Why Falls Happen in Nursing Homes

While aging can increase the natural risk of falling, many nursing home falls result from unsafe conditions or staff failures. Common causes include:

• Lack of proper supervision for high-risk residents
• Delayed assistance with walking, bathing, or using the bathroom
• Wet floors, loose rugs, and poor lighting
• Defective or missing safety equipment (handrails, walkers, bed alarms)
• Medication side effects that cause dizziness, unmonitored by staff

When facilities neglect basic safety measures, vulnerable residents are put at unnecessary risk.

Nursing Homes Have a Legal Duty to Protect Residents

By law, nursing homes must assess each resident’s fall risk and develop individualized care plans. They are responsible for:

• Providing mobility aids and assistance when necessary
• Maintaining safe and hazard-free environments
• Ensuring staff is properly trained and responsive
• Monitoring medications and side effects
• Responding promptly to call lights and alarms

Failure to meet these duties can lead to serious injuries—and facilities must be held accountable.

Your Family’s Legal Rights After a Nursing Home Fall

If your loved one suffers a fall due to negligence, you may have the right to pursue a claim. Compensation may cover:

• Medical expenses related to the injury
• Rehabilitation or long-term care costs
• Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
• Emotional distress damages
• Punitive damages in cases of reckless conduct

At Michael Hill Trial Law, we understand the complex medical, emotional, and legal issues that come with nursing home neglect cases. We build strong claims designed to get answers—and results.

What Steps to Take After a Fall

If you suspect neglect after a fall in a nursing home:

• Ensure your loved one receives immediate medical evaluation
• Document visible injuries and unsafe conditions (photos are key)
• Request and retain a copy of the facility’s incident report
• Gather records of prior complaints, warnings, or deficiencies
• Consult an experienced elder abuse attorney as soon as possible

Dignity, Safety, and Accountability

Falls shouldn’t be inevitable. When nursing homes fail to provide safe care, families have the right—and the responsibility—to seek justice. At Michael Hill Trial Law, we stand with those whose loved ones have been injured, working to hold negligent facilities accountable and secure the dignity seniors deserve.