Hoyer Lift Accident Information

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a fair majority of nursing home residents are unable to walk without some sort of assistance. Hoyer lifts are common equipment used in nursing homes to assist these disabled residents. Sadly, some patients fall victim to a Hoyer lift accident.

A Hoyer lift, also known as a patient lift, is a device used to aid people in moving from one area to the next via a sling. For example, a Hoyer lift moves the patient from a bed to a chair or wheelchair and vice versa. Hoyer lifts are typically placed on the floor or hung overhead from a ceiling. Once the individual is placed in a sling, the Hoyer lift then “lifts,” allowing the person to be moved.

Unfortunately, accidents frequently occur in nursing homes involving residents being dropped from Hoyer lifts when the device is not used correctly. These accidents can result in serious injuries, and sometimes even death. It is the responsibility of the nursing home and its staff members to ensure that each resident entering and exiting a Hoyer lift is safe and secure. However, on many occasions, negligent behavior on behalf of nursing home staff members is what causes a lot of these accidents.

Nursing Home Negligence and Hoyer Lifts

There are several ways in which the negligence of nursing home staff members may result in Hoyer lift accidents. Ordinarily, Hoyer lift falls are accidental, but that does not mean that nursing home staff should not exercise caution. Caregivers are required to understand how Hoyer lifts work and must use extreme caution when transferring a resident. Failure to use safe measures may lead to injuries. For example, failing to properly cross the straps over a resident could result in a harmful fall. Additionally, not placing the resident correctly into the lift can pose dangerous risks.

If the nursing home staff is found to have been negligent while using a Hoyer lift, liability may lie with the nursing home, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more.

The American Nursing Association (ANA) is well aware of the problems that can occur with the improper use of a Hoyer lift. As a result, the “Handle with Care” program was created in order to persuade nursing homes and other facilities to incorporate a “no-lift” and/or a “zero lift” policy so that more residents don’t get hurt. However, with the convenience and usefulness that lifts bring when moving patients, these policies have yet to be implemented.

Consequences of a Hoyer Lift Fall

Individuals on a Hoyer lift are lifted a few feet in the air while being transferred. Needless to say, an elderly person falling from such a distance runs the risk of severe injuries, including:

• Broken and/or fractured bones in the hips, arms, legs, ankles, and even face
• Brain and/or head injury
• Death
• Organ damage

Hiring a Nursing Home Hoyer Lift Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect as a result of a Hoyer lift or patient lift fall, an experienced nursing home abuse attorney may be able to assist you. At MedMalFirm.com, our nursing home neglect lawyers have represented a number of victims of nursing home falls including Hoyer or patient lift accident victims.

Give us a call today and we will be happy to provide you with a free consultation at 877-887-4850 or you can fill out our online submission form and we will respond to you shortly.