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Tampa Nursing Home Fall Lawyer
Legal help when your loved one is injured in a nursing home fall in Tampa, Florida
When you place your loved one in a nursing home, you do so with the expectation that they will be safe and well cared for. Unfortunately, falls in nursing homes are far too common, and many of them result from neglect or poor supervision. A simple fall can cause serious injuries, leading to long-term health complications, loss of independence, or even death. If your loved one has experienced a fall at a Tampa nursing home, you may have the right to take legal action. At MattLaw, we understand how to hold negligent nursing homes responsible and we fight for justice for injured residents and their families.
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- Why do Tampa nursing home falls happen?
- What are some common injuries from nursing home falls?
- What are the signs that a nursing home fall was caused by neglect?
- What should I do if my loved one falls in a Tampa nursing home?
- How can your Tampa nursing home abuse attorneys help with my case?
- Why choose MattLaw for my nursing home fall case?
- What is the value of my Tampa nursing home fall claim?
- Do you have a Tampa nursing home falls attorney near me?
Why do Tampa nursing home falls happen?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over 14 million, or one in every four, Americans aged 65 and older fall each year. Falls in nursing homes can happen for a variety of reasons, but they’re often preventable. Some of the most common causes include the following:
- Many residents require assistance with walking, getting out of bed, or using the restroom. When nursing home staff are not available to help or provide the necessary support, residents are put at a high risk of falling.
- Nursing homes have a duty to maintain a safe environment for their residents. Common hazards that can lead to falls include wet or slippery floors, poor lighting, uneven flooring or loose carpets, cluttered hallways, broken handrails, or lack of grab bars in bathrooms.
- Many elderly residents take medications that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or muscle weakness. When nursing home staff fail to monitor these side effects, the risk of falls increases.
- Some nursing homes may not have enough staff to provide proper care for residents. Overworked and undertrained employees may rush through tasks, fail to assist residents properly, or ignore nursing home safety protocols.
- Residents who need wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids should be given the proper equipment and assistance. Improperly fitted or missing mobility aids can cause a resident to lose their balance and fall.
What are some common injuries from nursing home falls?
Even a single fall can lead to severe and life-altering injuries. Some of the most common injuries suffered by nursing home residents who’ve fallen include:
- Hip fractures, which is one of the most serious injuries for elderly individuals, often leading to long-term disability.
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that can result in cognitive decline or even death.
- Broken bones, like fractured wrists, arms, legs, or ribs.
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis or chronic pain.
- Internal bleeding, which is a hidden but potentially life-threatening injury.
- Bruises and cuts, while seemingly minor, can indicate a larger problem with nursing home safety.
These injuries can lead to long hospital stays, expensive medical bills, and a significant decline in quality of life. In the worst cases, complications from a fall can even be fatal.
What are the signs that a nursing home fall was caused by neglect?
Not all falls are accidents. If a nursing home fails to take proper precautions, they may be responsible for your loved one’s injuries. Here are some warning signs that a fall may have been due to abuse or neglect:
- The staff can’t explain how the fall happened.
- Your loved one was left unattended for long periods.
- The nursing home failed to seek immediate medical attention.
- You notice unsafe conditions, like poor lighting or clutter.
- There’s a history of previous falls.
- The nursing home attempts to cover up or downplay the incident.
If you believe neglect played a role in your loved one’s fall, it’s important to take action as soon as you can.
What should I do if my loved one falls in a Tampa nursing home?
If your loved one has experienced a fall in their nursing home, follow these steps immediately to protect their health and their legal rights.
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to have a doctor examine your loved one. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or head trauma, may not be immediately obvious but can have serious complications.
- Gather as much information as you can about the fall, including photos of the injury and the scene where the fall happened, medical records and doctor’s notes, statements from your loved one and any witnesses, and notes on the nursing home’s explanation – or lack of explanation – for the fall.
- File a complaint with the nursing home’s administration and ask for a written incident report. You can also report the fall to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) or the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
Then, contact the nursing home abuse lawyers at MattLaw. We can investigate your case, determine if neglect was involved, and help you take legal action. We have the knowledge and the resources to hold the nursing home responsible for their failures.
How can your Tampa nursing home abuse attorneys help with my case?
If your loved one was injured in a nursing home fall, you may have legal options. Here’s how our Tampa nursing home abuse lawyers can help:
- We investigate the cause of the fall, gathering evidence, reviewing medical records, and interviewing witnesses.
- Next, we determine liability. If the nursing home failed in their duty to provide a safe environment, they should be held responsible.
- We can file a lawsuit against the nursing home to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages your loved one has suffered.
- We also work to negotiate a settlement. Although many cases can be resolved without having to go to court, we are always prepared for a trial if necessary.
Why choose MattLaw for my nursing home fall case?
At MattLaw, we understand how devastating it can be to see a loved one suffer due to nursing home neglect and abuse. We’re dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring that negligent facilities are held accountable. Here’s why so many families trust our legal team:
- We have years of experience handling nursing home abuse cases in Tampa.
- We treat every client with the care and respect they deserve.
- Our firm has a strong track record of securing compensation for victims and their families.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay nothing unless we win your case.
What is the value of my Tampa nursing home fall claim?
If your loved one suffered a fall due to nursing home negligence, they may be entitled to a variety of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses, which includes hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Pain and suffering, which is the physical and emotional distress caused by the fall.
- Loss of quality of life, if the injury results in a permanent disability or reduced independence.
- Funeral and burial expenses. If your loved one died as a result of their injuries, your family may be able to pursue a wrongful death
Holding negligent nursing homes accountable not only helps your family but can also improve safety conditions for other residents.
Do you have a Tampa nursing home falls attorney near me?
Yes, we have an office in Tampa located at 304 S Plant Ave, Tampa, FL 33606. You can schedule an in-person consultation or a virtual appointment with one of our attorneys to discuss your case.
Tampa nursing home falls lawyers working for you and your family
If your loved one has suffered a fall in a Tampa nursing home, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. Call the attorneys at MattLaw today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your family and ensure that justice is served. Reach out to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tampa nursing home abuse lawyers now.