A new study shows that 1 out of 3 nursing home patients hit their head in trip and fall accidents. Video footage was analyzed in 227 fall cases among 133 seniors in nursing home facilities. Research found that the patients struck their heads in 37% of the incidents. They hit their head on the floor in 63% of such cases, most often striking hard flooring. 16% struck their head on furniture and 13% on a wall. The research also found that the head impact was much higher for forward falls than for backward falls. Attempts to use arms to break the fall was ineffective. Suggestions to improve research include better procedures to detect possible brain injuries due to falls in nursing home facilities and exercises to strengthen upper limbs. Another suggestion may be creating a safer environment, such as adding a flooring sub-layer that is soft enough to cushion the impact.
If a loved one has suffered severe injuries due to abuse or negligence at a nursing home facility, contact Finkelstein & Partners for help. Learn more about this study on www.myfoxny.com
Mr. Finkelstein is the Managing Partner of Finkelstein & Partners, LLP. He has become a noted consumer activist through his representation of injured individuals against corporate wrongdoers and irresponsible parties.
An accomplished litigator, Mr. Finkelstein has represented Plaintiffs in wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. He has successfully handled dozens of multi-million dollar cases.