Even when precautions are taken, other seemingly harmless actions can result in serious transfer injuries when helping residents and patients in and out of bathtubs and showers. As with many nursing home injuries, whether or not you have a case depends on the circumstances of the injury and accident.
One of the most common scenarios where transfer injuries occur is when nursing home residents are getting into and out of the shower. It is necessary for nursing homes to develop and implement policies that allow for the safe transfer of residents into and out of the shower. Staff need to be adequately trained to use proper transferring technique. Often times a resident’s individualized care plan will require the use of two staff members for all transfers. Any nursing home that only uses one staff member when two are required would be responsible for a shower transfer injury.
Shower transfer Injuries include
- Hip fractures
- Pelvis fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Nasal fracture
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury, including subdural hematoma.
How Injuries Can Occur
Even when precautions are taken, other seemingly harmless actions can result in serious transfer injuries. For instance, if a staff member attempts to help a patient out of a shower chair by pulling their arm, a dislocation or other related injury can occur.
Even something as simple as pushing on a patient’s back to try and provide them support to sit up can result in a serious injury.
Nursing home staff must be aware of the individual needs of each patient, and failing to take those needs into account may make them liable for subsequent injury.
Who Is Liable for a Transfer Injury?
As with many nursing home injuries, the answer to that question depends on the circumstances of the injury and accident. Not all injuries sustained during the transfer process will make the facility or staff liable for those injuries. However, a thorough investigation of the transfer incident that led to an injury as well as the facility’s protocol for transferring patients can help determine whether or not they are liable for the injuries.
Massachusetts Nursing Home Drop, Transfer and Shower Accident Attorneys
If you believe your loved one suffered an injury as a result of negligence or carelessness by a nursing home staff member, medical professional, or caregiver, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your loved one. To find out, contact our experienced nursing home neglect lawyers today for a free consultation.
