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Fall Injuries Caused by Malpractice or Negligence

Have you or a loved one experienced a fall injury? According to the CDC, more than 8 million people are treated in emergency rooms for slip and fall injuries each year. 

Over 800,000 of those patients become hospitalized due to a serious, fall-related injury. Falls are incredibly common in the United States. They represent 40% of all nursing home admissions and are the sixth leading cause of death among people aged 70 years or older. 

These types of injuries can be prevented in medical facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. Whether it was caused by medical malpractice or nursing home negligence, The Law Offices of Craig L. Cook is here to help you or your loved one receive compensation.

 If you have questions about an incident, book a free consultation with us to ask about your claim.


What is a fall injury?

In the legal world, a slip and fall injury occurs when a patient has a fall due to medical malpractice or nursing home negligence. Because slip and fall injuries can be prevented in certain cases, victims can seek compensation for the injustice of poor care that caused their injuries. 

For example, a provider may commit malpractice by prescribing multiple medications that make a patient unsteady without providing proper fall risk protocol. A nursing home staff member may commit negligence by failing to take a patient to the bathroom, resulting in the patient attempting to go independently and having a fall. 

The types of claims patients may pursue include:

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How to Recognize a Fall Injury

Let’s say you visit your grandma in a nursing home and notice bruising on the sides of her hips when you help her change clothes. This could be a sign of a fall injury. 

There are many other signs, including:

  • Pain
  • Cuts
  • Swelling
  • Head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries
  • Difficulty moving

There can also be symptoms you might not guess would be related to a slip and fall injury. These symptoms include:

  • Numbness or tingling
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue or sleepiness
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
  • Headaches, dizziness, or confusion

Slip and fall injuries, especially in the elderly and other vulnerable populations, can be serious and even deadly. You may be asking, “How do falls in hospitals happen?” 

There are many reasons why, and many of these factors that contribute to a fall can be prevented.


Common Causes of Fall Injuries in Healthcare Settings

Slip and fall injuries in healthcare environments often occur due to a combination of unsafe conditions, poor staff practices, or neglect. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Wet or slippery floors: Spills, leaks, or recently mopped floors without proper signage can create dangerous conditions.
  • Cluttered walkways: Items like medical equipment, cables, or personal belongings left in hallways can increase trip hazards.
  • Inadequate supervision: Patients who are at high risk for falls, such as those with mobility issues or cognitive impairments, may not receive the attention they need to move safely.
  • Improperly maintained equipment: Faulty assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers, or bed rails can fail and lead to falls.
  • Medication side effects: Certain medications can cause dizziness, confusion, or unsteadiness, increasing the risk of falls if precautions aren’t in place.
  • Poor lighting: Dim or inadequate lighting in patient rooms, hallways, or bathrooms can make navigation hazardous, especially for those with impaired vision.
  • Lack of mobility aids: Not providing patients with appropriate assistive devices or failing to assist them during transfers or movements can lead to injuries.
  • Failure to follow fall-prevention protocols: Many healthcare settings have procedures to minimize fall risks, but when staff neglect these, accidents are more likely to happen.

By addressing these preventable factors, hospitals and nursing homes can significantly reduce the incidence of slip and fall injuries among vulnerable patients.


Steps to take if you suspect a fall injury

It is incredibly important for you to report any signs of malpractice or negligence, even if you are unsure whether the slip and fall injury constitutes as such. The first step is to make sure the patient’s medical needs are met. Making sure they are safe and in good medical care is the top priority. 

Once that is secured and in place, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer and document any signs of malpractice or negligence. This could include photos, witness statements, and medical records. Documenting the injury, the person’s overall condition, and any environmental hazards will help your case. 

If you believe that your suspicions are substantiated, you should report what you’ve discovered to the state. In Arkansas, there is an elder abuse hotline that you can reach by calling 1-800-332-4443. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-3511 to report. 

Finally, remove your loved one from the nursing home in which he or she has been abused or neglected.


Our Process for Fall Injuries

To address a patient’s injuries from a slip and fall, we:

Assist you in all the potential stages of a lawsuit, including discovery, negotiation, or trial.

  • Meet with the client to determine any malpractice or negligence at play.
  • Inform you of your rights as a patient to receive adequate medical care.
  • Explain that doctors, nurses, and facilities often try to cover up malpractice or negligence.
  • Gather evidence, file a complaint with authorities, and help you file a lawsuit to hold responsible parties accountable.

Compensation in Fall Cases

Slip and fall injuries are unfair to the patient when they could have been prevented. This is why we are here to help victims recover damages. 

We can help you explore your legal options to receive compensation for the following:

  • lost wages
  • medical bills
  • pain and suffering
  • perhaps even punitive damages

Medical malpractice and nursing home negligence are among our law firm’s practice areas. Our lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience specializing in cases like yours. Book a free consultation with us to get started on your journey toward achieving justice.

Think you’ve witnessed a fall injury?

We understand how hard it is for our clients to recover from injuries caused by malpractice or negligence. Being the victim of medical errors may leave you with a permanently diminished quality of life, disabilities, or extreme discomfort. 

Our lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover maximal damages for their losses from the party at fault. Contact us to be paired with a trusted attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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