What Injuries Can Result from Wandering and Elopement?

 Posted on December 21, 2023 in Nursing Home Abuse

Wandering and elopement are serious concerns in Illinois nursing homes, especially for residents with cognitive impairments like dementia. These behaviors can lead to various injuries, compromising the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. If you have a loved one living in a nursing home who has been injured while wandering or eloping, it is strongly recommended that you hire a lawyer. Your attorney will examine the situation and see whether elements of abuse or neglect created an unsafe situation for your loved one, leading them to injure themselves through wandering and elopement.

Physical Injuries Suffered Through Wandering and Elopement

Wandering and elopement can expose nursing home residents to a range of physical injuries. Residents may trip, slip, or fall while attempting to leave the facility unsupervised, resulting in fractures, head injuries, and bruises. In some cases, residents may encounter hazardous objects or obstacles during their wandering, leading to cuts, bruises, or other injuries. Additionally, wandering outside the facility exposes residents to external dangers, such as traffic accidents or exposure to extreme weather conditions, increasing the risk of severe injuries.

Non-Physical Injuries Are Also Possible through Wandering and Elopement

Wandering and elopement can also cause emotional and psychological trauma that can sometimes be as debilitating as physical injuries. The confusion and disorientation experienced through wandering episodes can lead to heightened anxiety, fear, and distress. Residents may become overwhelmed or frightened when they are unable to find their way back to familiar surroundings or encounter unfamiliar environments. Such experiences can contribute to increased agitation, depression, and a decline in overall mental well-being.

Neglect and Abuse

Contrary to what some believe, wandering and elopement incidents can also expose nursing home residents to neglect and abuse. It may be considered negligent if the facility fails to implement proper safety measures and adequately supervise residents. In some situations, staff members may purposefully neglect or abuse residents, making worse the risks associated with wandering and elopement. These foul acts of neglect or abuse can lead to physical injuries, emotional trauma, and a breach of the resident’s rights to a safe and secure living environment.

Contact a Chicago, IL, Wandering and Elopement Attorney Today

There is no question that wandering, and elopement pose significant dangers to nursing home residents. If your loved one was injured while wandering or eloping, contact the aggressive Cook County, IL, nursing home neglect lawyers with Schwartz Injury Law. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.