Injuries to the Elderly in Nursing Homes During Wheelchair Transfers
Injuries to the Elderly in Nursing Homes During Wheelchair Transfers
Nursing home facilities, assisted living facilities, and long term care facilities are supposed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the elderly family members. However, many facilities fail to meet this basic standard, resulting in injuries to their residents. One of the most common causes of injury to the elderly in skilled nursing facilities is during transfer to and from wheelchairs. This can be due to a lack of proper training, staffing shortages, or equipment failure. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of these injuries, the most common injuries suffered, and how a Florida nursing home lawyer can help.
Causes of Injuries During Transfer to and from Wheelchairs
Transfer to and from wheelchairs is a routine activity for long term care residents, and it is essential that it is done correctly to prevent injuries. However, there are several causes of injuries during transfer, including:
Lack of Proper Training
Nursing home staff must undergo extensive training to ensure that they know how to transfer residents safely. However, many nursing homes do not provide adequate training to their staff, leading to improper transfer techniques.
Staffing Shortages
Nursing homes are often understaffed, and this can lead to staff rushing through tasks like transfers, which can result in injury to residents.
Equipment Failure
Nursing homes must ensure that the equipment used for transfers, such as lifts and hoists, are well-maintained and in good working condition. However, equipment failure is a common cause of injuries during transfers.
Common Injuries Suffered from Drops
Drops during transfers to and from wheelchairs can cause serious injuries to the elderly. Some of the most common injuries suffered from drops include:
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common injury suffered by the elderly in nursing homes, especially during transfers. A fall from a wheelchair can cause fractures in the hips, legs, and arms.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are also common during drops. A fall from a wheelchair can cause a traumatic brain injury, which can have serious consequences.
Bruises and Cuts
Even if the fall is not severe, bruises and cuts are common injuries that can occur during drops. These injuries may seem minor, but they can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.
Injuries to the elderly in nursing homes during transfer to and from wheelchairs can be serious and even life-threatening.
Common injuries suffered from drops include broken bones, head injuries, bruises, and cuts. If your loved one has suffered an injury due to a drop during transfer to or from a wheelchair, a Florida nursing home lawyer can help. They can investigate the incident, file a lawsuit, and negotiate with the nursing home to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your loved one’s injuries.
It is important to remember that nursing home abuse cases can be complex, and it is essential to have an experienced lawyer on your side. A Florida nursing home lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your loved one receives the justice and compensation they deserve as a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect.
In conclusion, nursing homes have a duty to provide a safe environment for their residents, and when nursing home employees cause injuries during transfers to and from wheelchairs, it is unacceptable. If your loved one has suffered an injury due to a drop during transfer or any other type of nursing home negligence, contact a Florida nursing home abuse lawyer in our law firm today to discuss your options. Your loved one deserves justice and fair compensation for their injuries, and our nursing home abuse attorneys can help you achieve this with a free consultation.
As an ethical and trusted personal injury lawyer, Scott Distasio founded Distasio Law Firm in February of 2006, which focuses on all types of personal injury cases. He wanted to open a law firm that represented his belief that all firms should provide ethical and outstanding service to their clients.
