According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a majority of nursing home residents are unable to walk without some form of assistance. Hoyer lifts are often used to assist nursing home staff in the movement of these disabled residents. When Hoyer lifts are used improperly, residents can suffer severe injuries or even death.
A Hoyer lift, also known as a patient lift, is a sling that is either free-standing or ceiling-mounted and is used to move a nursing home resident a short distance from one place to another, such as moving a resident from the bed to a chair, a chair to a toilet, or from a bed to the bath.
Hoyer lifts require complete supervision the entire time a resident is in the sling and at times may require more than one nursing home staff member to be used safely. However, when nursing home staff are negligent, accidents and severe injuries can occur.
Causes of Hoyer Lift Accidents
A Hoyer lift is a necessary and useful piece of equipment when used properly. When nursing home staff are improperly trained, or lifts are used incorrectly or when improperly maintained, the results can be devastating.
Causes of Hoyer lift accidents can include:
- Understaffing-When nursing homes are understaffed and workers are forced into working alone, they may be forced to using a Hoyer lift without assistance which can result in falls.
- Lack of training-Hoyer lifts have specific instructions on how a resident should be positioned and secured. When nursing home staff are unaware on how to correctly use a Hoyer lift, serious accidents can happen.
- Leaving residents unattended-Residents should never be left unattended while in a Hoyer lift and doing so is irresponsible.
- Poor maintenance-Hoyer lifts require routine maintenance to ensure they remain safe and efficient. The sling and straps need to be inspected regularly for fraying and the lift itself should be tested for smooth and reliable movements.
Hoyer Lift Accident Injuries
When a resident is lifted in a Hoyer lift, they are suspended a few feet from the ground while being transferred. For elderly nursing home residents, a fall of just a few feet can be devastating. The types of injuries commonly seen due to Hoyer lift accidents include:
- Broken bones in the hips, arms, legs, and face;
- Head and traumatic brain injuries;
- Internal injuries;
- Death.
If your loved one was injured in a Hoyer lift accident while under the care of a nursing home, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and to determine what compensation they may be entitled to.
If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a long-term care facility, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. 844 See Mike, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.
