Nursing home injuries encompass a wide range of wounds and physical harm to residents in long-term care facilities. Nursing home residents often experience injuries at much higher rates than seniors in the general population; for instance, people in care homes fall at twice the rate of those who do not live in these environments. Below, learn about some of the more common nursing home injuries, as well as some signs that it's time to take action and call an attorney.

Types

Bedsores are one of the most prevalent injuries seen in nursing homes. They are pressure sores on the skin that develop from sitting or reclining in one position for too long without moving. If left unattended, they can become infected.

Falls are a very real concern for any nursing home occupant. Falls can lead to sprained or broken bones, bruises, lacerations, and brain or spinal cord injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious. When a resident is undernourished, they can start to lose weight gradually, resulting in serious health complications. In some cases, a resident may be overmedicated, and you might notice a slowdown in their functioning; overmedicating can cause muscle tics, seizures, and death.

When to Act

Injuries can be a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect, so, for the sake of your loved one's health, it is crucial to respond quickly to any injury or suspected injury. Request immediate medical care for your loved one if you notice new or worsening skin sores, sudden limping or new trouble getting around, unexpected weight loss, or recurrent confusion, slurring of words, or more frequent sleep.

Once you have tended to your loved one's health, contact an attorney. An attorney will help protect the resident's rights and explain all available legal options to you. They can launch an investigation into the injury and into the care home, report incidents to the appropriate authorities, file a lawsuit, if necessary, and negotiate settlements and compensation.

You don't have to deal with a loved one's nursing home injuries on your own. The attorneys at Neimark Coffinas & Lapp LLP in New City, NY, can help. For over 40 years, they have been serving Rockland and Orange Counties and the Hudson Valley region. They provide representation in work and personal injury cases, including nursing home abuse/neglect, medical malpractice, and auto accidents. Call (888) 725-7424 or visit them online to schedule a consultation.