When caregivers or staff mishandle residents during transfers, the consequences can be severe and life-altering. These incidents often occur when moving residents from a bed to a wheelchair, using a mechanical lift, or performing other mobility tasks, and negligence is frequently a factor.
Such incidents are preventable. They often result from inadequate training, understaffing, or improper use of equipment. If your loved one has been dropped in a nursing home facility in Fort Washington, our compassionate nursing home abuse lawyers can review your case and help you understand your options for pursuing a claim.
Nursing home patients are often elderly, frail, and have mobility issues, which makes them highly vulnerable during transfers. The common causes of dropped patient incidents include:
Drops can have lasting negative consequences on elderly residents who are already frail, such as fractures, particularly in the hips or legs, greatly reducing mobility and their quality of life. Other injuries include TBI, severe bruising, and, in the most tragic cases, death. Falls and drops are among the primary causes of severe injuries in nursing homes in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
After an incident, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention and document all injuries. Photos, detailed notes, and incident reports help protect the resident’s safety and support any future legal action. Our attorneys can guide you through these steps and answer all questions about dropped residents in Fort Washington nursing homes.
Nursing facilities and other long-term care facilities must adhere to strict federal and state regulations, including reporting specific incidents. According to 28 Pa. Code § 201.14 and the licensee’s responsibilities, all centers must report patient falls and injuries resulting from “dropped patients” due to mishandling during mobility assistance or transfers.
They must report any events as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the incident. Further, under the regulations, General Information for Health Care Facilities requires them to report all events that seriously compromise the resident’s safety and quality of life.
Families have the right to pursue compensation when a resident is dropped due to negligence. These accidents are typically the result of staff failing to follow proper protocols or misusing equipment during transfers. Nursing homes are legally required to provide safe care for all residents, and any violations caused by understaffing, lack of training, or improper equipment use can strengthen a claim. Recoverable damages may include:
Our Fort Washington attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving dropped residents in nursing homes. We guide families through every step of the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement or pursuing court action when necessary.
If an elderly loved one has been injured due to a dropped patient incident in Fort Washington, it is important to hold the facility legally and financially accountable. After reviewing your case, our attorneys can develop a strategy aimed at achieving a just outcome.
At Friedman Schuman Layser, our medical malpractice lawyers handle cases throughout Pennsylvania. We fight for compensation covering medical expenses, ongoing care, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by negligent nursing home care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your loved one’s rights.
