Falls in Hospitals

Welcome to Hinkle Law Firm, Florida's top law firm for medical malpractice cases. Our experienced team of dedicated medical malpractice attorneys specializes in advocating for victims of medical negligence, including cases involving falls in hospitals. With our deep understanding of the complex legal landscape and a commitment to obtaining justice for our clients, we are here to guide you through every step of your legal journey.

How Can a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help After a Fall in a Hospital?

A medical malpractice lawyer can provide critical help after a fall in a hospital in several ways:

Evaluation of Your Case

Your lawyer can thoroughly assess your case to determine if you have a valid medical malpractice claim. This usually involves examining your medical records, the circumstances surrounding the fall, and possibly consulting with medical experts.

Proving Negligence

In order to win a medical malpractice case, you must prove that the hospital or its staff were negligent and that this negligence directly caused your fall and subsequent injuries. This can be a complex process that requires substantial evidence. A skilled medical malpractice lawyer from Hinkle Law Firm can gather this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

Negotiating Settlements

If the case doesn't go to trial, your experienced lawyer will negotiate with the hospital's insurance company to secure a fair settlement for you.

Representation in Court

If your case does go to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting your case, cross-examining witnesses, and advocating for your interests.

Handling Paperwork

Medical malpractice cases involve a lot of paperwork, including medical records, legal documents, and court filings. Your lawyer will handle all of this on your behalf, ensuring that all documents are filed correctly and on time.

Guidance and Support

The process of pursuing a medical malpractice claim can be stressful and confusing. A lawyer can guide you through the process, keep you informed about the progress of your case, and answer any questions you might have.

Remember, it's important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after a fall in a hospital, as there may be strict time limits (known as statutes of limitations) for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Why Choose Hinkle Law Firm?

Expertise and Knowledge: Our attorneys possess comprehensive knowledge of medical malpractice laws in Florida. We understand the complexities of hospital operations, nursing procedures, and physician responsibilities. Our expertise allows us to identify instances of negligence, determine liability, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Thorough Investigation

We leave no stone unturned when investigating your hospital fall incident. Our team will meticulously examine medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant evidence. This comprehensive approach ensures that we have a complete understanding of what transpired, enabling us to present a compelling case in your favor.

Medical Expertise

Hospital fall cases often require the testimony of medical experts to establish a connection between the fall and the resulting injuries. Our firm has cultivated relationships with respected medical professionals who can provide crucial insights and expert opinions to support your claim effectively.

Aggressive Advocacy

We are dedicated to fighting tirelessly on your behalf. Our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies, hospitals, and other parties involved to pursue a fair settlement that accounts for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future care needs. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial and present a compelling argument in front of a judge and jury.

Compassionate Support

We understand that the aftermath of a hospital fall can be emotionally and physically challenging for you and your loved ones. Our team is committed to providing compassionate support throughout the legal process. We will listen to your concerns, address your questions promptly, and keep you informed about the progress of your case.

Choosing the right legal representation is crucial when pursuing a hospital fall case. At Hinkle Law Firm, we have a proven track record of success in medical malpractice litigation, and we are prepared to put our skills and experience to work for you. Hospital safety is our goal, and holding hospitals accountable for unsafe conditions is how we can improve hospital safety.

Facts About Falls in Hospitals

Here are some general facts and figures:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of thousands of patients fall in hospitals each year in the United States, with 30-50% of those falls resulting in injury.
• A report from The Joint Commission, a healthcare accreditation organization in the United States, estimated that the average hospital reports 3.3 falls per 1,000 patient days.
• Injuries due to falls can result in an average increased hospital stay of 6.3 days.
• An older study from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) suggested that between 700,000 and 1,000,000 falls occur in U.S. hospitals each year.
• Older adults are at higher risk. According to the CDC, each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries in the U.S.
• Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in older adults. Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.
• The financial impact is also significant. The CDC reports that in 2015, total medical costs for falls totaled more than $50 billion.

Please note, these statistics represent a wide range of hospital environments and patient populations, and individual hospital fall rates can vary greatly based on these factors.

What Causes Falls In Hospitals?

Falls in hospitals can be caused by a variety of factors, often interrelated. Here are some common causes:

Patient Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can increase the risk of falls. These include:

• neurological conditions (like stroke or Parkinson's disease)
• musculoskeletal conditions (like arthritis)
• cardiovascular diseases
• cognitive impairments (like dementia)
• or any condition that affects balance, strength, or gait.

Medications

Certain medications can cause dizziness, confusion, or drowsiness, making a patient more prone to falls. These include sedatives, antidepressants, and some types of blood pressure medication.

Environmental Factors

Environmental hazards in a hospital can contribute to falls. These might include:

• wet or slippery floors
• clutter
• poor lighting
• improperly maintained or fitted mobility equipment
• and beds or chairs that are too high.

Mobility and Balance Issues

Patients who have difficulty walking or who have poor balance are at higher risk of falls. This can be due to weakness following surgery, prolonged bed rest, or a pre-existing condition.

Incorrect or Non-Use of Assistive Devices

If a patient doesn't use an assistive device like a walker or cane when they need one, or if they use it incorrectly, they are more likely to fall.

Mental Confusion or Disorientation

Patients may be confused due to their illness, medication, or simply because they're in an unfamiliar environment. This can make them more prone to falls.

Lack of or Inadequate Supervision

Patients who need assistance with walking or transferring may fall if they don't receive adequate help. This can be particularly problematic if staffing levels are low or if staff are not adequately trained in fall prevention.

Urgent Need to Toilet

Patients, especially those who are on diuretics, might feel a sudden urge to urinate, causing them to rush and subsequently lose balance and fall.

Hospitals typically have fall prevention protocols in place to address these and other risk factors, such as fall risk assessments and environmental modifications. However, even with these measures in place, falls can still occur.

What Are Common Injuries from Falling in The Hospital?

Falling in a hospital can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Here are some of the most common types of injuries that can result from a fall in a hospital:

Fractures

Fractures are one of the most common injuries resulting from falls. Elderly patients are especially at risk for hip fractures, but fractures can also occur in the wrist, arm, ankle, and other areas.

Head Injuries

Falls can often result in head injuries, which can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries. These can be particularly dangerous and may require immediate medical intervention.

Cuts and Abrasions

These can occur as a result of contact with the floor or other objects during the fall.

Sprains and Strains

These are injuries to ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) and can occur when a person tries to catch themselves during a fall.

Spinal Injuries

Falls can result in injuries to the spinal cord, which can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.

Bruises and Contusions

These can occur on various parts of the body, depending on how the person falls and what they hit as they fall.

Internal Injuries

These include injuries to internal organs, internal bleeding, or other injuries that might not be immediately apparent after a fall.

All these injuries can lead to further complications, especially in elderly or frail patients, including increased length of hospital stay, decreased mobility and independence, and increased risk of future falls.

Contact Hinkle Law Firm

If you have suffered an injury from falling in a hospital, contact us for a FREE consultation.

FAQs

1. What are some common injuries from falling at a hospital?

Some common injuries include fractures (particularly of the hip, wrist, and ankle), head injuries, sprains, strains, dislocations, and in severe cases, spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries.

2. Who is most at risk of falling in a hospital setting?

Generally, patients who are older, those with a history of falls, those with impaired mobility or balance, those who are taking certain types of medication (like sedatives or diuretics), and patients with cognitive impairments (like dementia) are most at risk.

3. Can I sue a hospital for injuries from a fall?

Yes, it is possible to sue a hospital if you or a loved one has fallen and suffered injuries. However, to successfully sue, you must demonstrate that the hospital staff were negligent in their duties and that their negligence directly led to the fall and subsequent injuries.

4. What constitutes hospital negligence in a fall?

Hospital negligence may include failure to assess a patient's risk for falling, lack of or improper use of safety equipment (like bed rails), inadequate staff training, improper patient monitoring, and lack of a proper response to a patient's call for help.

5. What should I do if I or my loved one falls in a hospital?

Seek immediate medical attention to treat any injuries. Report the fall to the hospital administration, and document everything about the incident, including what led to the fall, who was present, and any factors that may have contributed to the fall. If you believe negligence was involved, it may be wise to consult with a personal injury attorney.

6. How can hospitals prevent falls?

Hospitals can implement a number of strategies to prevent falls, such as comprehensive fall risk assessments for each patient, ensuring safety equipment is used correctly, training staff to identify and address fall risks, frequent patient monitoring, and creating a safe environment (e.g., clear walkways, good lighting).

7. What compensation can I expect from a hospital fall lawsuit?

If your lawsuit is successful, you may be awarded compensation for medical expenses related to the fall, lost wages if you're unable to work, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages if the court determines that the hospital's conduct was particularly egregious. The specific amount will vary based on the circumstances.

8. Can a fall in a hospital lead to long-term complications?

Yes, depending on the severity of the fall and the injuries sustained, long-term complications can occur. These may include chronic pain, disability, reduced mobility, cognitive deficits (particularly if there was a traumatic brain injury), and emotional trauma.

9. What is a hospital's responsibility when it comes to preventing falls?

Hospitals have a duty of care to their patients, which includes taking reasonable steps to prevent falls. This can involve conducting regular risk assessments, maintaining a safe environment, ensuring staff are properly trained, and monitoring patients who are at a higher risk of falling.

10. How common are falls in hospitals?

Falls are one of the most common types of accidents in hospitals. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, hundreds of thousands of patients fall in U.S. hospitals each year.

Remember, each case is unique and the information provided here is general. If you or a loved one has suffered a fall in a hospital, it's important to seek appropriate medical and legal advice.