Virginia Nursing Home Wheelchair Accidents Lawyer
Many mobility-impaired seniors in nursing homes depend on wheelchairs to move around. When used safely, wheelchairs can be a valuable device, but when they are used improperly or in an unsafe environment, they can cause severe harm to their passengers. Wheelchair injuries are more common than many people think, and often, they the result of improper use and are preventable.
Since wheelchair use is so widespread in nursing homes, attendants and other staff members should know how to use them without hurting patients. Unfortunately, inexperienced, inattentive, and impatient staff members rarely take the time to do this.
If you or your loved one sustained a wheelchair injury while in the care of a nursing home, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. With the help of a Virginia nursing home wheelchair accidents lawyer, you may be able to hold the responsible party liable in court.
What Causes Wheelchair Accidents?
Wheelchair safety should be a top priority for nursing homes, especially since so many of their patients depend on them. Unfortunately, safety is not always a priority for nursing homes, and some homes create an environment in which wheelchair accidents are extremely likely to occur.
Injuries are often caused by tip overs, unlocked breaks, overreaching, and falls, but they can also occur when a patient tries to transfer themselves without assistance or use a chair that is a poor fit.
Nursing homes should be sure their patients only use chairs that fit them. If a patient attempts to use a chair that is not deep enough, the chair can flip over when they attempt to stand up or lean forward. Patients should also be carefully monitored when getting in and out of wheelchairs, especially if they are prone to dizziness or falling.
Pressure Sores
Of course, the majority of wheelchair accidents occur when the user is involved, but sometimes, serious injury can occur when a person is left in a wheelchair too long. Elderly patients, can develop pressure sores from sitting in a wheelchair for an extended period of time, and over time, these sores can cause a significant amount of pain and other medical complications.
Pressure sores are preventable, but caretakers can prevent them from occurring by taking the following steps:
- Only allow patients to sit in wheelchairs for a specified period of time.
- Occasionally move patients to reduce pressure on one part of the body.
- Ensure wheelchairs are properly padded and patients are properly positioned.
- Check patients for pressure sores on a regular basis.
Keeping the skin of wheelchair users dry and clean can also reduce the occurrence of pressure sores.
Establishing Liability After an Accident
Nursing home staff members and administrators are responsible for ensuring patients are not injured in wheelchairs. Administrators should properly educate nursing home workers about wheelchair safety and ensure they adhere to all safety rules and regulations. Furthermore, they should only employ trained professionals who are willing to follow these rules and regulations.
If the carelessness of a nursing home results in injury to a patient, the patient should consider talking to a Virginia nursing home wheelchair accident lawyer.
Call a Virginia Nursing Home Wheelchair Accidents Attorney Today
Nursing homes usually have large numbers of patients who rely on wheelchairs, and they should train and supervise their staff accordingly. Wheelchair safety is always important, and no patient should be injured by a device meant to help them move about safely.
If you believe a nursing home is responsible for your wheelchair accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Call a Virginia nursing home wheelchair accidents lawyer today.
