Slip-and-fall accidents can harm nursing home residents

Although you probably think of nursing home accidents as problems with getting the wrong medications or injuries as a result of falling on the way to the restroom or getting out of bed, the truth is that slip-and-fall accidents happen everywhere in these facilities. From front entryways where residents and family members visit to cafeterias where food was left to make the floors slick, there are dozens of risks to anyone living at or visiting the facility.

There are some specific things you should look for to see if the facility is being negligent with the care of its property. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for.

1. Poorly maintained sidewalks

With elderly patients who may shuffle to walk or use canes, walkers or wheelchairs, there’s no excuse for poorly maintained sidewalks anywhere on the premises. Any cracks need to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent patients or visitors from slipping, tripping or falling.

2. Slick floors

No floors should ever be slick in a nursing home, which is why many have carpets instead of linoleum. If the nursing home does have linoleum or tiles, it’s necessary to mop up any spills, mark the area and try to dry it. Residents who fall on slick tiles are at risk of broken bones, head injuries and other serious injuries.

3. Slippery bathrooms

Finally, the bathrooms in nursing homes have to be cared for. If your mother or father has a room with a bathroom, the bath should have supports and bars to hold onto. There may be a seat, and the ground should feel gritty or have a mat to prevent falls.

These are a few things that you should look for in a nursing home. If the facility isn’t doing all it can to prevent injuries, it could be liable for yours or your family members’.

Source: FindLaw, “Nursing Home Slip and Fall: Can You Sue for Negligence?,” George Khoury, accessed Jan. 31, 2018