Broken Bones in Nursing Homes

Top-Rated Attorneys for Nursing Home Residents Who Suffer Fractures or Broken Bones Throughout Illinois

Broken bones, or fractures, are one of the most common and serious injuries that occur in nursing homes. Elderly residents, particularly those with mobility issues or weakened bones, are at high risk of fractures due to falls or other accidents. When these injuries are caused by nursing home neglect or improper care, the consequences can be devastating, leading to long-term disability, complications, or even death.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to fighting for the rights of nursing home residents who have suffered from broken bones due to negligent care. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our experienced Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to helping victims and their families seek justice and obtain compensation for the harm caused by nursing home negligence.

What Are Broken Bones (Fractures) in Nursing Homes?

Broken bones, also known as fractures, occur when the bone is subjected to more force than it can withstand. In nursing homes, fractures often result from falls, accidents, or improper handling of residents by staff. The elderly are particularly susceptible to fractures because they may have weaker bones due to conditions such as osteoporosis. Common types of fractures in nursing home residents include:

• Hip Fractures: One of the most serious types of fractures, hip fractures often require surgery and can lead to long-term immobility or even death in elderly residents.
• Wrist and Arm Fractures: These fractures frequently occur when residents try to break their fall by extending their arms.
• Leg and Ankle Fractures: Residents who fall while walking or attempting to stand may suffer fractures in the legs or ankles.
• Spinal Fractures: Severe falls or improper lifting by caregivers can cause fractures in the spine, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
• Pelvic Fractures: A fracture in the pelvis can occur after a fall, and this type of injury often requires extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The recovery from a fracture can be particularly difficult for elderly nursing home residents, often requiring surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care. The impact on the resident’s health, mobility, and quality of life can be severe, especially if the injury was preventable with proper care and supervision.

“Fractures are a serious and preventable injury in nursing homes. Our firm is dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable when they fail to take the necessary precautions to prevent these life-changing injuries.” — John J. Malm, Naperville nursing home abuse attorney

Common Causes of Fractures in Nursing Homes

While fractures can occur for a variety of reasons, the most common cause of broken bones in nursing homes is falls. Falls are often preventable, and when proper safety measures are not in place, residents are at an increased risk of injury. Some common causes of fractures in nursing homes include:

• Violence: Violence from other nursing home residents suffering dementia can cause serious fractures and broken bones.
• Inadequate Supervision or Abandonment: Many residents require assistance with walking, transferring from beds or wheelchairs, or standing. When nursing home staff fail to provide adequate supervision or assistance, residents may attempt to move on their own, resulting in a fall.
• Unsafe Living Conditions: Hazards such as wet floors, loose carpets, cluttered walkways, and poorly lit areas can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Nursing homes are responsible for ensuring a safe environment for residents.
• Improper Use of Mobility Aids: Residents who use walkers, canes, or wheelchairs must receive proper assistance from staff to ensure safe mobility. Incorrect use of these devices can lead to falls and fractures.
• Inadequate Fall Prevention Plans: Nursing homes are required to assess each resident’s risk of falling and implement fall prevention plans. When these plans are not followed or updated, residents may be left vulnerable to falls.
• Improper Lifting Techniques: Caregivers who do not follow proper lifting techniques or use appropriate equipment may cause a resident to fall or suffer an injury during transfers, leading to broken bones.

When nursing homes fail to take these preventive measures, residents are put at unnecessary risk of suffering serious injuries.

Complications of Broken Bones in Elderly Nursing Home Residents

Fractures in elderly residents can lead to a range of complications, particularly because older adults are more vulnerable to prolonged recovery periods and secondary health issues. Some of the common complications associated with broken bones in nursing home residents include:

• Immobility: A fracture can significantly limit a resident’s mobility, often requiring bed rest, which increases the risk of additional health problems such as bedsores, muscle atrophy, and respiratory issues.
• Infections: Surgery to repair fractures, especially hip fractures, can lead to infections, which can be life-threatening for elderly residents with weakened immune systems.
• Chronic Pain: Even after the bone heals, residents may suffer from chronic pain and limited mobility, which can greatly reduce their quality of life.
• Blood Clots: Prolonged immobility after a fracture can lead to the development of blood clots, which can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs or heart.
• Death: In some cases, particularly with hip fractures, the complications of surgery, immobility, or infections can lead to death, especially in residents who are already frail or have pre-existing health conditions.

The consequences of a broken bone can be devastating, often resulting in permanent disability or a significant decline in a resident’s overall health and well-being.

Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents in Illinois

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act provides legal protections for nursing home residents, ensuring that they receive proper care to prevent injuries such as fractures. Nursing homes are required to assess each resident’s fall risk, implement appropriate safety measures, and provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents and injuries.

When nursing homes fail to meet these standards, they can be held liable for the harm caused by their negligence. Victims of broken bones and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for the cost of medical treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing care required due to complications from fractures.
• Pain and Suffering: Residents who have endured physical pain and emotional distress from their injuries may be entitled to compensation for their suffering.
• Loss of Quality of Life: Fractures can significantly impact a resident’s ability to enjoy life, particularly if they are left with permanent disabilities or chronic pain.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where a fracture leads to the death of a resident, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our experienced Illinois nursing home injury attorneys have successfully represented victims of fractures in Illinois nursing homes. We are dedicated to ensuring that negligent nursing homes are held accountable and that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

How Our Nursing Home Injury Attorneys Can Help Victims of Fractures

Proving negligence in a nursing home fracture case requires a thorough understanding of nursing home care standards, fall prevention protocols, and medical issues related to fractures. At John J. Malm & Associates, we have the expertise and resources necessary to pursue justice on behalf of victims of fractures. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Comprehensive Investigation: We will conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the fracture, gathering evidence such as medical records, staff reports, and facility inspection reports to build a strong case.
• Advocating for Residents’ Rights: Our legal team is dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents, ensuring they receive proper care and holding negligent facilities accountable for their actions.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, we will file a lawsuit against the nursing home and any responsible parties, seeking compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the fracture.
• Negotiating Settlements: We will work to negotiate a fair settlement that compensates the victim for their suffering and ensures they receive the necessary care moving forward.
• Trial Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to take the case to court, presenting a compelling argument on behalf of the victim.

With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our team of dedicated Illinois nursing home neglect lawyers is ready to represent victims of fractures across Illinois.

What to Do if You Suspect a Fracture in a Nursing Home

If you suspect that your loved one has suffered a fracture due to neglect in a nursing home, it is important to take immediate action to protect their health and well-being. Follow these steps:

1. Document the Evidence: Keep detailed records of the injury, including photographs, medical reports, and any complaints of pain or discomfort from the resident.
2. Speak with Nursing Home Management: If it is safe to do so, discuss your concerns with the nursing home’s administration and document their response. Ensure that your loved one receives immediate medical attention.
3. Report the Incident: Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to report the suspected neglect. The IDPH is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and neglect in Illinois nursing homes.
4. Contact an Experienced Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: Reach out to John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. Our attorneys will investigate the case and work to hold the nursing home accountable for failing to provide proper care.

John J. Malm & Associates: Protecting Your Loved One’s Rights in Fracture Cases

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to holding nursing homes accountable for the injuries they cause due to neglect, including fractures. Nursing homes have a duty to protect their residents from preventable injuries, and when they fail to meet this duty, they must be held responsible.

Our firm provides compassionate, skilled legal representation to victims of fractures and their families, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has suffered a broken bone in an Illinois nursing home, don’t wait to take action. Contact the experienced Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Naperville and St. Charles, we are here to help families throughout Illinois. Contact us today, and let us fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.