Three Examples of Life-Threatening Nursing Home Injuries

 Posted on September 19, 2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

No family sends their loved one to a nursing home facility with the expectation he or she may experience a life-threatening injury while living there. However, such incidents do tragically occur more often than many people would like to think. Three examples of life-threatening injuries that can take place in a nursing home include choking, infections, and falls. If your loved one has suffered from any of these or was injured in another way at his or her nursing home, contact a lawyer right away.

Infections Represent a Silent Threat

Infections can be a significant risk for nursing home residents, often due to decreased immunity or underlying health issues. Common infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections can escalate quickly and prove fatal if not treated promptly and effectively.

Nursing homes are required to maintain stringent hygiene standards and provide proper medical care; however, a lack of staffing or inadequate protocols can lead to infections spreading rapidly. Families must be vigilant and advocate for their loved ones to ensure they receive timely medical attention and proper wound care.

Choking Represents a Very Serious Risk to Nursing Home Residents

Choking is another alarming risk faced by nursing home residents, especially those with cognitive problems or swallowing difficulties. Diets managed poorly that fail to consider the resident's needs can lead to potentially fatal choking incidents during meals. Nursing homes must ensure that staff are adequately trained to manage feeding procedures, offering modified diets and supervision when necessary.

When choking occurs due to negligence, it profoundly impacts not only the victim but also their families, who must cope with the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

Injuries from Falls Are Often Serious

One of the most common and critical causes of injuries in nursing homes is falls. When it comes to older adults living in a nursing home, these individuals may be especially at risk due to having weaker bone structures than younger adults. As a result, falls can result in severe injuries, leading to long-term disability or even death.

While some nursing home falls occur due to random accidents, other falls can be caused by negligence within the nursing home. When nursing homes fail to implement safety standards, dangerous falls can shatter not only the bones of the individual but also the quality of life the person enjoyed before the fall.

Contact a Madison County, IL Nursing Home Injury Attorney

Never underestimate the devastating effect infections, choking, and falls can have on a nursing home resident. Often stemming from negligence, these injuries can be devastating for residents. If your loved one has been injured, contact our St. Claire County, IL nursing home injury lawyers with Schwartz Injury Law. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.