Broken Arm in Nursing Home or Hospital

A break can occur in three bones in the arm including the radius, humerus and ulna. The bone that is affected will depend on the cause of the accident and where the victim is injured. For example, falling with your hand outstretched can result in a broken radius or ulna. According to the Midwest Orthopedics at RUSH, a broken radius accounts for around one in every 20 broken bones, and occurs when someone breaks a bone in the upper arm.

In nursing homes, the lower portion of the arm is generally broken more than the upper arms. With weakened bones, the elderly are usually more susceptible to broken bones. They have to be properly monitored to ensure they are safe from risky areas and activities.

Reasons for Broken Arms in Nursing Homes and Hospitals

As previously mentioned, elderly people are already at a higher risk for broken arms. Yet, those that suffer from osteoporosis are at an even higher risk because of decreased bone density. Studies suggest that females suffering from osteoporosis are at double the risk for broken bones when compared to males. Nursing home residents with osteoporosis must be monitored at all times. If a caregiver turns away even for a few minutes, the resident runs the risk of slipping and breaking a bone. Additionally, caregivers must be especially careful when helping these residents walk or when assisting them with daily living activities. Mishandling or grabbing a resident too harshly may easily break their arm bones.

Nursing home residents who suffer from diabetes are also at a higher risk for broken bones. According to Science Daily, the correlation between weakened bones and diabetes surfaced after studies suggested that diabetic medications known as thiazolidinediones increased the risk of broken arms.

Dementia and other cognitive disease have been linked to falling, which can easily result in a broken arm, especially if victims try to pad their falls by extending their arms out. Again, it is imperative for caregivers to closely monitor residents. Even a trip to the restroom could result in a slip and fall.

Nursing Home Negligence and Broken Arms

If a nursing home staff member fails to properly monitor residents, handles or grabs too roughly, fails to provide adequate nutrition, or fails to restrain other residents from fighting, the facility may be liable for any damages incurred. Federal and state laws mandate that all nursing home staff members must provide the quality of care needed for elderly residents.

Common Causes and Reasons for Falls in Hospitals or Nursing Homes

• Falling: Elderly residents have a high risk for falling and slipping. It can be prevented with proper monitoring.
• Rough Handling: A majority of hospital and nursing home residents need assistance getting up, getting out of bed, walking, and participating in activities. Although it may be unintentional, staff members who handle the residents too roughly may end up hurting them.
• Violence between residents: Elderly people are not exempt from violence against other residents. However, staff members should always be alert so that these instances can be stopped before anyone gets hurt.
• Violence by staff members: An unfortunate fact is that an array of broken bone cases in nursing homes happen at the hands of caregivers and staff members.

Getting Help for Hospital and Nursing Home Broken Arm Lawsuits

If your loved one has been a victim to a broken arm because of the negligence of nursing home staff members, an experienced nursing home abuse attorney may be able to assist you and help you recover damages. At MedMalFirm.com, our award-winning medical malpractice team has helped numerous victims, such as those in nursing homes. Contact us today at 877-887-4850 and we will be happy to provide you with a free consultation.