Nursing Home Injuries and Abuse
Nursing Home Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1.4 million people aged 65 and over currently live in nursing home and assisted living facilities. The number of people opting for or requiring nursing home care continues to rise each year, and it is estimated that by the year 2030, there will be over 3 million nursing home residents.
As the amount of residents in these facilities rises, so do the number of injuries. Accidents involving falls in nursing homes are common. In fact, over half to three quarters of nursing home residents experience a fall of some sort each year. Accidental falls can result in a permanent decrease in mobility, accelerated health decline, reduced quality of life, and even death; roughly 1,800 residents die as a result of injuries sustained in falls.
Falls can often be prevented by doing the following:
- Reviewing patients medications and avoiding overmedication
- Educating doctors and staff about the dangers of falling among residents
- Removing environmental hazards that can cause falls, such as loose railing,
uneven stairs, or cluttered walkways
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Many people take it for granted that because they are spending money paying for nursing home care, the quality of that care is nothing to be concerned about. Nothing could be further from the truth; according to the CDC, whether at home or in nursing care, roughly 1 in every 10 people suffers some form of elder abuse or neglect. For every reported case, it is estimated that more than 20 go unreported, which makes it even more important to be aware of any telltale signs of abuse. Signs of elder abuse include:
- Welts, bruises, and lacerations
- Sprained muscles and broken bones
- Bed sores and rashes
- Complaints of pain or soreness
- Sleep disturbances
- Dehydration or nutritional deficiencies
- Increased depression and/or anxiety issues
Contact Our Experienced South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have a loved one who has been injured as a result of a nursing home accident, or if you suspect they are a victim of elder abuse, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm immediately. Our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys can help you to protect those you care about, as well as recover damages from the nursing home. With offices in Charleston and throughout South Carolina, we’ll fight for you and your loved one’s rights, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form