When Do You Require Legal Assistance?
Unfortunately, as individuals grow older, their bones become more vulnerable to injury. Elderly people are frequently injured in nursing homes due to negligence. Broken bones, including a fractured hip, are not unusual. The law requires nursing homes to take measures to help your loved ones avoid suffering these types of injuries.
How Do Broken Bones Occur?
Broken bones can occur when more pressure is put on a bone than it can withstand. Certain factors can contribute to their occurrence in nursing homes. Hip fractures in nursing homes are most often caused by the following:
- Allowing a patient to walk on a slippery surface
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Allowing a patient to fall
- Allowing a patient to attempt to walk alone despite their inability to do so
- Inappropriate footwear
A nursing home needs to take extra precautions with nursing home residents who are unable to walk on their own or with assistance from a nurse. These people are at an enhanced risk for injury because, if they are left to themselves, they are at risk of falling and injuring themselves while attempting to walk. Long term care facilities are also required to provide mobility assistance for those who are unable to ambulate on their own.
Who Is At High Risk?
There are many types of people who are deemed at “high risk” to have suffered from bone fractures in nursing homes. These people include, but are not limited to:
- The elderly
- People with osteoporosis
- People who have suffered a prior hip fracture
- People who have had major broken hip surgery
- People who are bedridden
- People who are confined to a wheelchair
- Women after menopause
What Evidence Is Required After A Nursing Home Abuse?
If you believe that your elderly loved one has suffered a broken bone due to nursing home negligence, you will need to gather evidence to prove your case. This can include:
- Obtaining pictures of the injuries.
- Obtaining the medical records of the injured person.
- Obtaining the medical history of the person.
- Inquiring into the situation at the time of the fall, such as:
- Whether the person received enough food and fluids.
- Whether the person was properly cared for, including appropriate support, was given to the patient etc.
- Determining any additional complications that may have occurred as the result of the nursing home’s improper care.
Need Legal Support? Consult the Law Offices of Samuel Fishman
If your loved one is suffering from a broken hip or is a victim of nursing home negligence, our personal injury lawyers at the Law offices of Samuel Fishman can help get you the compensation you deserve.
Our knowledgeable and experienced team will guide you through every step of the legal process to help you get the best possible outcome for your case. A Philadelphia Elder Neglect Lawyer will ensure that your loved ones receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.