Wheelchair Accidents at a Nuring Home

Wheelchairs are commonly used by many residents of nursing homes, and while they are pieces of equipment that are meant to provide safety for those that no longer have reliable mobility, wheelchairs are also dangerous when not used correctly.

Nursing homes are tasked with providing safety and care for all of their residents. When nursing home staff is overworked, improperly trained, or neglectful, residents suffer injuries, some of which can be devastating.  

Common Causes of Wheelchair Accidents at a Nursing Home

Wheelchair accidents are often the result of poor supervision or poor training and can almost always be prevented. While a wheelchair may seem like a simple tool, just like any tool, it can be dangerous if not used properly.

Some of the common causes of wheelchair accidents at a nursing home include:

• Caught limbs-If a patient is improperly secured, it is possible for their limbs to become entangled under the wheelchair or in the wheels, causing the resident to be pulled from the wheelchair and thrown to the ground.
• Wheelchair is not properly secured-When a resident is traveling in a vehicle while in a wheelchair, the chair should be properly secured to prevent the wheelchair from moving and the resident from falling from the chair.
• Patient falls-Residents who are not given assistance while attempting to stand or sit from the wheelchair can suffer falls and fractures.
• Failure to use brakes-Wheelchair brakes should be in place any time a wheelchair is not moving. Wheelchairs can easily roll while on an incline or when a resident is attempting to move themselves to or from the chair.
• Striking an object-It is important that those pushing the wheelchair be aware of their surroundings. Striking objects can throw a resident from their wheelchair and limbs can be crushed in places like automatic doors if a staff member is not careful.
• Resident left unattended-A resident who is left unattended can injure themselves attempting to leave the wheelchair or move themselves, or if a resident is left unattended for long periods of time in one position they can begin to develop pressure sores.

Common Wheelchair Injuries

Wheelchair injuries can exacerbate preexisting conditions and may even prove to be fatal. The most common types of injuries seen are fractures, cuts, lacerations, and because of the weakened state of the resident, internal injuries are possible.

Other common wheelchair injuries include:

• Pressure sores because of inability to move for long periods of time;
• Amputations due to serious fractures or crushing;
• Traumatic brain injuries due to striking the head during a fall;
• Blunt trauma injuries due to the wheelchair striking another object;
• Complications that are compounded due to medications and preexisting conditions.

If your loved one suffered an injury due to a wheelchair accident while under the care of a nursing home, they may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, out-of-pocket costs, emotional pain, and other damages. Nursing homes rarely pay willingly, so it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to review your case.

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.