Falls in nursing homes are alarmingly common, often preventable, and can lead to severe injuries or even wrongful death. In Atlanta, where facilities serve a growing elderly population, a single fall might signal deeper issues like neglect or understaffing. If this happens to your family, consulting a Georgia nursing home abuse lawyer is crucial. Holbert Law, with over 40 years of experience and settlements like $750,000 for a fall with multiple fractures, helps Atlanta families seek justice and prevent recurrence.
Understanding the Risks of Falls in Georgia Nursing Homes
Georgia law requires facilities to assess fall risks and implement prevention measures, per the Bill of Rights for Residents. Yet, in understaffed Atlanta homes, lapses occur—leading to hip fractures, head injuries, or complications like bedsores during recovery. Factors include poor lighting, wet floors, or lack of bed alarms. CMS data shows falls account for over 20% of nursing home injuries statewide.
As an Atlanta nursing home slip and fall injury attorney, Bill Holbert stresses that many falls stem from negligence, not accidents. Our firm investigates to uncover root causes, drawing on defense insights to build robust cases.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Fall
- Ensure Medical Attention: Demand immediate care and transport to a hospital if needed. Request a full incident report from the facility.
- Document the Scene: Photograph the area, injuries, and any hazards. Note witnesses and staff responses—these are vital for proving nursing home negligence.
- Notify Family and Authorities: Inform relatives and, if abuse is suspected, report to the Georgia Department of Community Health or Adult Protective Services.
- Preserve Medical Records: Obtain all documentation, including pre-fall assessments showing ignored risks.
- Avoid Signing Anything Prematurely: Facilities may push releases; consult a lawyer first.
Holbert Law offers free guidance here, helping families navigate early chaos.
Investigating the Cause: Was It Neglect or Abuse?
Falls often tie to broader neglect: failure to assist with mobility, medication errors causing dizziness, or emotional abuse leading to resident distress. In Atlanta suburbs like Decatur, underfunded facilities exacerbate risks.
Our process includes expert reviews of records to link falls to violations. Joan Woolley’s expertise aids in cases involving multiple fractures or wrongful death, as in our $5 million settlement.
Legal Options for Compensation and Accountability
If negligence is evident, pursue a claim for damages: medical bills, rehab costs, pain, and punitive awards. Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations means acting fast. Holbert Law operates on contingency—no fees unless we win.
We’ve secured millions, including $1.8 million for a bed-roll fall. Clients say: “Mr. Holbert explained what may have happened…and built a case,” per an Avvo review.
Preventing Future Falls and Supporting Your Loved One
Advocate for safety plans post-incident. If relocating, vet new facilities carefully. Holbert Law educates on prevention, raising Georgia’s care standards.
Don’t face this alone. Contact your Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer at Holbert Law for a free consultation. We’ll fight for your family, ensuring negligent facilities are held accountable.