Icy Walkways Pose a Serious Hazard for Elderly Nursing Home Residents 

 Posted on January 17, 2022 in Nursing Home Falls

Winter weather is notoriously bad in the midwest, and although Chicago is allegedly known as “The Windy City” for political reasons, the nickname suits the weather as well. Repeated days of snow, rain, and ice followed by weeks of sub-zero temperature and zero sunshine can make sidewalks hazardous to everyone. 

Residents of nursing homes are particularly vulnerable to slipping and falling, even on safe, stable surfaces. But when nursing home caretakers fail to manage nursing home outdoor premises, frail elderly residents can be put at risk of serious injuries when they fall on slippery surfaces. If you have a loved one in a nursing home who has recently suffered from a fall, an experienced Illinois nursing home attorney may be able to help you. 

Common Injuries from Nursing Home Slip and Fall Accidents 

Elderly residents often have lower bone density and are more prone to hurting themselves when they fall. They are also at greater risk of falling because of difficulty walking and maintaining proper balance. When nursing home residents wander outside or are allowed to walk outside with visitors, winter weather can increase the risk of slipping and falling. 

Common injuries nursing home residents suffer from falling include, but are not limited to: 

• Broken and fractured bones, including serious breaks like fractured hips

• Contusions 

• Internal injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries and permanent brain damage

• Serious bleeding caused by blood thinner medication 

• Spinal cord damage

• Separated shoulders

• Lacerations

• Torn ligaments, such as the ACL and PCL 

Nursing home residents who are improperly monitored pose a heightened risk of wandering outside during winter weather. In addition to the hazards of slipping and falling, residents also face a serious risk of suffering from weather-related injuries, such as hypothermia. Nursing homes are responsible for ensuring they have adequate staff and management so residents have the supervision and care they need. When nursing homes fail to provide this, residents and their loved ones may be able to pursue legal justice. 

Call a Cook County Nursing Home Injury Lawyer

If your loved one has been injured from a slip and fall accident in their nursing home, you may need the help of an experienced Chicago, IL nursing home injuries attorney. At Schwartz Injury Law, we offer free consultations so you can learn more about your case. If necessary, we will fight aggressively on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled. Call us today at 312-535-4625. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1225&ChapterID=21