Naples Falls/Broken Bones Attorney
Falls are common among the elderly as they deal with reduced mobility, balance, vision, and cognition. Plus, many must deal with weakness, chronic medical conditions, and the effects of certain medications. Since seniors also must deal with reduced bone mass, as well as a lack of fat and muscle to protect them, a fall can easily lead to a broken bone. The arms, hands, ankles, legs, hips, thighs, pelvis, and back can all be affected.
Falls and fractures are unfortunately quite common in nursing homes. These issues are highly preventable but they still happen at high rates. Don’t let nursing homes and other medical facilities get away with this behavior. If you have been affected, Kohn Law can help. Contact a Naples falls/broken bones attorney today for a consultation.
Risk Factors
While anyone can suffer a broken bone, those in nursing homes tend to face the highest risk due to factors such as:
- History of falls
- History of fainting
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Osteoporosis
- Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other cognitive conditions
- Wearing a prosthetic device
- Mobility issues
- Difficulty standing from a sitting position
- Advanced age (75 or older)
Dangers of Broken Bones
Broken bones can be dangerous. If a fracture is not treated properly, things can get worse. It can lead to infection, sepsis, and other conditions.
Hip fractures are among the most dangerous types of fractures for seniors. In many cases, hospitalization is required. While the fracture is healing, the resident will need assistance performing daily tasks.
Is a Broken Bone Concerning?
A broken bone should never happen in a nursing home. Therefore, if your loved one has suffered one, you need to be proactive and ask questions. How did it happen? Who was there at the time? If nobody was there, why not?
Nursing home staff should be assessing patients and determining which ones are at high risk for falls. It is important for nurses and other staff to give these patients extra care and attention so they can stay safe.
If your loved one has been affected, be sure to seek medical records. Get a detailed medical report from the nursing home as well as the hospital or other medical facility where the resident was treated.
If the events surrounding the broken bone seem suspicious, do not hesitate to call a lawyer to determine your next steps. Any mismatch in stories and facts between your loved one and the nursing home or medical facility should be concerning.
Contact Kohn Law Today
Falls and broken bones are things that should never happen in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or any other type of medical facility. These incidents are preventable with proper care from staff.
Have you been affected? If so, see how Kohn Law can provide you with the legal advice you need. Schedule a consultation today to learn more. Fill out the online form or call (813) 428-8504 to speak with a Naples falls/broken bones attorney.
