Michigan Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Discusses Injuries Related To Nursing Home Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1,800 nursing home patients each year die in the United States die from falls, and as the population’s life expectancy rises, so does the injuries related to falls. There are many reasons why falls among nursing home patients is frequent and this includes decreased mobility, pre-existing conditions, or by fault of the nursing home.

In Michigan, there are more than a million adults over the age of 65. 13% of Michigan seniors report falling with the last month, and 28% within the last year. Falls were also reported to occur most on porch steps and carrying times.

Injuries relating to falling are the leading cause of accidental death in older adults over the age of 65. A common injury sustained from 80-95% of fall accidents is a hip fracture. This is a difficult injury to sustain, because it often requires surgery, and the healing process is long. Half of all older adults hospitalized for hip fractures cannot return home to live independently, and 20% die within one year of the fall. Hip fractures also lead to a reduction in life expectancy for older adults.

Health professionals should recognize that falls pose a real risk to older individuals, especially those in nursing home facilities. It is important to work together as health care teams to combat this pressing health issue because 2/3 of falls may be preventable. Utilizing a comprehensive fall risk assessment tool can reduce the risk of falls that occur in nursing homes by as much as 72% in certain situations. Fall prevention (FP) programs may also be used to help older adults age in place as long as possible and to build consumer loyalty for adults who need special services. Promoting this type of client and health professional awareness is the best step to take in order to reduce risk.

If you or a loved one have been injured from fall in Michigan nursing home, you should contact a lawyer immediately to discuss your case. Our experienced nursing home neglect lawyers will start working on your case immediately gathering all the evidence and witness statements to win and settle your case.  Call our office now at (800)-606-1717 for a free consultation.