Falls are sometimes described as unavoidable, but the reality is that preventable risks often build over time.
In Houma and the surrounding Bayou Region, common contributing factors we see in fall investigations include:
- Inconsistent assistance with transfers (bed-to-chair, chair-to-toilet, wheelchair-to-walker)
- Bathroom and shower safety issues, including slick surfaces or inadequate grab-bar use
- Lighting and wayfinding problems in dim corridors or during shift changes
- Mobility plan gaps after a resident’s condition changes (dizziness, weakness, confusion)
- Delayed response to alarms or call systems, especially when staff is stretched
When these issues are present, the facility’s documentation matters. What staff knew before the fall—and what they did in the moments after—can determine whether a claim has strong support.


