Hospitals are supposed to be places of healing, but when proper safety measures aren’t followed, vulnerable patients can suffer serious injuries from preventable falls. Whether it’s due to inadequate monitoring, improper fall prevention protocols, or staff negligence, a fall in a hospital can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and life-threatening complications—especially for elderly or medically fragile patients.
Hospitals Have a Duty to Prevent Patient Falls
If you or a loved one suffered a fall in a hospital due to staff negligence or unsafe conditions, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. At Kurle Law, LLC, we secured a $1 million settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a preventable fall in a medical facility. These cases are serious, and victims have legal rights to hold hospitals accountable for failing to provide a safe environment.
When Is a Hospital Liable for a Patient’s Fall?
Hospitals have a legal duty to protect patients from preventable falls. If a hospital fails to take reasonable precautions and a patient is injured, the hospital may be held liable for medical malpractice or negligence.
Some of the most common causes of hospital falls include:
1. Failure to Assess Fall Risk
Hospitals must identify patients at risk for falls and implement preventative measures, such as bed alarms, handrails, and assisted walking protocols. Patients who are elderly, weak from surgery, or taking medications that cause dizziness require extra supervision.
2. Lack of Supervision and Assistance
Patients who are disoriented, recovering from surgery, or on medications that impair mobility should never be left to move alone. If nurses, aides, or staff members fail to assist high-risk patients, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
3. Unsafe or Poorly Maintained Conditions
Hazards such as wet floors, cluttered hallways, lack of proper bed rails, or malfunctioning equipment can contribute to dangerous falls. Hospitals are responsible for maintaining a safe environment and correcting safety risks.
4. Medication Errors Leading to Dizziness or Weakness
Certain medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired motor function, increasing the likelihood of a fall. If a hospital fails to monitor a patient’s reaction to medication, it may be considered negligence.
5. Delayed Response to Call Lights or Assistance Requests
Many falls happen when patients attempt to move on their own after hospital staff fails to respond to requests for help. If a hospital ignores a patient’s call for assistance, and they fall trying to get up, the facility may be liable.
If a hospital’s failure to follow safety protocols led to a preventable fall, a medical malpractice attorney can help you determine whether you have a case.
What Injuries Can Result from a Hospital Fall?
Falls in a medical facility can be catastrophic, especially for patients who are already vulnerable. Some of the most serious injuries from hospital falls include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – A blow to the head from a fall can cause permanent cognitive impairment or even be fatal.
- Hip fractures and broken bones – Older adults are especially prone to fractures that require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
- Spinal cord injuries – A severe fall can cause paralysis, nerve damage, or chronic pain.
- Internal bleeding – A fall can result in organ damage, internal hemorrhaging, and life-threatening complications.
- Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, torn ligaments, and muscle injuries can lead to long-term mobility issues and chronic pain.
These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, making it crucial to hold hospitals accountable when their negligence leads to patient harm.
How to Prove a Hospital’s Negligence in a Fall Case
To successfully sue a hospital for a patient fall, your legal team must prove that the facility failed to meet the standard of care. This typically involves gathering:
- Medical records showing the patient’s condition before and after the fall.
- Hospital policies and procedures regarding fall prevention.
- Witness statements from nurses, staff, or other patients.
- Surveillance footage (if available) documenting the conditions at the time of the fall.
- Expert medical testimony establishing how the fall could have been prevented.
At Kurle Law, LLC, we have the medical knowledge and legal experience to build a strong case for victims of hospital negligence. With Attorney Jennifer Kurle’s background as a respiratory therapist, our firm brings unique insight into medical malpractice cases, ensuring that hospitals are held accountable for preventable falls and patient injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Hospital Fall Lawsuit?
Victims of hospital falls may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Costs for hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Lost wages – If the patient is unable to work due to fall-related injuries.
- Future medical care – Long-term treatments, physical therapy, or nursing care required due to the fall.
- Wrongful death damages – If a fall results in fatal injuries, the family may pursue compensation for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and other damages.
Why You Need a Medical Malpractice Lawyer for a Hospital Fall Case
Hospital fall cases can be complex, as medical facilities and their insurance companies often try to deny responsibility. Having a skilled medical malpractice lawyer is essential to ensure you have the strongest case possible.
At Kurle Law, LLC, we provide:
- Medical and legal knowledge – Attorney Jennifer Kurle’s background in healthcare gives our firm an advantage in understanding hospital policies and safety failures.
- Aggressive legal representation – We fight for maximum compensation and won’t back down from hospital legal teams.
- Personalized attention – Every case is handled with compassion, care, and a commitment to justice.
A hospital’s failure to prevent a patient fall can cause devastating injuries. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a preventable fall, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Kurle Law, LLC today for a free consultation and find out how we can help. Our office is located in Decatur, and we offer legal representation to clients throughout Georgia.
“Jennifer Kurle is a highly experienced and respected medical malpractice attorney. I fully endorse this lawyer.”
- A.M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐