When you think of filing a claim against a nursing home, you’re probably thinking of medical malpractice or negligence. You may also run into another problem, though, which could instead involve premises liability.
Imagine if you’re coming to visit your loved one at the nursing home. You notice that the sidewalks haven’t been taken care of, and they’re breaking down. There’s slick spots because of gravel, and the ground is falling away from the main path. That’s a hazard for anyone in good health, let alone those who may not be as mobile as they were in their youth.
Slip-and-fall injuries can be fatal in nursing homes. Even if they aren’t, they could leave residents with serious injuries. Families members could also get hurt and suffer the consequences of a fall.
Proving negligence is only possible if you can show that there was a hazard and that the facility did nothing about it to prevent injuries. For instance, if you come to the facility on Monday, report a dangerous portion of gravel and come back a few days later to find it still there, any slip-or-fall accident you have should be the direct responsibility of the facility. You warned them; they should have been aware of the hazard, yet they chose to do nothing.
Accidents don’t have to happen if facilities take their roles in safety seriously. If you’re hurt because the facility didn’t take the time to make repairs or to clean up slick areas, it may be your right to obtain compensation through a premises liability claim. Our site has more on this important issue.