When it comes to nursing home care, families place their trust in facilities and caregivers to provide the highest level of safety and support for their loved ones. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect is an unsettling reality that can have severe consequences, including the risk of concussion injuries.
These traumatic brain injuries can result from various forms of neglect and mistreatment within nursing homes. If your loved one sustained a concussion in a Georgia nursing facility, an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer can help you seek justice and accountability.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that impacts a person's brain function. These injuries, often categorized as mild TBIs, generally occur in one of two ways:
- Rapid motion of the head, resulting in the brain moving within the skull.
- A direct blow to the head causes the brain to come into contact with the skull's interior.
How common are nursing home concussions?
Concussions represent some of the most frequent injuries sustained by residents in nursing homes. Among adults aged 75 and older, this age group has one of the highest rates of concussions and related hospitalizations. Adults 75 and older account for 32 percent of all hospitalizations and fatalities associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In the context of nursing homes, concussions rank as one of the primary reasons residents require medical attention. Every year, nearly half of all nursing home residents experience a fall, frequently resulting in concussions, according to CDC data. This underscores the crucial importance of nursing homes implementing preventive measures to safeguard their residents' health and well-being.
Causes of concussions in nursing homes
Falls cause the vast majority of nursing home concussions. Specifically, 60 percent of nursing home head injuries have been linked to residents falling and injuring their heads, according to one scientific study.
This is why nursing homes should implement fall prevention programs, assess residents' risk factors, and take appropriate measures to minimize the chances of falls and head injuries.
Other causes include:
- Inadequate Supervision: Nursing homes are responsible for providing adequate supervision to residents, especially those at risk of falling or with a history of falls. Failure to do so can lead to preventable concussions.
- Unsafe Conditions: Hazards such as wet floors, cluttered hallways, poorly maintained equipment, or inadequate lighting can contribute to slip and fall accidents, resulting in concussions.
- Medication Errors: Improperly administered medications can lead to dizziness or disorientation, increasing the likelihood of falls and subsequent concussions.
- Understaffing: In some cases, understaffed facilities struggle to provide residents with the necessary care and attention, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, including concussions.
Identifying and addressing these issues is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of nursing home residents. When negligence or inadequate care results in a resident's concussion, seeking justice and holding the facility accountable is crucial, with the assistance of a dedicated Georgia nursing home neglect lawyer.
Identifying concussion symptoms in residents
It's crucial to promptly recognize potential signs of a concussion in nursing home residents. If your loved one displays any of these common symptoms, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention:
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Frequent, unexplained headaches
- Difficulty recalling recent events
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to bright light or loud noises
- Trouble falling asleep or staying awake
Should you notice any of these warning signs, it's essential to notify the nursing home staff promptly and advocate for your loved one's immediate medical evaluation.
Medical professionals can often diagnose concussions through various diagnostic tests, such as MRIs or X-rays, ensuring residents receive the necessary care and support.
Contact Kurle Justus, LLC to review your legal options
When nursing home residents suffer concussions due to neglect or inadequate care, their well-being and safety must be prioritized. Taking legal action in cases of nursing home neglect can help hold the facility accountable and seek compensation for your loved one's injuries and suffering.
A dedicated Georgia nursing home neglect lawyer from Kurle Justus, LLC can guide you through the legal process, ensuring justice is served and your loved one's rights are protected.
If you suspect nursing home neglect has led to a concussion injury, don't hesitate to consult with an experienced attorney who can provide the support and representation needed to seek justice and compensation for your loved one. Contact us today to learn how we can help.