Cherry Hill Slip and Fall Lawyers Discuss Falling Hazards in Nursing Homes

As we age, many of us experience reduced vision and mobility. These are often accompanied by reduced muscle tone, decreased strength, and a limited sense of balance. These issues put older Americans at a greater risk of falling and suffering severe injuries. Cherry Hill slip and fall lawyers report that many of these accidents are preventable.

When an individual reaches the point of being unable to safely live independently, his or her loved ones may opt to move him or her into a nursing home. These facilities are meant to provide safe, nurturing environments for older adults. However, it is not uncommon for nursing home residents to slip and fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1,800 nursing home residents lose their lives from injuries caused by falls each year.

Identify Slip and Fall Hazards

As your loved one’s advocate, seek to identify potential hazards during your visits to his or her nursing home. Nearly 50 to 75 percent of nursing home residents fall each year. In 10 to 20 percent of these cases, the victim suffers a serious injury.

Pay close attention to the lighting in your loved one’s facility. This goes beyond his or her room. Determine whether common areas, such as the dining room and the hallway, are well-lit enough to show any hazards on the floor. Check all handrails to determine whether they can support a falling individual and take note of whether the facility appears to be cluttered or well-kept. Clutter can make it more difficult for senior residents to move through the facility, putting them at risk of falling.

Equip your loved one with a sturdy walker and non-skid shoes. These items grip the ground better, reducing his or her chance of falling.

Who is Liable for Damages in a Slip or Fall Case?

Generally, the facility where the fall occurred is liable for the victim’s damages. This is because as a care-providing facility, a nursing home has a duty to protect its residents from injury and harm. If the slip and fall accident occurred because of a failure on the part of the nursing home to uphold this duty, such as a wobbly handrail or a dark hallway, the victim may seek compensation from the nursing home’s insurance provider through a premises liability claim. 

Cherry Hill Slip and Fall Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Can Advocate for Your Loved One

If your loved one has suffered an injury from a slip or a fall in his or her nursing home, work with a member one of our Cherry Hill slip and fall lawyers to pursue compensation for his or her damages. To learn more, complete our online form or call 215-426-4493 to set up your initial consultation with DiTomaso Law today. With offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey regions.