Falls, Fractures and Broken Bones: When a Nursing Home Is Responsible
Falls in nursing homes are common — and they can be catastrophic. Elderly residents are especially vulnerable to severe injuries like hip fractures, head trauma and broken bones, all of which can lead to long-term disability or even death.
But when does a fall signal something more serious, like negligence or abuse? Can you sue a nursing home for a fall? In Mississippi, families have legal options when preventable falls occur inside long-term care facilities.
At Williams Newman Williams, we take these cases very seriously, and will help you and/or your loved one receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some things to consider during this process.
Falls in Nursing Homes Are Not Always Accidents
Nursing home residents are often labeled “fall risks” due to age-related health issues such as balance problems, cognitive decline and medication side effects. However, this doesn’t mean falls are inevitable. Nursing homes have a legal duty to implement fall prevention strategies for at-risk residents. Failure to do so can be considered nursing home negligence.
Common causes of preventable falls in Mississippi nursing homes include:
- Understaffing, leading to residents being left unattended
- Lack of monitoring, especially at night
- Failure to use bed or chair alarms
- Slippery floors or cluttered walkways
- Inadequate care plans for residents with known fall risks
In cases where no one witnessed the incident — often referred to as an unwitnessed fall in a nursing home — it becomes even more important to investigate what precautions were in place and whether the facility followed proper fall protocols.
Not sure if it’s elder neglect? Here are some signs to look out for.
Are Nursing Homes Liable for Falls?
Mississippi nursing homes are legally obligated to assess each resident’s fall risk and implement reasonable interventions to prevent injury. This includes regular monitoring, providing assistive devices, toileting schedules, and timely updates to care plans after any fall occurs.
If you’re asking, “Who is responsible for patient falls?”, the answer may include individual caregivers, facility management or even third-party contractors, depending on the circumstances.
If a facility fails to take these steps and a resident is hurt, they may be liable for nursing home injuries.
What Evidence Is Needed for a Successful Nursing Home Lawsuit?
To build a case, these documents are often required:
- Medical records showing fractures, head trauma or repeated falls
- Facility reports, staffing schedules and fall logs
- Surveillance footage (if available)
- Witness testimony from staff or other residents
- Photographs of injuries or unsafe conditions
Common Injuries That May Indicate Neglect
Many Mississippi families file nursing home broken bone lawsuits after incidents involving:
- Hip fractures
- Compression fractures in the spine
- Pelvic and ankle breaks
- Head trauma from falls
- Subdural hematomas listed on a death certificate
Injuries like these may stem from improperly lifted residents, lack of supervision or slippery floors — all of which nursing homes are expected to prevent. A nursing home fracture attorney from Williams Newman Williams can evaluate whether your loved one’s injuries were caused by negligence.
Are Nursing Homes Required To Report Falls?
Yes, under federal and Mississippi law, nursing home falls that result in injury must be documented and reported to the appropriate state agencies. If the facility fails to notify you or delays reporting the incident, that could be another red flag and may even be a violation of the law.
Proper nursing home falls protocol requires not only immediate medical attention but also an internal investigation and care plan revision. Failure to follow protocol can strengthen your claim.
Suing a Nursing Home for Fall Injuries: What You Need To Know
If you’re considering suing a nursing home for fall injuries, it’s important to act quickly. An experienced Mississippi nursing home lawyer from Williams Newman Williams has the proven success record with these types of cases. You may be eligible for damages related to:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care costs
- Wrongful death, in tragic cases
Legal action can also prompt necessary changes inside the facility, helping to prevent future harm to others.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one have experienced broken bones in a nursing home due to neglect or abuse, contact the attorneys at Williams Newman Williams today. We fight for families across Mississippi and hold negligent nursing homes accountable. Contact us for your free consultation.