Although head injuries can occur in many locations, seniors could be particularly vulnerable in nursing homes. Not only are elderly people more vulnerable to falls, but they may also face serious hazards due to nursing home negligence in Baltimore. If you believe your loved one slipped and fell in a preventable accident in a nursing home, legal action could be possible.
A Head Injury Can Change a Senior’s Life Forever
Seniors are not only vulnerable to slipping and falling, but they are also more likely to suffer drastic consequences in the aftermath of head injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) could worsen a senior’s existing cognitive decline – making their lives exponentially more difficult. Brain damage can lead to personality changes, depression, and other psychological challenges.
A head injury can also affect a senior’s physical well-being. Loss of motor control is a common issue for TBI patients – and your loved one might struggle to complete basic daily tasks like dressing and eating. Some seniors even lose the ability to speak after serious brain damage.
The consequences of a TBI are worrying for the entire family, but they can also be extremely expensive. Your senior may need to be transferred to a more specialized care facility, and they may require expensive rehab. In serious cases, seniors fall into comas or vegetative states after their head injuries.
How Might a Nursing Home Contribute to a Head Injury?
A nursing home might contribute to or cause a head injury in various ways. Lack of supervision could lead to falls, especially among dementia patients who manage to wander out onto the street. Floors should be kept clean and clear of spills or debris. Lighting is also a major cause of falls, and these facilities should make sure that all walking areas are sufficiently illuminated.
Sometimes, nursing staff contribute directly to the head injuries of seniors. For example, a nurse might accidentally let go of a senior in a wheelchair – sending them tumbling down a set of stairs. Some nursing staff have even physically abused their patients, striking them on their heads and causing serious injuries.
Nursing homes also have a legal duty to protect seniors from each other. If your loved one suffered a head injury due to a violent interaction with another patient, you may be able to sue the facility for failing to promote a safe environment.
Nursing homes may contribute to head injuries in various ways, and it makes sense to discuss your unique situation with an experienced injury lawyer in Baltimore.
Can a Head Injury Lawyer in Baltimore Help After a Nursing Home Fall?
Families may turn to head injury lawyers in Baltimore to pursue legal action against negligent nursing homes. If you suspect that this accident was caused by some kind of preventable hazard, you may be right. Furman Honick Law can investigate these suspicions, gather evidence, and help you hold negligent nursing homes accountable. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your loved one’s accident in more detail.
Sources:
nursinghomesabuse.org/nursing-home-injuries/concussions/
pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2024/june/stroke-risk-increases-in-individuals-with-multiple-head-injuries