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What You Should Know About Nursing Home Injuries

Mar 17, 2022 - Nursing Home Neglect by

As you approach your golden years, it is important to find a place to live that provides for your needs in a respectful and caring manner. Unfortunately, even in nursing homes that are designed to cater to the elderly, many residents suffer injuries daily. A Tuscaloosa personal injury attorney from our firm explains what you should know about nursing home injuries.

Common Nursing Home Injuries

Common injuries sustained by residents of nursing homes include:

  • Broken Bones:  Older people have weaker bones resulting in a large number of broken and fractured bones, including fractures to the hip, thigh, pelvis, arms, hands, and ankles. Broken bones in the elderly are slow to heal and require immediate and continuous medical care. 
  • Bedsores: Bedsores are caused by a part of the body having pressure applied continuously over a long period of time, and are sometimes referred to as pressure ulcers. They can be dangerous and cause life-threatening complications, such as necrosis and infections. 
  • Concussions: Concussions are brain injuries caused by trauma. Older people take a longer amount of time to heal from concussions, which can leave them feeling confused, dizzy, and nauseous.
  • Bed Rail Injuries: While bed rails are designed to protect residents of nursing homes, they are also responsible for injuries sustained by those using them. Common injuries occur when residents attempt to climb over a raised bed rail and fall. Residents also sometimes become stuck between the bed rail and the mattress.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse occurs when an employee of the nursing home causes harm to a resident. This harm can be intentional or unintentional. Abuse can cause minimal harm or it can cause the resident extreme suffering, resulting in the need for intense medical care or even death. Signs that a loved one is being abused while residing in a nursing home include:

  • Cuts and lacerations on the skin
  • Bruises and broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Frequent infections or falls

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

Residents of nursing homes are often neglected due to inadequate staffing for the number of residents being cared for. Neglect is when a resident does not receive the proper care they need, and it can result in psychological as well as physical damage. When your loved one is exhibiting any of the following signs and you believe they are being neglected, contact a Tuscaloosa personal injury attorney:

  • Lack of personal hygiene
  • Unclean bedding, room
  • Untidy and unclean clothing
  • Dehydration
  • Weight loss
  • Bedsores
  • Failure to take medication as prescribed
  • Insomnia

A Tuscaloosa Personal Injury Attorney is Here to Help You

Nursing home injuries can be serious and cause the need for long-term care or even death. Reach out to a Tuscaloosa personal injury attorney at Cross & Smith, LLC, to learn more about our ability to help you recover any compensation you may be owed. We may be reached by calling 877-791-0618 or via our contact page.

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