Falls in Nursing Homes

What Injuries Can Result from a Nursing Home Fall?

Injuries from a nursing home fall can have long-lasting effects on your loved one’s mobility, independence, and quality of life. Common injuries are:

• Broken hips, arms, or legs;
• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries;
• Spinal injuries and nerve damage;
• Lacerations or facial trauma; and
• Internal bleeding or organ damage.

Recovery from these injuries can be long and challenging. For many residents, a fractured hip may mean the loss of independence or the need for long-term care. If a fall occurs due to neglect—such as inadequate supervision or safety measures—families have the right to ask what went wrong and who is responsible.

If you believe your loved one’s fall was caused by nursing home negligence, call (832) 690-7000 or reach out to us online today. Your family’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. Our team has secured multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for families nationwide, including those caring for elderly loved ones. We are dedicated to fighting for the respect and dignity that every older adult deserves.

Are Nursing Homes Required to Report Falls?

Yes, nursing homes must report falls that occur within their facility. When a fall happens, it must be documented in the resident’s medical records. Family members or legal representatives should be notified about the incident, and the facility must assess why the fall occurred and address any issues to avoid it happening again.

The nursing home must report the incident to state health authorities or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) if the fall results in significant injury. These reports become part of the facility’s inspection history, affecting future evaluations and compliance with regulations.

Unfortunately, not all nursing homes follow these reporting rules. Some facilities may not provide detailed records, and the documentation could be incomplete or delayed. In some cases, staff might downplay the event, claiming the resident “just slipped” without providing a full explanation.

As a family member, you may have the right to request access to medical records, internal reports, and all relevant documents concerning the fall. If there are inconsistencies or the documentation doesn’t provide clear details, it’s important to ask for more information. Repeated falls or unresolved care concerns may indicate ongoing issues within the facility that need to be addressed.

If you believe the nursing home is not complying with its obligations, a lawyer can help you obtain the necessary records, investigate the situation, and ensure that the facility meets its duty to residents.

Who May Be Liable for a Fall in a Nursing Home?

When your loved one falls in a nursing home, the facility is usually the first place to look for accountability. However, responsibility can go beyond the nursing home, depending on who failed to protect your loved one. The following parties may be involved:

• Nurses or aides who overlooked fall risks or didn’t assist with mobility when needed;
• Supervisors who allowed staffing shortages, skipped safety rounds, or ignored hazards;
• Maintenance teams that let issues like slippery floors, broken handrails, or poor lighting go unaddressed; or
• Administrators or owners who cut corners by reducing staff or failing to train workers properly.

In some cases, others may share responsibility, such as:

• Third-party medical providers who visit the facility but don’t assess mobility needs or monitor medications that increase the risk of falling;
• Contracted physical therapists who leave residents unattended during transfers or exercises; and
• Vendors or delivery personnel who create hazards by blocking walkways with equipment or supplies.

A single issue rarely causes falls in nursing homes. More often, they’re the result of multiple failures. Even if another party’s negligence contributed to the fall, the nursing home may still be accountable for the unsafe conditions. The critical question is: who is responsible for what happened, and was your loved one’s safety a priority?

“I’ve sat with families who’ve seen their loved one’s health decline after a fall at a nursing home. They’re told it was just an accident or that it’s normal for someone that age. Nursing homes often cut corners, leave residents without proper care, and ignore the warning signs. We make sure those families get the answers they deserve.”

—Paul Skrabanek | Partner at Pierce Skrabanek

Can You Sue A Nursing Home For A Fall?

You can sue a nursing home if your loved one falls due to the facility’s negligence. A nursing home falls lawsuit can help recover compensation for:

• Medical bills and hospital stays;
• Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy;
• Ongoing care expenses if your loved one needs assistance long-term;
• Relocation costs, if your loved one must be moved to a different facility; and
• Funeral costs, if the fall leads to death.

But beyond the financial side, a nursing homes fall lawsuit forces the nursing home to face the truth of its failings. It can pressure them to fix unsafe conditions and improve their care practices, potentially saving future residents from similar harm.

Working with an attorney increases your chances of recovering more. A recent survey showed that families who hire an attorney for a nursing home falls lawsuit typically recover three times more than those who try to go it alone. This isn’t just about compensation—it’s about making sure your loved one gets the care they deserve and holding the facility accountable for their negligence.