Can you sue the home for damages if your elderly parent falls and breaks a hip while living in a nursing home? Many people assume that the nursing home is automatically liable for any accidents that occur on their premises, but this isn’t always the case.
To file a successful lawsuit, you’ll need to prove that the nursing home was negligent and caused your parent’s injury.
Resident have a right to expect a safe environment
In Ohio, residents in a nursing home have the right to a safe and clean living environment. The staff must ensure that residents have clear pathways in their rooms, hallways, and common areas. Nursing home employees need to check that the floors are clear of clutter, spills, debris, and trip hazards. For example, if a nursing home fails to maintain its grounds and, as a result, a resident falls on an uneven surface, the home may be liable for the resident’s injuries.
Additionally, nurses assess a resident’s ambulatory skills and cognition regularly to determine if a resident is a fall risk. If a nursing home knows or should know that one of its residents is at risk for falling and fails to take appropriate precautions, the home may be liable for any injuries that the resident suffers in a fall. Furthermore, a nursing home may be responsible if it causes or contributes to a fall through its negligence.
Nursing home liability can be a complex issue. Still, in general, nursing homes are usually liable for a patient’s injuries when they were negligent or did not take proper precautions to prevent a fall. If you are concerned about your loved one’s injuries after an incident, it is important to discuss your concerns with someone who can help you understand your rights and options.