Falls are one of the most common — and most dangerous — incidents that occur in nursing homes. While not every fall is the result of wrongdoing, some falls are entirely preventable and happen only because a facility failed in its duty of care.
If your loved one suffered a fall in a long-term care facility, you may be wondering:
“Can we take legal action? And when is the nursing home actually liable?”
At Ron Meyers and Associates, we help families across Washington get answers and pursue justice after serious fall injuries in nursing homes. Here’s what you need to know about nursing home falls liability, your legal options, and how to hold facilities accountable for abuse and neglect.
Why Falls in Nursing Homes Are So Serious
For elderly or medically vulnerable residents, a fall is not just a bump or bruise. It can lead to:
- Hip fractures
- Head trauma or brain bleeds
- Spinal injuries
- Loss of mobility or independence
- Rapid health decline
- Premature death
Falls can also signal broader patterns of nursing home abuse or neglect, especially when they happen more than once or aren’t reported to family members.
What Causes Fall Injuries in Nursing Homes?
Falls don’t just “happen” — they’re often the result of poor policies, staffing failures, or lack of supervision. Common risk factors include:
- Inadequate fall risk assessments
- Improper bed height or lack of bed rails
- Unattended mobility assistance
- Cluttered or slippery walkways
- Failure to provide walkers or canes
- Improper transfer techniques by staff
- Medication side effects not monitored
If these conditions are present, and your loved one suffers a serious fall, the facility may be legally liable.
When Is the Facility Legally Responsible?
In Washington, nursing homes have a legal obligation to:
- Provide a safe and hazard-free environment
- Assess fall risk for every resident
- Implement a care plan that prevents foreseeable injuries
- Respond appropriately when fall risks increase (e.g., after a stroke or medication change)
A facility can be held liable in an elder falls lawsuit if they:
- Ignored known risks
- Failed to follow the resident’s care plan
- Didn’t staff adequately to assist with mobility
- Tried to cover up or delay reporting the fall
When these failures result in harm, families may have a valid fall injuries nursing home claim — and a right to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
Warning Signs of Neglect After a Fall
Unfortunately, not all nursing homes are transparent. If your loved one fell, watch for signs that something more may be going on:
- Unexplained or frequent falls
- Staff being evasive or vague about what happened
- Delay in informing family members about the fall
- Bruises, fractures, or emotional changes that don’t match the staff’s explanation
If you suspect Washington nursing home neglect or abuse, it’s important to act quickly. Facilities may try to shift blame or hide documentation, so the sooner you speak to an attorney, the better.
Legal Options After a Fall in a Nursing Home
Families may have several legal avenues available after a fall, depending on the circumstances:
- Abuse or neglect claims for failing to provide adequate care
- Wrongful death claims if the fall leads to fatal injuries
- Violation of Washington State’s Long-Term Care Resident Rights
At Ron Meyers and Associates, we’ll help you understand what went wrong and whether the facility violated its duty of care. If they did, we’ll help you pursue full accountability and compensation.
Why You Need a Washington Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
These cases are complex. Facilities are often owned by corporations with legal teams and insurance providers trained to minimize payouts. Having an experienced Washington nursing home abuse or neglect lawyer on your side levels the playing field.
We investigate thoroughly, consult with medical experts, and fight to uncover the truth — all while keeping your family’s emotional and financial needs front and center.
Concerned About a Fall in a Nursing Home? We Can Help.
A fall shouldn’t be swept under the rug — especially if it could’ve been prevented. If your loved one was injured in a nursing home in Olympia or anywhere in Washington, don’t wait to ask questions and protect their rights.
Contact Ron Meyers and Associates for a free, confidential consultation with an attorney who understands nursing home falls liability and knows how to fight back against neglect.
FAQ: Nursing Home Falls and Legal Liability
Can I sue a nursing home if my parent fell and was injured?
Yes — if the fall was caused by abuse or neglect, such as poor supervision or failure to follow a care plan, you may have grounds for an elder falls lawsuit in Washington.
What counts as nursing home neglect in a fall case?
Neglect or abuse may include failing to assist with mobility, ignoring known fall risks, or not responding to previous fall incidents appropriately.
What compensation is available in a fall-related injury case?
You may be able to recover costs for medical care, pain and suffering, long-term disability, and in some cases, punitive damages for gross negligence.
How do I know if the nursing home was at fault?
A thorough investigation is key. An experienced Washington nursing home abuse or neglect lawyer can gather records, interview staff, and consult medical experts to determine liability.
