Falls in New Jersey Nursing Homes

Anyone can be seriously injured during a fall, but nursing home residents are especially vulnerable because they are both more likely to fall and more likely to have underlying conditions that can worsen the effects of the fall. Falls in New Jersey nursing homes are often caused by inadequate supervision or lax safety procedures. If you or a loved one fell and was seriously injured, a nursing home abuse attorney could help you determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.

What Causes Nursing Home Falls?

New Jersey nursing home falls are very common, but they are not always reported. Most falls happen in the resident’s room while they are getting up from bed or a chair. Residents with limited mobility should be carefully supervised and properly assisted during these movements. The risk increases when nursing homes do not provide this support. Residents with muscle weakness or dementia, and those who use walkers or wheelchairs, have a higher risk of falling. Falls can cause serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and even death. These injuries are especially serious for older nursing home residents because seniors are more likely to have fragile bones and more likely to be taking medications like blood thinners that increase the risk of bleeding after a head injury.

Can an Injured Person Sue After a Fall in a Nursing Home?

To sue after a fall, the injured person needs to prove that the nursing home’s negligence caused their injuries. This means that the facility did not take reasonable safety precautions that would have prevented the fall. For example, if a nursing home knew that a resident was unable to transfer from a chair to their bed on their own but did not send an employee to assist with the transfer at bedtime, the nursing home would probably be liable if the resident fell trying to get into bed. If a nursing home was well-staffed and an employee told a mentally competent resident to wait a few minutes for assistance, the nursing home probably would not be liable if the resident chose to move on their own and fell. Depending on the situation, the individual worker, the nursing home, or a third party like a supplier or contractor could be liable.

If the nursing home resident dies because of their fall, New Jersey Statute 2A:31-1 allows their surviving relatives to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The criteria for negligence are the same whether the injury caused a death or not.

Gathering complete evidence can be a challenge after a fall. Not all falls are reported, and the nursing home resident in New Jersey may not be able to clearly explain what happened. A lawyer can help with the investigation, including requesting records and talking to staff.

Discuss Your Nursing Home Fall Case With a New Jersey Injury Attorney Today

Falls in New Jersey nursing homes can be emotionally devastating on top of the financial and legal concerns they create. Hiring a lawyer lets you focus on your or your loved one’s health while your lawyer handles the lawsuit. This makes the process less stressful and increases your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq starts our process with a free consultation so you can make an informed decision about hiring us. Schedule yours today.