Falls are one of the most common and serious risks faced by nursing home residents. For elderly or frail individuals, a fall can lead to broken bones, head injuries, loss of independence, or even death. While some falls may be unavoidable due to health conditions, others happen because of negligence or poor care at the nursing home.
If your loved one has fallen in a nursing home in Illinois, you may be wondering if the injury could be grounds for a lawsuit. At the Dinizulu Law Group, we understand how devastating these incidents can be and are here to help you determine when a fall is caused by nursing home negligence and what legal options you have.
Why Are Falls So Common in Nursing Homes?
Residents in nursing homes often have physical or cognitive impairments that increase their risk of falling. Many suffer from conditions like arthritis, dementia or muscle weakness, which affect balance and coordination. Medications prescribed to manage these conditions can also cause dizziness or confusion.
Despite these challenges, nursing homes have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment and take reasonable steps to prevent falls.
When Is a Fall the Nursing Home’s Fault?
Not every fall in a nursing home is automatically negligence. However, a fall may be grounds for a lawsuit if it resulted from the facility’s failure to meet its duty of care. Some common examples include:
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Lack of Proper Supervision: Residents who need assistance with walking or transferring should be supervised or helped by staff. If a resident falls because no one was monitoring or assisting when required, the nursing home may be liable.
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Unsafe Environment: Hazards such as wet floors, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, cluttered hallways or faulty equipment can cause falls. If the nursing home failed to address these dangers, it could be responsible.
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Failure to Assess and Prevent Risk: Nursing homes are required to assess each resident’s fall risk and implement personalized prevention plans. Ignoring known risk factors or failing to update care plans can lead to preventable falls.
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Improper Use of Restraints or Mobility Aids: Misusing devices or restraints can increase fall risks or cause injuries during a fall.
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Inadequate Staff Training: Staff who aren’t properly trained to assist residents or respond to fall risks may contribute to accidents.
Signs a Fall May Be Due to Negligence
If your loved one experiences a fall, watch for signs that the nursing home may have been negligent, including:
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The nursing home delayed or refused to provide medical treatment after the fall.
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The fall resulted in a serious injury that could have been prevented.
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There were previous warnings or reports about hazards or staffing issues that were ignored.
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The facility has a pattern of frequent falls or safety violations.
What Should You Do After a Fall?
If your loved one has fallen in a nursing home, it’s important to act quickly:
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Ensure your loved one gets the necessary care for any injuries.
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Document Everything: Take notes, photos of the injury and environment, and keep copies of medical reports.
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Request the Incident Report: Nursing homes are required to document falls — get a copy for your records.
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Report the Fall: Notify state agencies like the Illinois Department of Public Health if you suspect negligence.
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Consult an Experienced Attorney: A nursing home abuse lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your rights and guide you through the legal process.
When Is It Worth Filing a Lawsuit?
Not all falls lead to lawsuits, but you may have a case if the fall was caused by neglect or unsafe conditions, and your loved one suffered serious harm as a result. Compensation can cover medical bills, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs and other damages.
Nursing homes should be held accountable for failing to protect vulnerable residents from preventable falls. Taking legal action can also help improve conditions for other residents.
How the Dinizulu Law Group Can Help
Navigating a nursing home fall lawsuit can be complicated. At the Dinizulu Law Group, we provide compassionate, knowledgeable legal support to families in Illinois. We thoroughly investigate each case to hold negligent facilities responsible and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
If your loved one has fallen in a nursing home and you suspect negligence, don’t wait. Contact us today at (312) 384-1920 for a free, confidential consultation.
