Fractured Bones in Hospital or Nursing Home

Millions of Americans suffer from fractured bones each year. While the causes may vary, weakened bones and weakened immune systems that come with age play a major part. For many older adults, daily assistance is needed because of their frail bones, which makes it difficult for them to take care of themselves without assistance. However, in hospitals and nursing homes across the nation, residents are constantly suffering from fractured bones unnecessarily. In some instances, the injuries may be accidents that could not be prevented. However, on many occasions, the direct negligence of nursing home staff members can cause serious injuries to residents.

Types of Fractured Bones

• Traumatic Fractures: Traumatic fractures are almost always caused by injury. It usually happens after a simple fall. Older adults are more susceptible to falls since coordination skills tend to decrease as people age.
• Stress Fracture: A stress fracture consists of small cracks in the bone that are typically caused by repetitive motion. These types of fractures most commonly occur in the feet or lower parts of the legs. Even though stress fractures aren’t usually caused by nursing homes, staff members are still responsible for monitoring patients and providing them the opportunity for medical check-ups. If a stress fracture goes untreated, the cracks in the bone will increase, followed by intense pain and swelling.
• Compression Fractures: A compression fracture, also known as a spontaneous fracture, occurs at random without incident. Victims with osteoporosis and frail bones usually experience compression fractures. These fractures can happen at random, even while just walking.

Fractured Bones in Hospital or Nursing Home: Liability

According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 1,800 elderly residents die in nursing homes each year because of falls and the injuries incurred. The victims who survive falls in nursing homes are almost always left with indefinite bone problems and pain.

While it’s true that older adults are more susceptible to falls, nursing homes have the responsibility of insuring their safety. On many occasions, nursing home staff members could have prevented fall-related injuries by paying closer attention to the residents and taking proper precautions. For example, a staff member who mops a common area in which residents walk yet fails to prevent them from walking in the area may be liable for any medical damages should someone fall. Additionally, failing to properly watch residents who are prone to wandering or elopement is a typical problem in many nursing homes. If a resident experiences fractured bones in a hospital or nursing home, the healthcare facility may be liable.

Other instances of nursing home liability include failing to provide the proper safety equipment, physical abuse by either a staff member or another resident, and excessive use of physical restraints which results in bone fractures and other injuries.

Seek Legal Help for Fractured Bones in Hospital or Nursing Home

If your loved one has been a victim to bone fractures because of the negligence of nursing home or hospital staff members, whether that is because of a fall, rough treatment, improperly used equipment, failure to monitor, failure to assist, or another reason, an experienced hospital malpractice or nursing home abuse attorney may be able to assist you and help you recover damages.

At MedMalFirm.com, our team of hospital malpractice and nursing home neglect lawyers have helped numerous individuals pursue justice for their fractured bone cases. Give us a call today toll free at 877-887-4850 and we will be happy to provide you with a free consultation.