Long-term care facilities like nursing homes promise residents a supportive environment in which they can receive the necessary care and social interaction that loved ones may struggle to provide at home. Failure to keep this promise is not just a breach of trust. It’s a violation of their duty of care that can often lead to devastating consequences.
Alarming data from a working paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that private equity firms’ nursing homes increased residents’ excess mortality by 10%. Low-quality care provided by several nursing homes leads to residents suffering injuries or infections. In turn, residents become more susceptible to long-term physical disabilities and, in some cases, even death.
Knowing the common nursing home injuries to look out for can be vital in protecting a resident’s rights.
Common nursing home injuries
In Indiana, common injuries cited in nursing home lawsuits, include:
- Infections: One of the leading causes of death in nursing homes, infection cases can rise due to poor management and implementation of preventative measures.
- Bedsores: These occur when a resident lies in the same spot for an extended period, resulting in skin damage, cell death in the body tissue and infection.
- Bed rail injuries: These often result from residents getting trapped in, strangled or falling off beds with unsafe rails. Results range from fractures to cardiac arrest.
- Fractures: Bone cracking or breaking usually occurs when bones become weaker. In nursing homes, hip and thigh fractures are the most prevalent.
- Spinal cord injuries: Sustaining damage to the spinal cord or the bones that surround it can lead to paralysis, difficulty breathing, loss of bowel control and other long-term complications.
- Concussions: Mild traumatic brain injuries can lead to problems such as memory issues, difficulty concentrating, balance problems and mood swings.
- Slip-and-fall accidents: Slip or trip hazards in nursing homes can lead to falls that result in fractures, spinal injuries, concussions and even, death.
Indiana state law requires and provides immunity for individuals reporting elder abuse or neglect to local authorities. However, despite this protective measure, filing a lawsuit is often necessary for victims and their families to hold facilities accountable.
If you suspect that a loved one is being harmed due to neglect or willful infliction in a nursing home, consulting a personal injury attorney is advisable.
