Caused by Falls

Due to residents’ frailty and the natural weakening of their bones with age, fractures are common after a fall. Hip fractures are the most common and severe type of injury. They often require surgery, long-term rehab, and can significantly reduce mobility. Wrist and arm fractures are also common, as residents can fall on outstretched hands to brace themselves. While these injuries are less severe than hip fractures, they can still limit mobility and independence.

Prompt medical attention after a fall is essential to treating these injuries and limiting their effect on a victim’s life. While reporting falls that lead to injury is mandatory in New Mexico, not all facilities adhere to these laws in every case. If you suspect a loved one has suffered a fracture due to an unreported fall, reach out to an attorney for assistance.

FAQs

Are Nursing Homes Required to Report Falls?

Nursing homes are generally required to report falls, particularly when they result in injury. Federal regulations require nursing homes to document incidents and report injuries to the state. In New Mexico, facilities must also notify a resident’s physician and family after a serious fall. Failure to report an incident can lead to serious penalties, including fines and legal liability for the nursing home.

Can You File a Claim Against a Nursing Home for Dropping a Patient?

You can file a claim against a nursing home for dropping a patient and causing injury in Las Cruces, particularly if negligence is involved. Nursing homes have a duty to properly care for residents and always supervise them. If staff fail to follow proper procedures, use inadequate equipment, or act recklessly, they may be liable. You can pursue compensation for any resulting damages, including medical bills and pain and suffering.

What Happens When a Patient Falls in a Nursing Home?

When a patient falls into a nursing home, staff should immediately assess the resident for injuries and provide first aid. The facility must document the incident, notify the family, and inform the resident’s physician. Depending on the severity of the injury, the resident may need to be transported to the hospital. The nursing home should review the incident to determine the cause of the fall and whether prevention measures need improvement.

How Common Are Falls in Nursing Homes?

Falls in nursing homes are incredibly common, with half of residents falling annually. These incidents are a leading cause of injury for seniors, often occurring due to a combination of factors such as limited mobility, health conditions, medication, and environmental hazards. In many cases, residents need assistance with walking or transferring, increasing the risk when supervision is inadequate. Because of these risks, nursing homes are expected to implement prevention plans and provide proper monitoring.

Las Cruces Nursing Home Falls and Fractures Lawyer

Falls in nursing homes are a serious concern for residents, and injury victims and their families deserve compensation if the facility or staff’s negligence led to the incident. Hire a nursing home falls and fractures lawyer to help you investigate the fall, collect evidence of negligence, and pursue compensation in settlement negotiations or court proceedings. The team at Branch Law Firm can be your trusted ally throughout your nursing home fall case. Contact our team today.