Palm Beach County Nursing Home Fall Injury Lawyer
If your loved one has suffered a fall in a Palm Beach County nursing home, you may have legal options to hold the facility accountable. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, our Palm Beach County nursing home fall injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of elderly residents who have been injured due to negligence, understaffing, or unsafe conditions.
Falls in nursing homes can lead to serious injuries, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and even wrongful death. Many of these accidents are preventable when proper care and supervision are provided. If you suspect that negligence played a role in your loved one’s fall, our experienced Palm Beach County nursing home fall injury lawyers can help.
Why Choose Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa?
Decades of Legal Experience
Our attorneys have years experience handling personal injury cases, including nursing home negligence claims. We understand the complexities of elder law and are committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable nursing home residents.
Proven Track Record of Success
We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients who have suffered due to nursing home neglect and abuse. Our firm has a history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for victims and their families.
Personalized Legal Representation
We believe that every case is unique and deserves individualized attention. Our legal team takes the time to understand your situation, gather crucial evidence, and develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs.
No Fees Unless We Win
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This ensures that all families, regardless of financial status, have access to quality legal representation.
Understanding Nursing Home Fall Injuries in Palm Beach County
Why Are Falls So Common in Nursing Homes?
Falls are one of the most common injuries in nursing homes, and in many cases, they are entirely preventable. Elderly residents often have mobility issues, making them more susceptible to falls. However, proper care, supervision, and safety measures can significantly reduce fall risks. Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to provide the necessary care, leading to avoidable injuries.
Common Causes of Falls in Nursing Homes
Several factors contribute to nursing home falls, including:
- Lack of proper supervision – Nursing homes should have adequate staff to monitor residents who are at high risk of falling.
- Slippery floors and poor facility maintenance – Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and loose rugs increase the risk of falls.
- Medication errors – Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or balance issues, making falls more likely.
- Failure to assist residents with walking – Residents with limited mobility need assistance, and a lack of support can result in falls.
- Defective bed rails, wheelchairs, or assistive devices – Malfunctioning equipment can lead to dangerous situations.
- Inadequate lighting – Poor visibility in hallways and rooms increases the likelihood of a fall.
Types of Injuries Resulting from Nursing Home Falls
Falls in nursing homes can result in severe injuries, such as:
- Hip fractures – These are among the most serious injuries, often requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Falls can cause head injuries, leading to cognitive impairments or even permanent disability.
- Broken bones and sprains – Many seniors suffer from brittle bones, making fractures more common.
- Spinal cord injuries – Falls can damage the spine, leading to mobility issues or paralysis.
- Internal bleeding – In some cases, internal injuries are not immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Wrongful death – In extreme cases, complications from fall injuries can lead to fatalities.
When Is a Nursing Home Liable for a Fall?
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities have a legal duty to ensure a safe environment for their residents. When they fail to meet this obligation, they can be held responsible for injuries that occur due to negligence.
Signs of Nursing Home Negligence Leading to Falls
Some common indicators of nursing home negligence include:
- Ignoring call lights or requests for assistance – Residents should never be left unattended when they need help moving.
- Poor facility maintenance – Hazardous conditions, such as wet floors or broken handrails, increase the risk of falls.
- Lack of proper safety measures – Residents at risk of falling should have access to walkers, wheelchairs, and grab bars.
- Staffing shortages – Understaffed nursing homes may fail to provide the level of supervision required to prevent falls.
- Failure to conduct fall risk assessments – Nursing homes should evaluate each resident’s fall risk and take appropriate precautions.
If you believe that negligence contributed to your loved one’s fall, our attorneys can investigate the circumstances and help you pursue justice.
How to File a Nursing Home Fall Lawsuit in Palm Beach
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first priority after a nursing home fall is to get medical help. Proper documentation of the injuries is essential for building a strong case.
Step 2: Gather Evidence of Negligence
To hold the nursing home accountable, it’s crucial to collect:
- Medical records detailing the injuries and treatment
- Incident reports from the facility
- Witness statements from staff or other residents
- Photographs or videos of hazardous conditions
Step 3: Consult a Nursing Home Fall Injury Lawyer
An attorney specializing in elder abuse cases can investigate the incident, gather expert testimony, and build a compelling case.
Step 4: File a Lawsuit for Compensation
A legal claim can help you recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Compensation for Nursing Home Fall Victims
Victims of nursing home falls may be entitled to financial compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses – Covers hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for emotional distress, physical pain, and reduced quality of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages – If a fall leads to a resident’s death, their family may seek damages for funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Our Palm Beach County nursing home fall injury lawyer will assess your case and fight for the maximum compensation available.
Why You Need an Experienced Palm Beach Nursing Home Fall Injury Lawyer
Nursing home injury cases require strong legal advocacy. Our firm has extensive experience handling elder abuse and nursing home negligence claims, and we are committed to protecting the rights of Palm Beach County seniors.
What Our Legal Team Offers
- In-depth knowledge of Florida elder law
- Access to medical and nursing home safety experts
- Aggressive legal strategies to prove negligence
- Dedicated client support throughout the legal process
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I sue a nursing home for a fall injury?
Yes, you can sue a nursing home if negligence contributed to your loved one’s fall injury. Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for residents. If they fail to prevent falls by providing proper supervision, maintaining safe facilities, or ensuring residents receive necessary assistance, they can be held accountable for injuries that result.
How do I prove negligence in a nursing home fall case?
To prove negligence, you need to demonstrate that the nursing home failed in its duty of care, which directly led to the fall. Evidence such as medical records, witness statements, incident reports, facility safety inspections, and expert testimony can help establish liability. An experienced attorney can gather the necessary documentation to build a strong case.
How much compensation can I recover in a nursing home fall lawsuit?
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and whether there was wrongful death involved. Settlements can range from covering medical bills to significant financial awards for long-term care, rehabilitation, and punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence.
What should I do immediately after my loved one falls in a nursing home?
Seek medical attention immediately to ensure your loved one’s injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Request a copy of the incident report from the nursing home, take photographs of the injury and the location where the fall occurred, and document any signs of negligence such as wet floors, poor lighting, or lack of supervision. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible can help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
How long do I have to file a nursing home fall lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for nursing home negligence lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, certain circumstances, such as delayed discovery of the injury or intentional concealment of negligence, may extend this deadline. It is crucial to act quickly and consult with an attorney to ensure your case is filed within the legal time limits.
Contact Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa Today
If your loved one has suffered a fall due to nursing home negligence, do not wait to take legal action. Our team is ready to fight for justice and hold negligent facilities accountable.
Contact Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa to schedule a free case evaluation.