Nursing Home Injuries – Causes and Compensation

by Jeffrey J. Downey, Esq

If you’re pursuing a nursing home injury claim, you need legal assistance. So, make sure to hire a top Virginia Nursing home attorney for expert guidance.

Working with the top Virginia Nursing home attorney can boost your case. Specifically, it can improve the chance of receiving a fair settlement and justice.

What’s a Nursing Home Injury?

A nursing home injury refers to any harm sustained in a long-term care facility. Common examples include:

  • Falls due to inadequate supervision
  • Medication errors, and
  • Physical mistreatment, among others.

These incidents should be promptly addressed to ensure the well-being of the residents. Family members should stay vigilant and take appropriate action if their loved one has suffered a nursing home injury.

Common Causes of Nursing Home Injuries

Here are the common causes of nursing home injuries:

Inadequate Staffing

A shortage of trained personnel often leads to neglect. Residents may not receive timely assistance, increasing the risk of accidents or untreated health issues.

Insufficiently Trained Personnel

Insufficient training for staff members can result in improper handling of residents. Poor training contributes to falls, bruises, and many other nursing home injuries.

Poor Supervision

Residents with specific needs, such as mobility challenges, require constant supervision. A lack thereof can lead to accidents like falls or wandering into unsafe areas.

Medication Errors

Mistakes in administering medications can have severe consequences. Residents may experience adverse reactions or not receive the necessary treatments.

Environmental Hazards

Unsafe premises, including slippery floors, poor lighting, or faulty equipment, create an environment ripe for accidents and injuries.

Poor Hygiene

Inadequate attention to personal hygiene can result in infections or worsening health conditions, posing significant risks to residents.

Inadequate Security Measures

Failure to implement proper security measures can lead to residents wandering off the premises, exposing them to external dangers.

Physical and Emotional Abuse

Sadly, some residents endure abuse from staff or fellow residents. This abuse leads to physical injuries, emotional trauma, and a decline in overall well-being.

Insufficient Fall Prevention Measures

Falls are a prevalent risk in nursing homes, especially among elderly residents. Lack of proper fall prevention strategies can result in fractures, head injuries, or worse.

Inadequate Communication

Poor communication among staff members can lead to missed health concerns or delayed responses to emergencies, jeopardizing residents’ safety.

Recoverable Damages in Nursing Home Injury Claims

Here are the recoverable damages in successful nursing home injury claims:

Medical Expenses

This covers medical costs related to the injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the injury acknowledges the intangible toll on the resident’s well-being.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Plaintiffs may be aware of compensation for the diminished quality of life resulting from the injury, such as the inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities.

If you’re a victim of nursing home abuse, you should be compensated. The recoverable damages should cover the physical, emotional, and financial impact resulting from the sustained injuries.

Contact Information:

The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey, P.C.

McLean Virginia Office

8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 500

McLean, VA 22102

McLean Law Office Map & Directions

Phone: 703-564-7318

Fax: 703-556-7700

Website: https://www.jeffdowney.com/