Accidental falls are the number one cause of injury and death to the population aged 65 and over. According to the New York Department of Health, 51,231 injury-related falls among elders led to hospitalization, and around 11 percent of those falls resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Across the United States, 56,000 elders suffer fall-related head trauma each year, and of those, approximately 15 percent end up fatal. These staggering statistics shed light on how serious accidental falls among elders are.
Are Accidental Falls in NYC Nursing Homes Really “Accidental”?
While some falls are unavoidable, most are preventable. Among the elderly population, falling is often associated with aging and weakening muscles or bones. That may be true for some, but more often than not, falls are caused by environmental hazards and neglect in nursing homes. Therefore, presuming that all falls in nursing homes are “accidental” dismisses the true cause.
Whether it’s slipping in the shower or falling out of bed, nursing homes and caregivers are responsible for ensuring that residents are always protected and attended to. This means that facilities must be free of hazards like insufficient lighting and wet floors, and that caregivers must monitor at-risk elders closely and frequently. Residents who fail to receive reasonable care have a greater risk of falling and suffering a traumatic brain injury.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by sudden, external blunt force trauma to the head, resulting in a temporary or long-term disturbance in brain function. A TBI can occur when there is a direct and violent hit, bump, or blow to the skull, whether due to a fall (most common), motor vehicle crash, or sports injury. Traumatic brain injuries can transpire in one of three ways:
- Closed brain injury: This is trauma to the head that does not penetrate or fracture the skull, but the force causes the brain to violently move back and forth, tearing brain tissue and blood vessels.
- Penetrated brain injury: Penetrated brain injuries, also called open head injuries, occur when a foreign object forcibly breaks the skull and pierces the brain.
- Crushing brain injury: This is trauma that occurs when two objects fracture the skull and compress the brain.
Mild, Moderate, and Severe Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
The side effects of a TBI depend on the type, location, and specific circumstances of the individual affected. Mild TBI cases result in short-term brain dysfunction; an individual may only have brief loss of consciousness or none at all. Symptoms of a mild TBI include:
- Tension headaches
- Dizziness
- Disorganized thoughts
- Slight confusion
- Trouble sleeping
On the other hand, moderate to severe forms of TBI may result in long-term brain damage that can cause death if untreated. Symptoms include:
- Abnormal behavior
- Frequent personality changes
- Extreme confusion
- Seizures or convulsions
- Speech impairment
- Ear or nose drainage
- Pupil dilation
- Chronic nausea and vomiting
NYC Nursing Home Slip and Fall Attorneys Standing Up for Elders
Nursing home slip and falls are not to be taken lightly. If you or a loved one was injured in a nursing home slip and fall accident due to a hazard or lack of care, then the negligent party or parties must be held liable. Nursing home abuse cases are intricate matters, requiring a legal team with experience and a history of successes. Dalli & Marino are just a phone call away.
Here at Dalli & Marino, we aim to put a stop to nursing home abuse and neglect by seeking justice and compensation for injured elderly victims throughout the NYC area. Our record of significant verdicts and settlements demonstrates our firm’s ability to achieve maximum results for our clients. We’re committed to providing you and your family with the respect, attention, and professionalism you deserve. Call (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.
