According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average nursing home reports between 100 and 200 falls each year. Falls can cause serious injury to elderly individuals, and sometimes falls can even be fatal for this vulnerable population. In additional to physical injuries, falls may also result in emotional or mental injury as well. Fall victims may face functional decline or a reduced quality of life due to increased fear, depression, feelings of isolation, or feelings of helplessness. While falling can be a sign of some type of health problem, it may also be a sign of abuse or neglect. Falls that occur due to the abuse or neglect of nursing home staff are revolting, and those responsible for an elderly fall victim's injuries should be held accountable for their abhorrent actions.

Because elderly individuals are more fragile and susceptible to injury, falls often result in fractures or broken bones. These fractures can sometimes cause significant health problems as they may require surgery, become infected, or fail to heal properly. An injury such as a fracture can severely compromise the health and quality of life of an elderly nursing home resident. When a fall resulting in a fracture occurs due to insufficient supervision or an improperly trained staff, the nursing home may be held accountable for the elderly individual's injuries. Both non-injurious and injurious falls should be reported to the proper nursing home staff. If families feel that nursing home staff are not adequately addressing their concerns, families may wish to consult with an attorney for legal assistance. The health and well-being of the family's elderly loved one may hang in the balance.

Nursing home residents have the right to live in a safe environment where their daily needs are met in a timely manner. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Nursing home residents may be forced to do things for themselves because nursing home staff is not available to assist them or refuses to assist them. When these elderly individuals attempt to take care of themselves, they may fall from their beds, chairs, or wheelchairs. In some cases, these individuals may lie injured on the floor for hours before being assisted by nursing home staff. Families that entrust the care of their loved one to a nursing home should not accept this kind of treatment. In these cases, a skilled attorney can be of invaluable assistance.