Why Does a Broken Hip Lead to Death? 

Hip fracture in older adults is a serious injury, sometimes with poor outcomes such as infections, decreased mobility, and even death. According to statistics, the hip fracture mortality rate in the first year after the incident is between 18% and 31%, making it one of the most severe bone fractures a person can experience. [1]

Statistics of Hip Fractures in Nursing Homes

An older report on hip fractures in US nursing homes shows the incidence of hip fractures among elderly nursing home residents is twice as high compared to people who live in communities. Unfortunately, a hip fracture results in severe complications in many cases, and the report confirms this:

• The risk of rehospitalization is more than ten times higher among nursing home residents with a hip fracture compared to residents without fractures.
• For nursing home residents, hip fractures can lead to lead to infections, pressure ulcers, functional decline, and decreased quality of life.
• One in three nursing home residents dies within six months of a hip fracture.
• Male residents have an increased risk of death compared to female residents, with half dying within the same period. [2]

Causes of Hip Fractures in the Elderly

Older adults are more prone to hip fractures and the resulting complications. This is not surprising given the critical risk factors for hip fractures:

• Age – Most hip fractures happen in people over the age of 60. Also, according to the report mentioned above, each year of age increases the mortality rate of hip fractures by another 4%.
• Gender – According to Mayo Clinic, women are three times more likely to break their hip than men, as they are more prone to decreased bone density. However, men can also have low bone mass. 
• Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis increases bone fragility and degrade bone tissue. Weakened bones are more likely to break.
• Falls – Poor vision, loss of balance due to medications or illnesses, and general muscle weakness increase the chance of falls for the elderly. 
• Underlying medical conditions – Chronic illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, or neurological disorders can affect mobility and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. 

Hip Fracture Complications Leading to Death

A hip fracture dramatically increases the risk of death in older adults, but the reasons behind this increased risk are diverse. These complications can stem from immobility, infections, mental health issues, and existing medical conditions.

Immobility and its Consequences

Hip fracture patients suffer considerable pain that gets worse with moving, and most of them can’t stand or walk. Limited mobility then increases the risk of other complications, with the most common being:

• Pressure ulcers – Bedsores can develop on hips, lower back, and heels and cause pain and infection. 
• Pneumonia – Lying down for too long can impair lung function, increasing the risk of pneumonia, which can be fatal.
• Deep vein thrombosis – Poor circulation can cause blood clots to form in the legs. If blood clots travel to the lungs, they can cause life-threatening pulmonary embolisms.
• Loss of muscle mass – Staying in bed for too long can cause residents to become even more frail and lose muscle, increasing the risk of falling again. 

Increased Risk of Infection

Infection is another potential complication of a hip fracture. It can happen immediately after the fall, during surgery, or during recovery. It is especially dangerous for elderly residents with weakened immune systems. 

The risk of infection is higher in open hip fractures when the bone fragments stick out of the skin, or the wound is so deep that it exposes the bone. This opens the way for germs to enter the wound, increasing the infection risk. 

In addition, most people with a hip fracture undergo surgery. While the chance of infection during surgical intervention is slim in healthy, younger individuals, older adults are more likely to suffer from post-surgical complications. 

Psychological and Emotional Impact

A hip fracture can trigger depression, anxiety, and loss of independence. Coupled with severe pain and the inability to move, it can lead to frustration, increased stress, and decreased motivation to participate in physical therapy. These psychological effects often contribute to a decline in overall health. 

Pre-Existing Health Conditions

A hip fracture can severely worsen pre-existing health problems in elderly, frail individuals. Hip fractures are often connected to the following complications or exacerbate existing conditions, such as:

• Cardiovascular conditions
• Cognitive issues
• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Respiratory conditions 

Nursing Home Negligence and Hip Fractures

Living in a nursing home is a significant risk factor, as a hip fracture is more likely to happen in a facility. Patient outcomes also depend on the quality of care in the home, and as many are understaffed, cases where negligent behavior causes hip fractures are not rare at all.

Fall Prevention and Safety Measures

Nursing homes have a legal and ethical responsibility to implement fall prevention programs and maintain a safe environment to minimize the risk of hip fractures.

This includes hiring and training enough staff to adequately supervise residents, keeping the environment free from accident hazards, and appropriately using fall mats, grab bars, and other fall prevention devices.

Proper Assessment and Treatment

Timely and appropriate medical care should be given to the resident throughout the process. This includes ensuring proper wound care, as poor surgical wound care leads to infections, implementing procedures to prevent bedsores, providing appropriate nutrition, and preventing infection with therapy.

In most cases, the fracture reduces people’s ability to move, requiring physical therapy. Nursing homes are also responsible for managing post-surgery pain with medications, and any unnecessary suffering of the resident can be considered neglectful. 

Recognizing and Addressing Complications

Patients should be monitored closely after hip fracture surgery to report early signs of infection or other complications. Failing to recognize, address, and report complications in time can be considered negligent, as it poses a risk to the resident’s physical health and psychological well-being. 

This is especially important when it comes to preventing and treating infections, as they may evolve into sepsis, septic shock, and, eventually, death.

Seeking Justice for Hip Fracture-Related Deaths

Suppose the hip fracture leads to the resident passing away, and there is reason to suspect inadequate care or negligence. In that case, it’s essential to look into the case to seek justice and hold the facility to a higher standard of care. You should know some things about pursuing legal action against a nursing home. 

When to Consult a Lawyer

If a loved one lost their life after breaking a hip in a nursing home, and you suspect it was caused by negligence or inadequate care, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel and hold the nursing home responsible.

Signs that may point to negligence are:

• Delayed medical attention
• Poor post-surgical care
• A lack of proper fall prevention measures
• Poor supervision

If you suspect your family member died due to any of these nursing home failures, you can contact us for a free consultation. 

Proving Nursing Home Negligence

A skilled nursing home abuse attorney can investigate your case and gather evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to link the facility’s actions and the accident directly. They can also demonstrate all the damages the negligence leads to, including medical expenses, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering. 

In cases where the patient dies, these damages can also include funeral expenses and emotional trauma to the family. 

Holding Nursing Homes Accountable

Holding nursing homes accountable puts pressure on them to provide adequate care and prevent avoidable injuries, such as hip fractures. Legal accountability encourages higher standards, safer environments, and better staff training, ultimately protecting vulnerable residents from harm and ensuring they receive the quality care they deserve.

Legal action can also result in fines, license suspensions, and even revoking the licenses of facilities that put their residents in extreme danger.

Secure Expert Legal Representation 

Nursing Home Law Center has helped thousands of families pursue justice and hold nursing facilities accountable for treating their loved ones poorly. With our help, families have recovered millions and forced facilities to improve their conditions and protect future residents. 

Contact us through our online form for a free consultation within the next 24 hours. If you need immediate help, call (800) 926-7565. 

References: [1] National Institute of Health, [2] National Institute of Health