Falls are one of the most common—and dangerous—incidents that occur in nursing homes. While some falls are truly accidental, many are the result of nursing home neglect. When a facility fails to prevent avoidable falls, residents suffer serious harm: broken bones, head trauma, long-term disability, and even death.
If your loved one has experienced a nursing home fall, it’s important to understand your rights, how to recognize neglect, and how to report a fall in a nursing home. You may also have grounds for legal action.
Here’s what every family should know.
The Reality of Falls in Nursing Homes
According to the CDC, nursing home residents fall at twice the rate of older adults living independently. Most falls are not just bad luck—they’re signs of inadequate supervision, unsafe environments, or poor care planning.
Common consequences of falls include:
- Hip fractures
- Head injuries and brain trauma
- Emotional trauma and fear of moving
- Decreased mobility and independence
- Increased risk of death
Facilities are legally obligated to prevent foreseeable harm. That includes having fall prevention protocols in place, assessing risk factors, and adjusting care as needed.
Why Nursing Home Falls Happen
Falls usually don’t occur in isolation. They’re often the result of multiple failures on the part of the facility. These include:
1. Inadequate Supervision
Staff shortages, inattentive caregivers, or improperly trained workers can lead to residents being left unattended—even those known to be fall risks.
2. Poor Care Planning
Every resident should be evaluated for fall risk on admission and throughout their stay. If that’s not happening—or if care plans aren’t updated—residents are at greater risk.
3. Unsafe Conditions
Hazards like wet floors, poor lighting, broken furniture, and cluttered walkways can turn a simple walk into a dangerous event.
4. Medication Mismanagement
Sedatives, blood pressure drugs, and other medications can cause dizziness or confusion. If not monitored properly, they can directly lead to falls.
5. Lack of Proper Equipment
Failing to provide mobility aids (like walkers or bed rails), or using defective or unsafe equipment, is another red flag.
Is a Fall Considered Nursing Home Neglect?
Not every fall is due to nursing home neglect, but many are. The key legal question is: Was the fall preventable?
A fall may be considered neglect if the facility:
- Ignored known fall risks
- Failed to follow a care plan
- Left a resident unattended during high-risk activities
- Didn’t take action after previous falls
- Failed to notify the family or seek medical care promptly
If any of these apply, the nursing home may be liable for the injuries caused.
What to Do After a Nursing Home Fall
If your loved one has fallen, take the following steps immediately:
1. Get Medical Attention
Ensure your loved one is evaluated by a physician, preferably outside the facility. Get a copy of all medical records related to the injury.
2. Document Everything
Take photos of the injury, the room, and any hazards you see. Record the time, date, and any information the staff provides. If possible, get statements from other residents or staff.
3. Request the Incident Report
Ask the facility for a written incident report. They are required to document what happened, who was present, and how the fall was handled.
4. Ask for the Care Plan
Review the resident’s fall risk assessment and care plan. Was it followed? Was it up to date?
5. Report the Fall
Knowing how to report a fall in a nursing home is crucial:
- Report it to the nursing home administrator in writing
- File a complaint with your state’s Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Contact your state’s Department of Health or Long-Term Care Ombudsman
An elder law attorney can help you with this process to ensure it’s done correctly.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help
If you suspect the fall was preventable, or if the facility failed to provide proper care afterward, a nursing home abuse attorney can investigate further and hold the nursing home accountable.
An attorney can:
- Obtain medical and facility records
- Interview witnesses and staff
- Work with medical experts to evaluate the case
- Determine whether the fall was caused by neglect
- File a claim to seek compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, and more
At P&P Law Firm, we help families pursue justice for fall-related injuries caused by negligent care. We understand how nursing homes operate—and how to uncover what really happened.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If the nursing home is found liable, you may be entitled to:
- Reimbursement for medical expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Wrongful death compensation (in fatal fall cases)
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Each case is different, but the goal is the same: to hold the facility accountable and ensure safer care for others.
Preventing Future Falls
While some residents are at high risk no matter the precautions, many falls are avoidable with better systems in place. Families should advocate for:
- Regular fall risk assessments
- Clear care plans tailored to mobility and medication risks
- Daily check-ins with residents
- Safe facility conditions and proper lighting
- Staff training in fall prevention and response
Being proactive and involved is one of the best ways to keep your loved one safe.
Free Case Review – P&P Law Firm
If your loved one has suffered a nursing home fall, don’t assume it was just an accident. Many falls are caused by nursing home neglect—and you have the right to know what really happened.
At P&P Law Firm, we offer free case reviews for families concerned about fall injuries and nursing home safety. We’ll review the details, explain your legal options, and help you decide what to do next.
