Orange County Broken Bones from Elder Abuse Lawyer
If you suspect your loved one’s broken bone is a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate. Contact our Orange County broken bones from elder abuse attorney Travis Siegel for a free consultation.
Broken bones can be destructive as well as painful for the elderly. Whether the bones are broken because of a fall, physical violence, or a nursing home’s failure to protect frail seniors, the result is often devastating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that falls are the number one cause of fatal injuries in Americans aged 65 and older. For people over 69, a fall increases the risk of death threefold!
Breaks Are More Common in the Elderly
As we age, the bone structures in our body become frailer. This leaves us more susceptible to broken bones. Couple that with impaired mobility or eyesight and loss of balance and it is clear why so many seniors end up injured after a fall.
In falls, seniors usually suffer fractures in the:
- Pelvis (hip)
- Femur, lower leg, and ankle
- Spine
- Humerus, forearm, and hand
However, are these falls preventable? Is there anything that can be done to minimize the risk to seniors?
Nursing Homes’ Duty to Residents
In a nursing home, caregivers have an obligation to promote the safety and well-being of patients in their care. This means providing support, balance, clear walkways, assistive devices, and appropriate footwear as well as safety grips in bathrooms and wet areas.
Clearly, not every broken bone is the result of someone’s neglect or failure to provide appropriate care. But some cases are exactly that. Injuries can happen if an elderly person is left to get himself up out of bed unassisted and falls; if he is not properly supported by staff while getting into a wheelchair; if his pathway is obstructed or not properly maintained; or any time he is left without adequate supervision.
Abuse and Neglect Can Break Bones
Broken bones may also be the result of abusive or violent behavior on the part of a caregiver. This is not at rare as you think. Regardless of how the bone broke, it can be debilitating – and deadly – for the elderly patient.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 562-414-5294 today!
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Choosing the right nursing home for your loved ones is a personal (and tough) decision. It is something you must decide on your own, or with the rest of your family. With that in mind, however, there are a few resources you can use to help with the decision.
The Health Facilities Consumer Information System provided by the state of California lets you search for different types of health facilities, including nursing homes. The Medicare website also provides a tool for finding nursing homes.
The Health Facilities Consumer Information System also lets you search for complaints against said facilities. You can use this tool to check on any homes you might be considering and see if complaints have been filed against them.
Remember, if you suspect any form of elderly abuse or negligence has occurred, trust your instincts and call us at Siegel Law. 562-414-5294
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Pressure sores, also called bed sores and pressure ulcers, are a common sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. They are caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. Bed sores typically appear near areas where the bones are close to the skin: the hips, back, elbows, and ankles. When pressure sores first show up, they’re just skin irritation. With prompt treatment, they typically have no lasting effects. When not treated quickly, however, later stages can result in serious damage not only to the skin but also to muscle and bone.
The greatest tragedy of pressure sores is that they are relatively easy to prevent. Regular movement of a person restricted to a bed or wheelchair can help avoid pressure sores. Someone who must remain in bed should be moved about every two hours. The use of a pressure-reducing mattress can help. A proper diet, cleanliness, and daily exercise all help prevent pressure sores and eliminate the serious harm that can accompany them.
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The answer is no. Siegel Law takes all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients owe the firm nothing for expenses unless they are awarded a monetary settlement or we receive a favorable verdict at trial. All expenses will be deducted from the settlement or jury verdict. Not a dime will be taken out of your pocket.
