Failure to Prevent Falls in Nursing Homes: Legal Action You Can Take

Failure to Prevent Falls in Nursing Homes: Legal Action You Can Take

Falls in nursing homes are not just unfortunate accidents—they are often the result of negligence, understaffing, or failure to implement proper safety protocols. At Bounds Law Group, we understand the devastating impact a fall can have on an elderly loved one and are committed to holding negligent facilities accountable. If your family member has been injured in a facility due to inadequate care, you may be entitled to pursue a nursing home fall injury lawsuit.

Nursing Home Falls | Bounds Law Group

Falls in nursing homes are not just unfortunate accidents—they are often the result of negligence, understaffing, or failure to implement proper safety protocols. At Bounds Law Group, we understand the devastating impact a fall can have on an elderly loved one and are committed to holding negligent facilities accountable. If your family member has been injured in a facility due to inadequate care, you may be entitled to pursue a nursing home fall injury lawsuit.

Contact us now at 877-644-5122 or complete the free case evaluation form for expert legal assistance.

The Risks of Nursing Home Falls

Every year, thousands of elderly residents in nursing homes suffer preventable falls that result in serious injuries, long-term disabilities, and even wrongful death. These incidents are particularly egregious when caused by:

  • Inadequate staffing or supervision
  • Failure to implement individualized fall prevention plans
  • Slippery floors or poor lighting
  • Improper use of mobility aids or restraints
  • Negligent response to prior fall incidents

When such hazards are ignored, they create a dangerous environment that directly violates both federal and state regulations protecting nursing home residents. Filing a nursing home fall injury lawsuit is often the only way to seek justice and prevent similar harm to others.

When such hazards are ignored, they create a dangerous environment that directly violates both federal and state regulations protecting nursing home residents. Filing a nursing home fall injury lawsuit is often the only way to seek justice and prevent similar harm to others.

Who Is Liable in a Nursing Home Fall Injury Lawsuit?

Liability in a nursing home fall injury lawsuit can extend to multiple parties depending on the facts of the case. These include:

  • Nursing home facility owners
  • Staff members and caregivers
  • Third-party contractors
  • Medical professionals

Facilities are legally obligated to create safe living conditions and deliver a standard of care consistent with federal guidelines. When they fail to meet this duty, and a resident is harmed, the law allows for accountability through civil litigation.

Common Injuries in Nursing Home Fall Cases

The elderly are especially vulnerable to serious injury from falls due to fragile bones, underlying medical conditions, and reduced balance. Common injuries include:

  • Hip fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Severe bruising and lacerations

Such injuries can lead to long-term hospitalization, permanent disability, or a significant decline in quality of life. A nursing home fall injury lawsuit can provide compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.

Federal and State Regulations Protecting Nursing Home Residents

The Nursing Home Reform Act requires facilities to maintain each resident's highest possible physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Additionally, state laws impose further obligations, such as:

  • Creating individualized care plans
  • Assessing fall risk upon admission
  • Conducting regular staff training on fall prevention
  • Maintaining a safe and hazard-free environment

When these regulations are ignored, and a fall occurs, the nursing home may be in violation of both state and federal law—strengthening your nursing home fall injury lawsuit.

Evidence Needed to Prove Negligence

Building a strong nursing home fall injury lawsuit requires a comprehensive collection of evidence, which may include:

  • Incident reports and facility logs
  • Medical records documenting the injury
  • Surveillance footage (if available)
  • Witness statements from staff or residents
  • Expert testimony on care standards

At Bounds Law Group, we conduct thorough investigations and partner with medical and industry experts to uncover the full scope of negligence and present a compelling case on your behalf.

Steps to Take After a Nursing Home Fall

If your loved one has been injured in a nursing home fall, take the following immediate actions to protect their health and legal rights:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention to assess and treat injuries.
  2. Document everything, including photographs of injuries and the area where the fall occurred.
  3. Request records from the nursing home, including incident reports and medical files.
  4. Avoid signing any waivers or settlements without speaking to an attorney.
  5. Consult with Bounds Law Group to determine if a nursing home fall injury lawsuit is appropriate.

Time is critical in these cases. Evidence can disappear, and statutes of limitations vary by state. Taking swift action is essential to securing justice.

How Bounds Law Group Can Help

At Bounds Law Group, we specialize in nursing home neglect and elder abuse cases. Our experienced legal team knows the tactics nursing homes use to avoid responsibility—and we’re prepared to fight back. When you choose us, you can expect:

  • Free consultations and thorough case evaluations
  • Aggressive investigation and evidence gathering
  • Expert negotiation with insurers and opposing counsel
  • Trial-ready representation if a settlement is not reached

If your loved one has suffered a fall due to nursing home negligence, do not wait. Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 877-644-5122 to speak with a qualified attorney.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Filing a nursing home fall injury lawsuit can result in significant compensation, depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of negligence involved. Damages may include:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

We are committed to ensuring your family receives the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why Many Nursing Home Falls Go Unreported

Sadly, many fall incidents are never reported due to:

  • Staff fear of losing their job
  • Lack of oversight from management
  • Residents unable to speak due to cognitive impairment
  • Families unaware of their legal rights

If you suspect that your loved one’s fall was not reported or covered up, contact us immediately. Our team will uncover the truth and hold negligent parties accountable.

Identifying potential neglect before a fall occurs can help protect your loved one and support a stronger case in a nursing home fall injury lawsuit. Often, there are visible warning signs that a facility is failing to uphold proper standards of care. These red flags include:

Signs of Neglect Leading to Nursing Home Falls

Identifying potential neglect before a fall occurs can help protect your loved one and support a stronger case in a nursing home fall injury lawsuit. Often, there are visible warning signs that a facility is failing to uphold proper standards of care. These red flags include:

  • Unexplained bruises or repeated minor injuries: These may indicate prior undocumented falls or rough handling by staff.
  • Sudden changes in behavior or increased fearfulness: Emotional distress may signal mistreatment or lack of attentive care.
  • Lack of assistance with mobility or toileting: Residents left to walk alone despite needing help are at a much higher risk of falling.
  • Cluttered walkways or poor lighting in resident rooms and hallways: These environmental hazards significantly increase the chances of a fall.
  • Frequent bedsores or signs of dehydration: These are classic signs of neglect and correlate with poor overall care and supervision.

Nursing homes are required to assess each resident’s individual fall risk and take proactive measures accordingly. If any of these signs are present, it's critical to act quickly. Gathering photo evidence, medical reports, and staff communication records can help build the foundation for a successful nursing home fall injury lawsuit.

Protect your loved one by being vigilant. If you see signs of neglect or suspect that a fall was the result of systemic care failures, complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 877-644-5122.

Take Action Today

No family should have to suffer in silence after a preventable fall in a nursing home. The law is on your side—but only if you take action. Our team at Bounds Law Group is ready to stand by your side, investigate your claim, and fight for your loved one’s dignity.

Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 877-644-5122 to speak with a nursing home injury attorney.

Sources

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Offers statistical data and prevention strategies for falls among older adults in long-term care.
    https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html
  2. National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care – Provides advocacy resources and resident rights related to nursing home safety.
    https://theconsumervoice.org
  3. Medicare Nursing Home Compare – Government tool to assess nursing home ratings, inspection results, and safety concerns.
    https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare

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