Did you know slip and fall injuries in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility are often valid personal injury cases? Has a close family member such as a parent, grandparent or sibling suffered and injury or injuries from a fall in a Bullitt County nursing home or skilled nursing facility? Is it possible to hold the facility financially responsible and accountable for my loved one’s injuries?
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provided some surprising data in their recent study regarding the risks of a fall resulting in serious injuries to the patient at U.S. nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. Unfortunately, the study reported a shocking average of 2 to 3 falls per bed each year. Even more concerning is the fact that between one third and one-half of these falls will result in a “serious” injury that must be reported to state and federal agencies.
Kentucky’s retirement homes, nursing homes and rehab centers are held to a high standard of care. Any fall resulting in injury here in Bullitt County, Kentucky or the surrounding communities should be a source of concern and action by the patient’s family. John Schmidt is a Shepherdsville personal injury attorney with decades of experience. He cares about you and your family and will investigate what has happened and provide sound counsel on how to handle slip and fall injuries in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility here in Kentucky.
It is not uncommon for a fall in these conditions to result in a broken pelvis, arm or leg, serious head and brain injuries as well as months of enduring a painful recovery. Head injuries suffered in a fall is the most common reason for an accidental death claim, known as a “wrongful death” here in Kentucky..
The CDC report highlighted the fact that more than 25% of these falls could be attributed to preventable “environmental” hazards. The facility should have been aware of and taken action to provide an appropriate supervision instead of neglect, warned of wet floors and cleaned up spills and accidental fluids, repaired issues of poor lighting, lowered the height of the patient’s bed or repaired mechanical problems associated with wheelchairs and other facility equipment.
Our society is aging, and this trend will continue for the next 15 to 20 years. Kentucky has over 300 nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities according to the most recent Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The number of patients in our nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities is likely to increase each year. Unfortunately, many of these facilities cannot consistently meet Kentucky’s minimum staffing requirements and are having a hard time recruiting and retaining critical medical and support staff.
If someone you love has suffered a slip and fall injuries in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility here in Kentucky, the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates can hold those responsible accountable for those injuries. No senior member of our society should have to endure injuries while they are under the care of medical professionals.
We invite you to contact us via e-mail, schedule an appointment or call us today at (502) 509-1490 to get the important advice and counsel required to protect your loved one’s personal injury claim and achieve full and fair compensation for having to endure and recover from their injuries.
