Broken Leg in Nursing Home or Hospital

A broken leg happens when one of the leg bones, either the the femur or the tibia, is cracked. The crack can be minor, such as a stress fracture, or severe, such as the entire bone cracking in half. People of all ages can break leg bones, but the elderly population is at an elevated risk because of weakened bones, lost coordination, and frailty. Sadly, broken leg in nursing home or hospital cases are not uncommon among medical malpractice lawyers.

People in nursing homes, and at times hospitals, are there because they need assistance with a variety of things, including, but not limited to, walking, eating, and daily living activities. In fact, nursing homes are intended to help prevent broken bones, yet a large number of residents still suffer from these types of injuries. Most nursing homes also have to follow the strict guidelines set in place for each resident after a fall-risk assessment is taken, yet all too often, these assessments are ignored, forgotten about, or neglected.

Causes of Broken Legs in Nursing Homes or Hospitals

Many nursing home residents already have weakened bones and diseases, such as osteoporosis and even diabetes, that makes them more vulnerable. When nursing homes are negligent, injuries can easily happen. The most common reasons residents break legs in nursing homes consist of:

• Incorrect walking aids: Nursing homes have the responsibility of ensuring that residents have the correct aids to help them walk, including the right shoes and walkers.
• Wet Floors: If an area has been mopped or there has been a spill, staff members must ensure that residents do not go in this area at all.
• Restraints: Using restraints too often may upset residents which can lead injuries.
• Wandering: Staff members must properly watch all residents. Wandering and elopement can easily lead to falls and broken bones.
• Misuse of safety equipment: Failing to lock wheelchair wheels, incorrectly strapping residents into lifts, and failing to check the safety of bed rails are just some of the causes leading to broken bones and injuries.
• Physical Abuse: Physical abuse from staff members or other residents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones.
• Unsafe Walkways: Unsafe walkways include sidewalks, hallways, and others areas that contain debris and items in the walking area that could potentially cause injuries.

Liability of Nursing Home or Hospital for Broken Bones

If any of the aforementioned causes result in a resident with a broken leg, arm, hip, or any other type of injury, the nursing home may be liable for all damages incurred. While not all injuries fall on the responsibility of hospitals and nursing homes, a majority do, especially if there is evidence of abuse and/or neglect.

Getting Help with a Broken Leg in Nursing Home or Hospital

If you or your loved one has been a victim to a broken or fractured leg due to the negligence of nursing home or hospital staff members, a medical malpractice or nursing home abuse attorney may be able to assist you and help you recover damages for the medical bills, lost work, and pain and suffering you have endured. At MedMalFirm.com, our medical malpractice lawyers and nursing home abuse attorneys have assisted numerous clients seek justice after substandard hospital or nursing home care.

Give us a call today at 877-887-4850 or fill out our online inquiry form for a free consultation with one of our dedicated staff members.