Every case is different, but certain situations come up often when families contact our office after a resident falls in a long-term care setting.
1) Transfer injuries after overlooked assistance needs
Residents who require help with toileting, bed-to-chair transfers, or wheelchair positioning may still be moved without adequate staffing support—or without the exact transfer technique listed in their care plan. When staff are short-handed or rushed, the “extra moment” to assist properly can be skipped, and injuries follow.
2) Bathroom and mobility hazards
Falls frequently occur in bathrooms and hallways where grip, lighting, and floor conditions matter. In some homes, residents may be asked to navigate slippery surfaces, cluttered routes, or poorly positioned assistive devices.
3) Post-fall response problems
Even when a fall occurs, the facility’s response can determine whether a resident worsens. Delayed assessment after a head strike, incomplete documentation of symptoms (like dizziness, vomiting, or increased confusion), or failure to follow up with recommended care can be part of the legal story.
4) Wandering and unsafe attempts to move
For residents with cognitive impairment, unsafe attempts to get up—especially at night—can lead to falls. When wandering protocols aren’t effective, or when supervision doesn’t match the resident’s risk level, injuries become more likely.