The types of injuries that can result from an assisted living fall include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Many people who live in assisted living homes are vulnerable due to health conditions and medications that increase fall risk.
When a facility fails to take proper precautions, the consequences can be devastating. Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury among residents in assisted living facilities, and they can even lead to death. However, they are often preventable.
If your loved one has suffered a fall and injury in an assisted living facility, our assisted living abuse lawyers in Florida can help. Our team has more than 35 years of combined legal experience. Call today to schedule a free consultation and tell us what happened.
Broken Hips
A hip fracture is one of the worst injuries an older person can experience after a fall. The hip carries the body’s full weight, so even a minor tumble can cause the femoral neck or surrounding bone to break.
Surgery is almost always required, and recovery is lengthy, painful, and often incomplete. Complications such as blood clots, infections, and pneumonia are common during recovery.
Assisted living facilities can significantly reduce hip fracture risk by conducting regular fall-risk assessments for each resident and implementing individualized fall prevention plans.
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Traumatic Brain Injuries
Falls are a common cause of serious head and brain injuries for elderly residents in assisted living facilities. When a resident falls and hits their head, it can lead to concussions, bruises, or even dangerous blood clots in the brain.
Many assisted living residents take blood-thinning medications, which means a minor head impact can result in significant internal bleeding. Long-term effects of traumatic brain injury can include memory loss, personality changes, and permanent cognitive impairment.
Spinal Cord Injuries
For some older adults, particularly those with pre-existing conditions such as degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis, even a single fall can fracture vertebrae, compress the spinal cord, or cause permanent nerve damage.
Injuries can cause long-term pain, limit movement, or even lead to paralysis. A simple fall can take away an older adult‘s independence and change their life drastically.
Assisted living facilities should conduct thorough intake assessments to identify residents with spinal vulnerabilities and adjust their care plans accordingly. Devices such as walkers and canes can dramatically reduce fall risk.
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Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder trauma often happens when a resident attempts to break their fall by extending their arm. The force of impact travels up through the arm and into the shoulder joint. In addition to fractures, shoulder injuries can include:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Dislocations
- Clavicle fractures
Rotator cuff tears are particularly debilitating, as they can cause a great deal of pain and may limit the resident’s ability to perform basic self-care tasks. Recovery often requires physical therapy and extended periods of limited mobility.
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Soft Tissue Damage
Bruising and soft tissue injuries are among the most common consequences of falls in assisted living facilities. While contusions may appear superficial, they can indicate internal damage. Residents taking anticoagulant medications are at heightened risk for internal bleeding following even a minor fall.
When soft tissue is injured, blood can collect under the skin. This causes pain and raises the risk of infection. Damaged muscles and ligaments make it hard to get around. Residents who struggle to move become weaker over time, which puts them at greater risk of falling again.
Bone Fractures
In addition to the hip and shoulder joints, residents frequently fracture other bones in a fall. When a person begins to fall, the instinct to reach out and catch themselves often results in wrist and forearm fractures.
Knee and ankle injuries often require surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation. In some cases, residents never fully recover and are confined to a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. It’s a distressing outcome when the fall may have been preventable to begin with.
How Assisted Living Facilities Can Reduce Falls
While there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility of a fall, there are steps that reduce the risk. Assisted living facilities can:
- Conduct regular fall–risk assessments for every resident and update their care plans accordingly.
- Install grab bars, handrails, and non-slip flooring throughout the facility.
- Make sure fall-prone residents receive proper supervision and assistance.
- Offer balance and strength training programs, such as physical therapy or chair exercises, to help residents stay steady on their feet.
- Remove environmental hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, clutter, and uneven flooring that increase fall risk.
If you believe a home has contributed to a dangerous living environment through negligence, you can report an assisted living facility in Florida. Then, talk to our legal team.
Get Help After an Assisted Living Facility Fall
A fall in an assisted living center can result in serious injury to the spine or brain. Older residents are vulnerable to broken hips and shoulders, which can require surgery and permanently diminish their quality of life. Falls are often preventable when a facility is proactive.
If your loved one has suffered a serious injury in an assisted living facility fall, our legal team can help. We can investigate the incident to find out what happened and hold the facility liable if it was negligent in protecting your loved one.
Our team at Distasio Law Firm has been standing up for the rights of older Florida residents and their families since 2006. Call today to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help with your case.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form