Dealing with Concussions in a Nursing Home Facility (2)

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, people aged 65 years and above are always prone to falls.  It becomes a serious concern for those taken to nursing home facilities for care.

 If you took your loved one to a nursing home facility, but they suffered from concussions from whichever cause, it is possible to file a compensation claim.

This article defines the common cause of concussions in nursing homes and how to obtain justice.

Common Causes of Concussions

The brain is protected from jolts and injuries by the cerebral fluid. Violent bumps and jolts can result in ruptured blood vessels and nerve fibers located below the skull, which may cause building up of blood and blood clots.  Any concussion resulting from negligence should be compensated for.

According to research, elders living in nursing homes are likely to experience fall-related concussions. The sad truth is that the very nursing homes we trust with our loved ones and seniors who need specialized care are the same institutions that physically, mentally, and even verbally abuse patients. The best part is that in case of injuries, one can consult attorneys and law firms in Wasilla, AK, to get legal help.

Before filling your claim, it’s vital to understand which signs to look for. Symptoms of concussions do not manifest immediately; they usually take roughly 2 to 3 days to start showing. Physical signs of concussive brain injuries include:

  • Headaches and migraines.
  • Being drowsy.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Fatigue.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Losing consciousness.
  • Being forgetful. 

 Other signs of concussive injuries include:

  • Dizziness.
  • Mild to moderate confusion.
  • Forgetting the traumatic episode (Amnesia).

Some of the above-listed signs present themselves in the short term, but others can affect patients for many days. Long term effects include:

  • Memory lapse.
  • Short concentration span.
  • Irritability and mood swings.
  • Being sensitive to light or noise.
  • Depression.
  • Lack of sleep.

If your loved one has manifested the above symptoms, you should take them for a medical checkup.

 Getting Medical Help For The Concussion

Most people exhibit symptoms that send conflicting signals and cannot be relied on to diagnose appropriately. It’s vital to get the correct diagnosis as this can greatly assist when filing a claim for compensation.

 A good lawyer can advise on the best doctor who can offer the right medication and also ensure to prepare well organized medical records for your claim.

As stated earlier, seniors are more prone to fall-related concussions due to their fragility. In most cases, concussion signs for the elderly go unnoticed since most are similar to the symptoms of diseases that come with old age, such as Dementia. 

Research done by JAMA Neurology showed that concussions in seniors increased the chances of developing Dementia. The survey involved 160,000 patients suffering from various traumas, including head trauma.

How to Deal with Concussions in Nursing Homes

Nursing facilities are meant to offer safe and friendly environments to the sick, considering the professional attention they’re supposed to be getting. Unfortunately, most caregivers in nursing homes take a “let’s wait and see what happens” stance when an elder falls or is injured.

 They take their time to avoid filling out the long and detailed injury forms/ reports, which may cause irreversible health challenges such as permanent damage to the brain.  Again, this can still be attributed to negligence and can form part of your claim.

When the life of a loved one is messed up by the people you trust most (caregivers), particularly in nursing facilities, most people are ignorant of what to do, and they’re left at a loss. 

Fortunately, where negligence is involved, you can get personal injury representation. And in case of the death of your loved one, you can file a wrongful death claim. Personal injury petitions are naturally complicated, and need the expertise of a competent personal injury lawyer.

According to Alaskan law, any nursing facility staff whose negligence exposes patients to unnecessary injuries should be personally held liable. After discovering negligence that resulted in a patient’s injury, you should ensure the incident is reported within 24 hours. You can seek legal help from a lawyer who specializes in negligence and abuse in nursing homes.

 Talk To An Experienced Lawyer

If you discover any instances of abuse or neglect that lead to the injury of your loved one, make a point of talking to an experienced personal injury lawyer. No elderly should suffer on the hands of the most trusted personnel.

Your case will be based on negligence; it’s the only way to ensure you get compensated.

Note that it’s hard to stand up against a nursing home facility. But if you have some legal representation, you will be good to go.

 To understand the details of your case, your lawyer can schedule a free consultation to ensure your loved one gets justice.