Elder Abuse Lawyers in Glendale

Falls in Senior Care Facilities

Has your elderly loved one suffered a fall as a resident in a nursing home, assisted living facility, board and care facility, or another senior care center? Falls are more common in the elderly due to physical frailty, balance problems, overmedication, wrongly prescribed medications, cognitive problems, and other causes associated with age. Where a facility has not taken necessary precautions to prevent falls, their treatment programs are faulty, or where they are guilty of other types of negligence, they may be held liable for the injuries caused by a resident’s fall.

Facts about Falls in the Elderly

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), 25 percent of adults aged 65 and older fall every year. Deaths from older adult falls increased by 30 percent from 2007 through 2016. One out of every five falls will cause serious injury, such as a fractured bone or head injury. 95 percent of all hip fractures are caused by falls. In older adults, all of these types of injuries can be devastating and lead to prolonged treatment, complications, and even death.

The CDC identifies many risk factors for falls, such as:

• Scattered rugs, torn carpets, slippery floors, uneven steps
• Poor balance, difficulty walking
• Poor vision
• Medications such as sedatives, tranquilizers, sleep aids, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs
• Over the counter drugs such as cold and flu medicines, allergy medicines
• Physical weakness

An additional factor that may need to be looked into are the bruises, scrapes, and broken bones from alleged falls which may actually have been caused by physical abuse from a facility member, another resident, or guest.

Investigating Why Your Elder Fell

If you suspect that your loved one’s fall came about through suspicious circumstances, you may need legal help in investigating all the possible causes. At Berberian Ain, LLP we stand ready to review your situation and initiate proper legal measures to determine if elder abuse has occurred.

Our Glendale elder abuse lawyers are well-versed in the state and federal laws governing this area. We are committed to protecting the rights of the elderly, fighting for the compensation they deserve for injuries, and shedding light on unscrupulous senior care facility owners and employees.