Nursing Home Abuse - Wheelchair Accidents

Nursing home accidents are all too common for residents of long-term care facilities, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In a Louisiana case, a nursing home resident filed suit against the nursing home because a wheelchair accident allegedly resulted in a woman’s leg being amputated and ultimately leading to her death. In that case, an attendant was pushing the wheelchair when the woman’s left foot was caught under one of the wheels. The lawsuit claimed that the resident was dragged underneath the chair which broke her left leg. Later the fracture was so severe that it led to an amputation above the knee. Because of the resident’s inability to be more active, she later developed bedsores, which was responsible for her untimely death.

Illinois wheelchair accidents occur because of inattention by attendants, improper foot rests, choosing not to train nursing home personnel on how to roll residents in a wheelchair or by allowing wheelchairs without footrests to be used.

Many of the injuries caused by individuals using wheelchairs at nursing home facilities are caused by falls from the wheelchair or by tipping over the wheelchair. Most of the injuries related to wheelchair accidents cause bone fractures, cuts, lacerations and contusions.

Wheelchair accidents and injuries affect the elderly the most. Wheelchair accidents can happen at medical institutions, rehabilitation facilities and for the most part, at many of Illinois’ nursing homes.

Needlessly, thousands of individuals are injured or even killed because of negligence related to wheelchair accidents. Most of the reported cases of wheelchair injuries are caused by a form of negligence on the part of a medical or nursing home employee. Nursing homes and medical facilities have a duty and responsibility to insure the safety of residents and patients who are confined to wheelchairs.

Causes of wheelchair accidents are most often in transferring a patient from a wheelchair or when a wheelchair is not locked in place by a nursing home staff person or a resident develops pressure sores from sitting too long in a wheelchair.

In every situation where a patient is being discharged from a hospital or nursing home, most facilities require the use of a wheelchair. Medical transportation companies are often responsible for taking the patient from a facility and transporting them to another. Many times nursing home residents are transferred by transportation companies in wheelchairs for medical examinations, an x-ray or an MRI. When the resident is placed on a van or other mobile transportation vehicle, a sudden stop or an unsteady ramp can lead to unnecessary injuries to nursing home residents and patients.

So many wheelchair injuries and accidents are preventable. Most important in preventing nursing home injuries are well-trained personnel. This includes transporting by wheelchair residents and patients. It is imperative that nursing home personnel are trained in the proper methods of transporting nursing home residents by wheelchair. The practice of training would include how to move a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, how to lock the wheelchair wheels so that they do not move on placing a person in the wheelchair and also how best not to allow for tipping or spilling of a patient from a wheelchair itself. All of these safety factors are recommended to prevent wheelchair injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured or has died as a result of nursing home abuse or related to a wheelchair accident, contact Kreisman Law Offices.

Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois wheelchair accident cases and nursing home abuse cases for more than 40 years. Kreisman Law Offices has prevailed in trials and settlements in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding communities and has successfully resolved cases for those injured or abused in nursing homes for these many years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling wheelchair accident cases and nursing home abuse cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients and have achieved unsurpassed results. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
“We were devastated when our 31 year-old son was killed by a negligent driver. Kreisman Law Offices did everything to help us through this very difficult time, including coming out to the house several times which was a comfort. My wife and I were extremely pleased with Mr. Kreisman’s compassion and care for this very tragic and troubling time.” C.B.
★★★★★
“Bob Kreisman did everything possible in handling the trial of this case. It was devastating that I traumatically lost my leg above the knee in this truck accident. However, it was not an easy case to win. His staff was so prepared for the trial that it was not surprising that the settlement offers continued to rise until we finally accepted the multi-million settlement while the jury was still deciding the case. My wife and I were delighted that we could secure our future with this settlement. We thank Mr. Kreisman and his incredible staff for working so hard for our benefit.” T.P.
★★★★★
“My mother died because doctors dropped the ball. I called Robert Kreisman and he immediately set up an appointment for my entire family. We met at his offices and I was very comfortable that he would do the best for my dad and my brothers. He spent hours with all of us in preparing for depositions and he hired top notch experts, all of which contributed to an incredible settlement before trial. I know that he is dedicated to his cases and particularly to the people he works for and the people who work with him. He continues to be generous in contributing annually to my mother’s memory and to make known to the public the signs and symptoms of brain tumors.” V.S.
★★★★★
“My dad was ignored and mistreated at the nursing home that we placed him in. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we made a big mistake, particularly after my dad developed these terrible bedsores. We transferred him as we were contacting Mr. Kreisman. He was referred to us by a lawyer we have known for a long time and respect his opinion. Mr. Kreisman and his staff worked tirelessly to resolve this case. We were fortunate to have his services and will recommend him to anyone.” T.J.
Submit a Law Firm Client Review