When we place loved ones in a nursing home, we trust that the facility and its staff members will work to keep them healthy and safe. But every year, residents are injured as a result of nursing home abuse and neglect. These injuries can have a significant impact on their lives.
In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, here's a look at a serious type of injury that nursing home residents can suffer – traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is damage to the brain that can occur when residents strike their heads, often due to falling to the floor.
How do traumatic brain injuries happen in nursing homes?
Nursing home residents can suffer a traumatic brain injury in a number of ways, including:
Falls
Many nursing home residents have weaker bones, balance problems, and slower reflexes, making them more susceptible to falls and serious injuries, including head trauma. Wet floors, poor lighting, clutter, a lack of handrails, or uneven surfaces in the nursing home can create hazards that contribute to falls and head injuries.
Drops during moving or transporting
Inexperienced or inadequately trained staff may use improper lifting or transfer techniques, increasing the risk of dropping a resident and causing a head injury. Poor communication between caregivers during transfers can lead to accidents and falls, potentially resulting in TBI. If there are not enough caregivers to assist with moving or transporting residents safely, the risk of drops and head injuries rises.
Medication errors
Medications that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion can significantly increase the risk of falls and head trauma. Errors in administering medications can lead to these side effects. Certain medications can interact poorly, causing side effects that impair balance or coordination, potentially leading to falls and TBI.
Dehydration and malnutrition
Dehydration can cause dizziness, disorientation, and fatigue, all of which can contribute to falls and head injuries. Nutritional deficiencies can weaken muscles and bones, impacting balance and increasing the risk of falls with the potential for TBI. Neglecting a resident's dietary needs can contribute to this.
Understaffing
Understaffing or inadequate supervision by caregivers can increase the risk of falls, especially during activities like toileting, bathing, or transferring residents.
Physical abuse
Aggressive behavior by caregivers toward residents can cause them to lose balance and fall, potentially resulting in a TBI.
How does traumatic brain injury affect nursing home residents?
A traumatic brain injury can have significant effects on a nursing home resident, impacting their cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being. TBIs can lead to difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making, making it challenging for residents to perform daily activities independently.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are common, affecting mobility and overall quality of life. Additionally, TBIs can worsen existing medical conditions and increase the risk of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Nursing home residents with TBIs may require specialized care, rehabilitation, and support services to help them cope with the consequences of their injuries and improve their overall functioning and quality of life.
Can a nursing home be held responsible if a resident suffers a TBI?
Yes, a nursing home can be held accountable for a resident's traumatic brain injury (TBI) if the injury occurred due to negligence or abuse on the part of the nursing home staff or management. Victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the TBI.
However, the legal process can be complicated. Proving negligence or abuse often requires investigation and evidence gathering. Nursing facilities often deny negligence and have legal teams to protect their interests. Insurance companies aggressively fight against liability claims and will actively work to limit compensation.
Contact a nursing home negligence attorney today
If your loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury at a nursing home in Georgia, a lawyer can explain your rights, discuss your legal options, and provide guidance and support throughout the legal process. Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence to build a strong case, and then fight for the compensation you deserve.
Johnson Greer Law Group is ready to help. We know how a traumatic brain injury can affect nursing home residents and their loved ones. We understand how the legal system works in Atlanta and throughout Georgia and are dedicated to helping you get justice.
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our office is located in Decatur, and we serve families throughout Georgia. Put your case in experienced hands.