Three Things to Know About Broken Bones in Nursing Homes
Falls are the leading cause of injury, hospitalization, and death among adults aged 65 and older. If your loved one has suffered a broken bone while in a nursing home, you may think the injury is not serious. Unfortunately, broken bones can significantly limit a nursing home resident’s movement and their ability to perform even simple tasks.
As a person becomes older, their risk of death from a fall or fall-related injuries also significantly increases. If your loved one has suffered a fracture in a nursing home, our Tampa broken bones attorney outlines three things you need to know below.
Types of Broken Bones Suffered in Nursing Homes
Bone fractures can range in severity from a thin crack in the bone to a complete break. Bones can break in a single location, or one bone can suffer multiple breaks. Simple fractures refer to when a bone breaks but the skin is not pierced. On the other hand, a broken bone that pierces the skin is known as a compound fracture.
For nursing home residents, any type of broken bone can have devastating consequences. Even a simple fracture can take months to heal and in some cases, a broken bone may never completely heal.
The Main Cause of Broken Bones in Nursing Homes
Broken bones in nursing homes are most commonly caused by slip and fall accidents. Too many facilities do not take proper measures to ensure their residents are not at risk of slipping and falling. Insufficient lighting, lack of proper supervision, and even physical abuse can all put residents at greater risk of suffering serious injury. As such, it is critical that nursing homes take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of residents.
The Statute of Limitations on Broken Bone Cases
If you believe that your loved one suffered a broken bone due to negligence or abuse in a nursing home, you may be able to file a claim against the facility. If you are successful with your claim, your loved one can recover their damages including their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
To protect any claim you may file, it is important to file before the statute of limitations expires. The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file your claim. In Florida, this is two years from the date of the accident that caused your loved one’s broken bone. If you fail to file within this time, your loved one will be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
Our Broken Bones Attorneys in Tampa Can Help
When filing a claim against a nursing home, it is critical to obtain legal help from a Tampa broken bones attorney. At Kohn Law, our experienced attorneys can determine how your loved one’s injuries occurred and who is liable so your family recovers the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Call us today at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
