Unfortunately, nursing home falls and brain injuries go hand in hand. Falls can lead to serious injuries, including to the brain. Brain injuries due to nursing home falls could open the door to legal action against the facilities. If you or a family member suffered a brain injury after a fall, it’s time to speak with an experienced nursing home neglect and abuse lawyer. Please contact the skilled nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Senior Justice Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
Brain Injury Statistics in the United States
The leading cause of traumatic brain injuries varies based on age. The older the victim, the greater the risk of a fall. In fact, the International Brain Injury Association says that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in adults aged 65 and older. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that falls account for nearly one-half of all TBI-related hospitalizations. When looking at adults aged 65 and older, falls resulted in more than 34,000 deaths in 2019. That was the leading cause of injury reported for this age group.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
With residents at risk for falls in nursing homes, it’s essential to understand the potential symptoms of brain injuries. If you recognize signs of a brain injury in your family member, you need assistance. Many symptoms of a TBI can go unnoticed by nursing home staff members. Cuts, abrasions, or bruising around the face or head can be signs. Watch for emotional changes, an altered state of consciousness, communication or cognitive difficulties, loss of coordination, or challenges with bodily functions. If you notice these changes, contact a physician or the nursing director. In serious cases, you might need to call 911.
Some symptoms to watch out for that could point to a traumatic brain injury include:
- Dizziness,
- Loss of consciousness,
- Coma,
- Changes to vision,
- Difficulty concentrating,
- Vision changes,
- Concentration problems,
- Ongoing or worsening headaches,
- Confusion or agitation,
- Challenges with speaking and slurred speech,
- Disruption with sleep, and
- Coordination problems and increased muscle weakness.
These are only a few of the potential symptoms. Contact our office if you think your family member is displaying symptoms from a traumatic brain injury. You could have the right to bring a nursing home falls lawsuit.
Reducing the Risk of Nursing Home Falls and Brain Injuries
Nursing homes can reduce the risk of head injuries due to nursing home falls through greater supervision. Many residents require at least partial use of a wheelchair. If a nursing home is understaffed, residents can be neglected. That means someone might try to get out of bed by themselves or get up from a wheelchair without assistance, resulting in a fall. Residents flagged as fall risks should have proper supervision. Otherwise, the nursing home could be liable for their injuries.
Contact a Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer
When your family member suffers harm due to the nursing home’s neglect, you need to speak with our office immediately. We specialize in nursing home neglect and abuse lawsuits. Let us help you get justice for your family member. With our expertise, we are not afraid to stand up to these corporate facilities in court. Contact the Senior Justice Law Firm today to learn more about how we can help.
Free Case Consultation: 888-375-9998
