Chicago Nursing Home Falls Lawyer

Experienced Legal Help for Preventable Falls in Chicago Nursing Homes

Falls in nursing homes are one of the leading causes of serious injuries, hospitalizations, and even death. Chicago nursing facilities have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for residents.

When negligence or unsafe conditions lead to a preventable fall, injured residents and their families have the right to seek compensation.

Our Successful Nursing Home Fall Settlements

When facilities fail to meet their duty of care, they must be held accountable. Here are some successful nursing home neglect settlements that provided justice and compensation for victims and their families:

• $1,700,000 – Awarded to a nursing home resident who suffered a subdural hematoma and hip fracture due to a preventable fall from staff negligence.
• $735,000 – Secured for a resident who fell from an unattended wheelchair, resulting in a broken leg and spinal fractures.
• $610,000 – Reached for a nursing home resident who was dropped by staff due to improper Hoyer lift use, resulting in injuries.

These cases show how facilities and staff members can be held accountable. If your loved one has fallen due to negligence, contact an experienced Chicago lawyer for legal help to determine liability.

Common Causes of Falls in Chicago Nursing Homes

When an elderly person falls, it’s often attributed to hazards that facilities should prevent. Many nursing home residents experience falls because of staff member negligence or hazardous environmental conditions. Common causes of falls include:

• Environmental hazards: Poor lighting, loose carpets, cluttered walkways, or lack of handrails.
• Medication side effects: Dizziness or drowsiness caused by overmedication.
• Mobility issues: Residents with arthritis, Parkinson’s, or muscle weakness do not receive assistance.
• Improper use of assistive devices: Canes, walkers, or wheelchairs not properly fitted or used.
• Cognitive impairment: Dementia or Alzheimer’s leading to confusion or disorientation.
• Lack of supervision: Understaffing or failure to assist with transfers or walking.

Common Fall-Related Injuries in Assisted Living Facilities

Falls can cause serious injuries, especially for older adults in frail health who require constant care. Many nursing home residents experience hip fractures and broken bones, often leading to surgery and long-term rehabilitation. 

Head trauma and concussions are also common, increasing the risk of cognitive decline in elderly residents. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may result from falls, causing memory loss, confusion, or permanent impairment. 

Additionally, cuts, bruises, and other injuries can develop, which may lead to infections if not treated promptly. Sprains and muscle strains can also occur, resulting in ongoing pain and mobility issues that elderly people already suffer from.

How Negligence Leads to Falls

Neglect from staff members is a significant factor in many fall-related injuries. One example of negligence that can lead to falls includes the failure of nursing home staff to provide adequate assistance for elderly people with limited mobility.

Other examples include neglecting to conduct fall risk assessments and failing to implement safety measures. Allowing trip hazards such as wet floors, broken handrails, or unsecured furniture to remain in place increases the likelihood of nursing home injuries. Another form of negligence is failing to respond promptly to call lights or resident requests for assistance. 

Finally, improperly securing beds, wheelchairs, or walkers can lead to avoidable falls, impacting the well-being of elderly residents who have suffered injuries that require medical care.

Legal Rights of Family Members With Nursing Home Injuries

If your loved one has suffered an injury from a preventable fall, you have the right to take legal action. Family members can request medical records and nursing home reports related to the incident. They can also report the fall to the Illinois Department of Public Health and consult with a lawyer to explore legal options. 

Cook County Nursing Home Fall Lawsuits – Compensation for Victims

Injured nursing home residents and their families can seek justice and compensation. 

This may include medical expenses related to the fall injury, pain, and suffering caused by physical and emotional distress, rehabilitation and long-term care costs, and wrongful death damages if the fall leads to fatal complications. 

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded for extreme negligence or repeated safety violations by the nursing home staff members. 

How Our Law Firm Can Help After a Fall Injury

Our law firm is dedicated to holding negligent Cook County and Illinois nursing homes accountable. We will investigate the cause of the fall, gather critical evidence, and work with medical experts to demonstrate the impact of the injury on your loved one’s well-being. 

We aim to pursue maximum compensation, either through a settlement or litigation, ensuring your family’s rights are protected.

Free Consultation with an Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If your loved one has suffered a fall in a nursing home, time is of the essence. Learn how you can pursue compensation. Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your case.

Call (800) 926-7565 or fill out our online form.