While falls and fractures can occur naturally due to age-related issues, they can also be indicative of abuse or neglect within Nursing Homes. When these cases do rise to legal Neglect or Abuse, you can do what your friends and neighbors have been doing since 1948 – Call Lenahan & Dempsey at 1.888.536.2426 for a free, no obligation consultation.
At Lenahan & Dempsey we have won Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions for our clients. We are proud to be named to Best Law Firms in America for our results in winning for clients, including those with Broken Bone cases, as part of Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect.
Put Those Named To Best Lawyers In America To Work For You
There are no fees until you the money you deserve.
Eight of our lawyers are listed in Best Lawyers in America and eight are listed as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Three, including Firm President John Lenahan, Jr., Managing Partner Timothy Lenahan and Attorney Matthew Dempsey are listed in The Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania (out of over 48,000 Pennsylvania lawyers).
Timothy Lenahan is also Best Lawyers in America’s Top Insurance Lawyer for his representation of the injured fighting against large insurers for the region of Northeastern/Central Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. He has previously been named Best Lawyers Top Personal Injury Lawyer for that region for his work fighting for the rights of injured people. Almost all Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect, including those for Broken Bones, are insurance dominated cases and can be highly complicated.
Understanding Broken Bones in Nursing Homes In Pennsylvania
Our loved ones living in nursing homes are often at a higher risk for fractures due to several factors, including:
Age-Related Weakness - Older adults typically have weaker bones and may be more prone to falls. Nursing Homes are required to create personal care plans to help prevent these falls.
Mobility Issues - Many nursing home residents have limited mobility, making them more susceptible to accidents. Again, Nursing Homes are required to plan to help prevent these falls.
Cognitive Impairments – Serious conditions such as dementia can affect a resident's awareness of their surroundings, leading to increased fall risk.
While some fractures may occur due to natural circumstances, repeated incidents or fractures that occur under suspicious circumstances can raise red flags about the quality of care being provided.
Possible Causes of Broken Bones In Nursing Homes
- Inadequate Supervision - Residents who require assistance with mobility may not receive the necessary supervision, leading to falls and injuries.
- Poorly Maintained Facilities - Hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting can contribute to falls among Nursing Home residents.
- Neglect of Medical Needs - A failure to address underlying health issues, such as osteoporosis and more, can increase the risk of fractures.
- Improper Use of Restraints - Using physical restraints improperly can lead to falls and serious injuries, including broken bones.
Legal Responsibilities of Nursing Homes Under Pennsylvania Law
Under Pennsylvania law, nursing homes have a legal obligation to provide a standard of care that ensures the safety and well-being of their residents. This requirement means they must:
Hold Regular Resident Assessments - Facilities must evaluate residents' needs and risks regularly, particularly those prone to falls.
Establish Safety Protocols - Nursing homes should implement safety measures, such as proper staffing and maintaining a hazard-free environment.
Conduct Staff Training - Caregivers must be trained to recognize fall risks and respond appropriately to prevent injuries.
Provide Prompt Medical Attention - If a resident does sustain a fracture, the nursing home must ensure they receive immediate and appropriate medical care.
Common Signs of Neglect or Abuse
Family members are the best advocates for the care and safety of their loved one.
Families should be vigilant for signs that may indicate neglect or abuse related to broken bones, including:
Multiple Fractures - Frequent injuries or fractures within a short period can suggest inadequate care or abusive behavior.
Unexplained Injuries - Fractures that occur without a clear explanation may raise concerns about the circumstances leading to the injury.
Changes in Behavior - A sudden change in a resident’s behavior, such as withdrawal or fear of caregivers, can indicate potential abuse.
Call Us
If you recognize any of the possible patterns of abuse or negligence leading to broken bones and more, call us at 1.888.536.2426. There is never a fee until you get the money you deserve.
What Can You Expect When Working With Lenahan & Dempsey
We have recovered Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions for our clients across almost all fields of Personal Injury, Insurance Bad Faith and Workers’ Compensation law.
We fully understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a case can take on victims and their families. Our highly dedicated team of lawyers and paralegals can point to a history of success supporting our clients and winning the money they need to rebuild their lives.
* Best Lawyers in America and Best Law Firms are trademarks of Woodward White. Super Lawyers and Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania are trademarks of Thompson Reuters. Both trademarks are used with permission. Details on Settlements & Verdicts are found at LenahanDempsey.com. All law firms are required to note that because the facts of each case are different, past performance is not a promise of a future outcome.
