Chicago, IL—Fractures are often sustained as a result of an accident such as a car crash or fall. Unfortunately, older individuals are more likely to fall and suffer a fracture due to the “normal changes of aging.”1 Poor eyesight and difficulty hearing are only two of several factors that put older adults at a higher risk of falling, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
If your loved one recently fell and sustained a fracture while being cared for by nursing home staff members and you believe their accident could have been prevented, you should consider contacting Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to speak with a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney. If neglect or abuse played a role in causing your loved one to sustain a fracture, they may be entitled to recover compensation for their pain and suffering.
Addressing a Fracture Sustained in a Nursing Home
Older adults who rely on nursing home staff for care and supervision should be monitored regularly and provided with the assistance they need to safely get around. When a resident is left to maneuver alone when they require assistance, there is a good chance they could fall and suffer a fracture. Nursing home residents are also likely to sustain a fracture when staff members are rough with them or become aggressive.
If you suspect that a nursing home staff member played a role in causing your loved one to suffer a fracture, you are encouraged to seek legal advice from a Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer to ensure you address the matter properly. A nursing home abuse attorney will not only be able to determine if you have a valid case, but they may also be able to help get your loved one relocated or placed under the care of a different set of staff members.
Why do fractures happen in nursing homes?
A fracture can be sustained accidentally or as a result of negligence or mistreatment. Some of the potential reasons for why fractures are sustained in nursing homes include:
- A resident loses their balance and falls while walking around the facility.
- A resident attempts to get in or out of bed alone or move around without assistance as their call for help goes ignored.
- A resident is moved violently from their bed to a chair or vice versa.
- A resident who requires help with bathing is left to shower on their own or without certain devices such as handrails.
While there are plenty of types of fractures that can be sustained, hip fractures tend to one of the more serious types, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hip fractures are often more difficult to recover from, according to the CDC, and can lead to an individual becoming immobile which can cause them to suffer from any of the following conditions2:
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Urinary tract infections
- Death
- Loss of muscle mass
- Pneumonia
- Bedsores
When an older adult suffers a hip fracture, they may need to undergo surgery to repair the break and/or may need to attend rehabilitation. If your loved one suffered a hip fracture as a result of abuse or neglect and you are looking to hold the nursing home financially liable for your loved one’s medical expenses and pain and suffering, a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney can help you.
In order to recover any amount of compensation from a nursing home, you will be expected to provide proof that it was one or more staff members’ negligence or act of misconduct that caused them to suffer a fracture. Fortunately, the nursing home abuse lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. have a great deal of experience in this particular field of law and can help you.
What can a Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorney do for you and your loved one after they suffer a fracture?
The lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. will first assess your loved one’s case to determine if you have a valid claim. If so, we can then explore the legal options that are available to you. This might include pursuing the facility for compensation or filing a lawsuit against the nursing home. Sometimes, when a nursing home is accused of abuse or neglect, they may try and work with the victim to resolve the issue outside of the courtroom.
However, if you have a viable case and a resolution cannot be reached, you may need to consider getting the court involved. Thankfully, you won’t have to make this decision on your own as our skilled lawyers will be there to assist you with the type of action you choose to take.
If you think your loved one’s fracture wasn’t an accident and instead, was caused by an act of abuse or neglect, contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to discuss the incident with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Chicago.
You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:
221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 1-312-384-1920
Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com
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