CHICAGO NURSING HOME FALLS ATTORNEY

PRACTICE AREAS

The Chicago nursing home falls attorney team at Curcio & Casciato brings 60 years of focused experience handling complex elder neglect cases throughout Illinois. We know the patterns that lead to falls in nursing homes, missed fall assessments, not providing mobility assistance, and nursing home neglect after prior incidents. Our Chicago nursing home falls lawyer group understands how to prove responsibility through the use of medical records, staffing logs, and negligent policies. We’ve built a reputation in Chicagoland for holding nursing homes and assisted living communities liable when patients are hurt or killed by negligence.

If your loved one was harmed in a preventable fall, we can determine what happened, why it happened, and how to pursue maximum compensation. Call 312-321-1111 or complete our contact form for a free consultation. We handle claims on a contingency-fee basis, so victims don’t owe anything unless we secure a settlement or award on their behalf.

Why Victims’ Family Members Choose Our Chicago Nursing Home Falls Lawyers

Our Chicago nursing home falls lawyers have the experience to investigate fall-related injuries, challenge false blame placed on vulnerable elderly people, and expose the nursing home’s responsibility to prevent avoidable falls. We handle nursing home abuse and neglect cases involving brain damage, broken bones, and other serious injuries occurring due to staff negligence, hazards, or lack of adequate assistance. We work tirelessly to protect your loved one’s rights, collect evidence, and pursue full compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and future expenses.

Unwitnessed Fall in Nursing Home Chicago – How We Help

For cases involving an unwitnessed fall in a Cook County nursing home, our lawyers can help determine what really happened and whether the facility is at fault. We’ll request medical records, speak to nurses and staff, review logs, and get surveillance footage to reconstruct the incident.

Our Chicago nursing home falls law firm will also bring in medical and safety experts to see if the care center followed proper fall prevention rules in Illinois. If we find that the staff was careless, such as not checking on the patient enough, ignoring call lights, or failing to use correct safety equipment, we’ll take legal action to secure damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, and death-related damages if the unwitnessed fall results in death.

We are dedicated to getting families the answers, justice, and compensation they deserve.

Understanding Nursing Home Falls in Chicago

Alarming Statistics About Illinois Nursing Home Residents Falling

Illinois Fall Injury Data (Published 2023):

Illinois Fall Prevalence:

28.2% of adults aged 65 or older in Illinois reported falling in the past year
Illinois ranked 23rd in the U.S. for prevalence among seniors

Underreporting Falls in Illinois Nursing Homes

Only around 60% of serious fall-related injuries were reported to CMS
Nearly 70% of facilities reported fewer than 80% of serious fall injury hospitalizations
UChicago researchers found that only 57.5% of Medicare fall claims matched what was reported publicly
Underreporting was worse in facilities serving higher percentages of African American residents

Common Types of Fall Injuries in Chicago Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes

Hip Fracture: Often occurs from a resident falling sideways. Hip fractures require surgery and lengthy therapy.

Brain Injury (TBI): Brain damage caused by impact. Includes concussions and brain bleeds, especially dangerous for nursing home residents on blood thinners.

Spinal Cord Injury: Potentially causing paralysis or permanent mobility issues.

Broken Wrist: Often occurs from trying to catch oneself. Often impairs daily hand use.

Broken Arm or Shoulder: May require immobilization or surgery.

Broken Leg: Often leads to immobility and serious complications for older adults.

Vertebral Compression Fracture: Frequently occurs in patients with osteoporosis. Causes back pain, height loss, and spinal instability.

Laceration: Deep cuts caused by striking hard or sharp surfaces. Cuts pose a risk of infection and prolonged healing in elderly people.

Contusion (Bruise): Localized bleeding under the skin caused by blunt impact. May indicate deeper tissue damage.

Dislocation: Displacement of a joint, often the shoulder or knee, due to direct trauma. Requires manual realignment and recovery.

Muscle Tear or Strain: Overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. It can limit mobility and cause chronic pain.

If your loved one suffered a fall accident, a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer can determine how the fall occurred and work to ensure they receive a fair fall injury settlement or award.

Common Locations for Elderly Resident Falls in Chicago

Here are documented incidents with links for further information:

Nursing Home Falls in North Side Chicago

Alden Estates of Northmoor: 9/24, 6/24, 2/24, 10/23 (Didn’t secure a high-risk resident during transfer, resulting in serious injuries.)
Alden Lakeland: 5/25 (resulting in a head injury), 9/24 (resulting in death), 6/24, 6/23
Alden Lincoln: 10/24, 3/24 (inspection cited two unwitnessed mechanical falls), 6/23
Aperion Care International: 2/25, 1/25, 4/24, 3/24, 9/23
Arbour Nursing Home/Fargo Health: 5/24, 8/24, 6/23
Avantara Lincoln Park: 11/24, 7/24, 6/24, 4/24, 7/23
Belhaven Nursing & Rehab: 1/25, 10/31/24, 10/24/24, 9/24 ($128,400 fine related to a high-risk patient), 3/24. In another case, staff delayed an X-ray for 8 days despite the resident’s pain and prior fall history. The patient was diagnosed with a broken right femur.
California Terrace: 11/24, 10/24, 3/14/24, 3/6/24.
Center Home Hispanic Elderly: A resident with a history of falls fell on 5/24. It was unwitnessed, and the resident received six staples on the scalp. Additional citations include: 5/25, 1/25, 12/24 (Director of Nursing often failed to schedule enough staff despite risks)
Clark Manor: 1/23 high-risk violation, 2/25 (multiple violations), 11/23 (multiple violations)
Continental Nursing & Rehab Center: 3/25, 11/24, 8/24, 6/24, 3/24, 1/24, and more.
Elevate Care Chicago North: 4/25, 10/24, 6/24, 5/24, 2/24, 1/24, 7/23 (reports indicate repeated issues)
Lakeview Rehab & Nursing Center: 7/24, 4/24, 11/23, 7/23
Parkshore Estates Nursing & Rehab Center: 12/24, 7/24, 5/24, 10/23, 5/23
Park View Rehab Center: 12/24
Ryze At The Ridge: 3/24, 10/23, 7/23
Ryze On the Avenue: 3/25, 12/24, 9/24, 8/24, 6/24, 4/24, 2/24, 10/23
Uptown Care & Rehabilitation: 1/25, 11/24, 10/24, 2/24, 9/23, 7/23, 3/23

Nursing Home Falls in South Side Chicago

Kenwood Village: 3/25, 1/25, 9/24, 9/23, 8/23, 5/23
Morgan Park Healthcare: 3/25, 1/25, 12/24, 5/24, 1/24
Paviliion of South Shore: 2/25, 12/24, 9/24 (with $102,300 fine), 4/24 (with fine), 1/24
South Shore Rehabilitation: 9/24 (with fine), 7/24 (with fine), 12/23, 9/23 ($153,641 fine)
Southpoint Nursing & Rehab Center: 4/25, 2/25, 10/24, 6/23, 5/23
Southview Manor: 12/24, 7/24, 6/24, 11/23 (reports indicate systemic failures)
Warren Barr South Loop: 10/24, 8/24, 8/23

Nursing Home Falls in West Side Chicago

Our accident lawyers in West Side Chicago commonly handle cases from the following locations:

Austin Oasis: 3/25, 7/24, 5/24, 2/24, 5/23
Mayfield Care and Rehab: 3/25, 12/24, 3/24, 2/24, 1/24, 11/23 (high-risk)
Ryze West: 5/24, 10/23, 9/23
Chicago Ridge Nursing & Rehab: A resident with multiple sclerosis and paraplegia suffered a fractured ankle while being transferred via a slide board instead of the required mechanical lift. Additional citations include: 2/25, 1/25, 12/24, 9/24, and others.

Common Causes of Chicago Nursing Home Fall Accidents

Many nursing home falls occur due to the nursing home staff’s negligence. If your loved one suffered a fall and was injured as a result of nursing home neglect, consult a Chicago nursing home falls attorney to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation.

Falls in Nursing Homes Caused By Understaffing

One of the most common causes of preventable falls is understaffing. When adequate assistance isn’t provided, residents are left unsupervised during high-risk times, such as using the bathroom or transferring, which leads to a much higher risk of falling. We have decades of experience filing Chicago nursing home understaffing claims. If your loved one suffered injuries because they didn’t receive assistance when they needed it, a Chicago nursing home falls lawyer can help you seek compensation.

Falls in Nursing Homes Caused By Unsafe Conditions

Environmental hazards are a leading cause of falls in nursing homes, often signaling facility-wide negligence. Common unsafe conditions include:

Wet Floors: Uncleaned spills in dining areas, bathrooms, or hallways can cause slips, especially for residents with limited mobility.
Loose Rugs and Mats: These bunch or shift, increasing the risk of tripping.
Uneven Surfaces: Changes in elevation, cracked tiles, or damaged thresholds often destabilize those using walkers and canes.
Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting in the resident’s room or bathrooms impairs depth perception.
Improper Bed or Chair Positioning: Beds positioned incorrectly or chairs without armrests create unsafe conditions when transferring.
Cluttered Walkways: Anything left in walking areas obstructs movement and increases fall risk.
Broken Handrails or Grab Bars: Missing or damaged handrails in hallways and bathrooms prevent residents with limited mobility from walking safely.
Lack of Access to Assistive Devices: When wheelchairs, walkers, or canes are out of reach, residents with mobility issues may attempt to walk without their assistive devices. Additionally, when these aren’t properly fitted or are used incorrectly, they can also cause harm, rather than preventing falls.
Unstable Furniture: Poorly maintained chairs, side tables, or toilets tipping when leaned on.
Temperature and Flooring Mismatch: Cold rooms combined with hard floors increase stiffness and reduce foot traction.

Many nursing homes either lack or totally ignore prevention protocols, such as fall risk assessments, bed alarms, or bathroom schedules. Facilities are required to identify and correct environmental hazards as part of basic fall prevention protocols. When nursing home injuries occur because staff members failed to do so, it indicates systemic nursing home neglect, as many nursing home residents have mobility issues.

Our Chicago nursing home falls attorneys are committed to protecting elderly people throughout Cook County. If an elderly person suffered an avoidable fall because the facility failed to provide a safe environment, we can uphold your loved one’s rights and work to secure maximum compensation on their behalf.

Falls in Nursing Homes Caused By Improper Use of Physical or Medication Restraints

The improper use of restraints, either physical or through medication side effects, has led to many nursing home residents losing balance or causing disorientation, resulting in preventable fall accidents. The most common form is unauthorized use of bed rails. Nursing home staff often install rails to prevent falls from residents getting out of bed, but without proper assessment, bed rails can trap, injure, or even suffocate residents. Improper use of bed rails is frequently cited in inspections for violating residents’ rights and safety standards.

Our law firm has extensive legal experience pursuing nursing home unreasonable restraint claims in Chicago. For legal help, call us for a free and confidential consultation.

Medical Negligence Causing Nursing Home Fall Accidents in Chicago

Common causes of falls occurring due to medical negligence include:

Failure to Assess Fall Risk: Medical staff neglect to conduct or update patient fall risk evaluations based on frail health status, drugs, or prior incidents.
Improper Prescribing: Doctors prescribing sedatives, antipsychotics, opioids, or blood pressure medications without regard for fall-related medication side effects such as dizziness, confusion, or drowsiness. This forms the basis of nursing home medication error claims in Chicago.
Not Monitoring Medication Side Effects: Ignoring symptoms like orthostatic hypotension, gait instability, or delayed reaction time caused by medications.
Polypharmacy Without Review: Not evaluating drug interactions among multiple medications that collectively cause balance or cognitive impairment.
Delayed Diagnosis of Underlying Medical Conditions: Undetected urinary tract infections, low blood sugar, stroke, or inner ear disorders, causing preventable falls in nursing homes.
Inadequate Neurological or Cardiovascular Monitoring: Medical staff not evaluating the causes of fainting, balance issues, or mini strokes in high-risk patients.
Not Providing Medically-Necessary Assistive Devices: Omitting orders for necessary braces, orthotics, or medical mobility assistive devices based on the doctor’s evaluation.
Neglecting Post-Fall Medical Evaluation: Not performing timely scans or assessments after a fall occurs delays medical care for serious injuries like broken bones or head trauma.
Not Adjusting Medical Care Plans After Health Changes: Ignoring changes in physical conditions or cognitive impairment and failing to update medication, therapy, or mobility protocols based on medical records.

Our Chicago nursing home falls attorneys can determine whether medical negligence contributed to your loved one suffering a fall accident. We can review video footage, drug history, and doctor decisions to identify potential malpractice to help you seek compensation and justice.

Nursing Home Residents at an Increased Risk of Falling

Nursing home residents with the following medical conditions are at a serious risk of falling:

Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up leads to dizziness and collapse.
Dehydration and Malnutrition in Chicago Nursing Homes: Poor fluid or food intake weakens muscles, affects cognition, and increases instability.
Poor Vision: Cataracts, glaucoma, or poor vision correction can prevent residents from seeing hazards or changes in elevation.
Vestibular Disorders: Inner ear conditions (vertigo, Meniere’s disease, bilateral vestibulopathy, or PPPD) affect balance.
Parkinson’s Disease, MSA, CBD, and LBD: These neurodegenerative conditions result in shuffling gait, slow reaction time, and instability.
Foot Disorders or Improper Footwear: Bunions, neuropathy, or shoes that aren’t properly fitted interfere with balance.
Seizures: Undiagnosed or uncontrolled seizures can lead to sudden collapse or injury.
Delirium or Acute Confusion: Increased risk of falling from drugs, hospitalization, or infection in Chicago nursing homes, such as UTI delirium.
Anemia: Leading to fatigue, dizziness, or blackouts.
Sleep Disorders and Sedation Timing: Interruptions in sleep or timing of sedating drugs can impair coordination.
Incontinence-Related Urgency: Sudden urges to use the restroom often result in residents trying to walk without assistance.

Illinois nursing homes have a legal responsibility to account for medical conditions when creating plans or staffing. Health issues do not excuse skilled nursing homes from their duty to prevent falls.

In fact, health issues that put residents at a much higher risk of falling demand more supervision. Illinois nursing homes, by law, must ensure their safety by implementing mobility assistance, drug review, monitoring for those with cognitive impairment, and individualized prevention protocols.

When a nursing home resident with a medical condition suffers from avoidable fall injuries and the nursing home staff tries to shift blame, that does not negate their liability. Illinois law makes it clear that a resident’s health status does not exempt the facility from its obligation to maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately. If a facility breaches this duty and attempts to deflect responsibility, our Chicago nursing home falls attorney team can and will take the case to trial. We will demonstrate how neglect, not the resident’s health, caused a preventable fall.

Illinois Nursing Home Care Act Violations For Preventable Fall Accidents in Chicago Nursing Facilities

Illinois Nursing Home Care Act violations occur when a facility doesn’t uphold its legal duty of care. This law protects your loved one’s right to safety, dignity, and adequate medical care. Common violations our Chicago nursing home falls attorney team handles include:

Failure to Prevent Falls: Facilities that do not assess fall risk, implement prevention plans, or address environmental hazards.
Inadequate Staffing: Understaffing or assigning unqualified staff members can result in nursing home neglect, delays in being treated, and a lack of supervision or proper care altogether.
Negligent Use of Restraints: Physical or chemical restraints used without medical necessity or consent.
Neglect of Medical Needs: Delays in treating injuries, ignoring the physician’s orders, or failing to administer medication as prescribed.
Not Notifying Families: Facilities must promptly inform residents and families of accidents, injuries, or changes in condition. Failure to do so may violate reporting and transparency provisions.
Retaliation or Nursing Home Abuse: Any act of nursing home abuse, retaliation for complaints, or interference with your loved one’s rights can lead to legal consequences.

Illinois Nursing Home Care Act violations can form the basis of facility liability. Our Chicago nursing home falls attorney team can help ensure the responsible parties are held accountable through legal action and filing a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Filing a Lawsuit for Fall-Related Injuries in Chicago Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Pursuing a nursing home fall injury or nursing home wrongful death lawsuit in Chicago may be necessary when an elderly person suffers harm due to preventable hazards or nursing home staff negligence. Many nursing home falls lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or other injuries, especially among elderly nursing home residents with limited mobility.

Preventable fall accidents in nursing homes often occur due to wet floors, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, or staff not using proper assistive devices. Nursing home staff have a legal duty to prevent falls by addressing hazards, monitoring side effects, and ensuring adequate assistance for elderly people with frail health or difficulty walking.

If a fall occurred because the nursing home didn’t assess patients with an increased risk or provide proper care, family members may have grounds to pursue compensation for pain, emotional distress, medical costs, and other consequences.

Our Chicago nursing home falls lawyer team can investigate, gather medical records, secure video footage, and prove that nursing home neglect contributed to your loved one’s nursing home injuries. We know how to ensure responsible parties are held accountable, even when they try to shift blame onto older adults. Let us provide the legal help you need to seek justice and protect your loved one’s rights.

Chicago Fall Settlement Examples

$5.5 million jury award for the family of a nursing home resident who died from toxic waste buildup after a fall accident. This illustrates that post-fall neglect can support Illinois nursing home wrongful death claims.

A $4.25 million settlement for a fatal traumatic brain injury resulting from the resident falling multiple times at a skilled nursing facility. This highlights institutional culpability when nursing home residents repeatedly fall.

$2.7 million awarded to the estate of a 67-year-old man who died due to complications after a fall accident. The award was based on staffing negligence and negligence in preventing falls.

A dementia patient fell due to inadequate safety protocols. This case resulted in a $2,176,300 settlement.

A resident fell, sustaining a hip fracture and subdural hematoma. The facility was held liable, and a judgment of $1.7 million was awarded.

Other outcomes include: $750,000 for fall-related injuries involving facial fractures and subdural hematoma, and $299,000 for a broken hip from lack of supervision.

Our Chicago nursing home fall lawyer team is dedicated to ensuring skilled nursing homes or assisted living facilities are held accountable for harming an elderly person. Our Chicago nursing home verdicts and settlements demonstrate that we possess the necessary legal experience to pursue maximum compensation on behalf of nursing home residents and their family members.

Hospital Transfers and Negligent Follow-Up Treatment

Northwestern Memorial Hospital treats nursing home residents after serious fall injuries, including head injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding. This is a key referral location for many nursing home falls, resulting in complex fall-related injuries.

If a nursing home failed to transfer a resident promptly or did not follow recommended plans, it may indicate negligence.

UChicago Medicine Senior Care provides Level I trauma treatment for elderly people with severe fall injuries, including brain trauma and complex fractures. If nursing home staff fail to secure proper care or follow UChicago’s post-discharge recommendations, this may support a negligence lawsuit.

Rush Senior Care provides emergency orthopedic treatment and injury assessment for nursing home residents who suffer injuries from falls. If nursing home staff didn’t coordinate proper care with Rush or ignored recommendations, this indicates nursing home neglect.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is a leading facility specializing in rehabilitation for elderly people recovering from falls, including those with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or mobility loss. If nursing home staff fail to refer a resident to Shirley Ryan or disrupt the continuity of treatment, it may reflect negligence.

If a nursing home didn’t secure timely treatment from the hospital after a nursing home resident fell, our Chicago nursing home fall attorney team can investigate referral delays, discharge negligence, and ignored treatment plans to pursue a nursing home abuse lawsuit against the facility bearing responsibility.

Cook County Resources for Fall Victims

The following provides families with critical assistance after an elderly nursing home resident falls.

The Cook County elder abuse hotline allows immediate reporting of suspected nursing home neglect.

The Illinois Department on Aging connects families with Chicago nursing home ombudsmen and state-backed oversight that can expose violations.

For legal help with nursing home resident falls in Chicago, contact our law firm by calling 312-321-1111 for a free consultation.

Choosing the Right Chicago Nursing Home Falls and Fractures Lawyers

Having legal help from the right Chicago nursing home falls and fracture lawyer is essential when falls in nursing homes lead to sprains, bruises, strains, brain damage, spinal injuries, or broken bones in Chicago. Many nursing home residents fall because staff members ignore clear factors, like muscle weakness, drowsiness, or disorientation.

When nursing home staff members don’t act on medical concerns, like arthritis or cognitive decline, this can lead to further harm or even death. Our Chicago nursing home falls lawyer team understands what contributes to fall injuries and can gather evidence, identify violations of disease control protocols or Medicaid service standards, and seek justice for clients. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, we can explain your loved one’s rights and the legal steps needed to take action.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Falls Lawyer For a Free Consultation

If your loved one suffered fall injuries due to negligence, a Chicago nursing home falls attorney can help your family seek compensation and justice. Call 312-321-1111, use our contact form, or visit our office to schedule a free consultation.

We handle cases from all over the state of Illinois; contact our law firm or speak with a Naperville nursing home abuse lawyer, Aurora nursing home abuse lawyer, Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer, or Rockford nursing home abuse lawyer to learn more.