Head & Brain Injuries in Nursing Homes in Missouri & Kansas
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are very common in older adults. About 80,000 seniors age 65 and older are treated each year in emergency rooms for head and brain injuries. Seniors 75 years of age and older have the highest rate of TBI-related deaths and hospitalizations. Unfortunately, some residents of nursing homes are victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, which can increase the risk of a TBI or other head injury.
If you or a loved one have sustained a head or brain injury in a nursing home in Missouri or Kansas, our Kansas City nursing home abuse attorney is ready to answer your questions and offer supportive guidance. Our law firm offers free, no obligation consultations, just call us at 816-203-0143.
Types of Brain Injuries Occurring in Nursing Homes in Missouri & Kansas
Falls, abuse, and neglect can increase the risk of nursing home brain injuries. The result can be hospitalizations, surgery, and death. In some cases, the head or brain injury is not reported when it is the result of neglect or nursing home abuse.
Common types of brain injuries suffered by nursing home residents include:
- Concussions or MTBI (a mild form of traumatic brain injury)
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- Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
- Fractured skulls
- Coup Contusions (bruised brain tissue directly under the impact site)
- Contrecoup Contusions (bruised brain tissue on the opposite side of the brain from the impact)
- Hematomas (pooled blood in the brain)v
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (damage to the brain's white matter)
Mild concussions can heal with rest and time. However, because a nursing home resident could have other health conditions, it is always best to have the person checked by a physician after any injury involving the head or brain.
Symptoms of Brain & Head Injuries
The symptoms of a brain injury depend on the type of brain injury and the severity of the brain injury. In most cases, brain injury symptoms involve impairment of the senses, physical function, and cognitive function.
Common symptoms of brain injuries include:
- Disorientation and confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness or trouble with balance
- Blurry or double vision
- Headaches, neck, and shoulder pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Vomiting and nausea
- Problems with speaking
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Problems eating or changing in eating habits
- Changes in cognitive functions
- Mood swings and depression
- Numbness and weakness
- Slurred speech
- Seizures or convulsions
- Any unusual or unexplained behavior
Seniors with impairments or problems with cognitive functions may not be able to explain their symptoms clearly. In addition to watching for symptoms of brain injuries, it is also a good idea to understand and watch for symptoms of nursing home abuse and elder neglect.
Preventing Nursing Home Head & Brain Injuries
Monitoring patients adequately is one of the best ways to prevent brain injuries from falls in nursing homes. When patients are not supervised, they can fall. Falls are a common cause of head injuries for elderly individuals.
Ways to prevent falls in nursing homes include:
- Installing non-slip mats and handrails
- Supervising patients as they get into and out of bed, use the restroom, and shower
- Keeping clutter and debris out of halls and walkways
- Immediately clean spills from floors
- Ensure patients wear non-slip socks or shoes
- Using chairs that have padded armrests
- Installing grab bars in all showers and bathrooms
Nursing home facilities need to provide adequate training for their staff members on fall prevention methods. Administrators should also monitor staff members and conduct random inspections to spot signs of neglect or abuse of patients and residents.
Holding a Nursing Home Accountable for Brain & Head Injuries
If you suspect that a nursing home's misconduct or wrongdoing was the cause of your loved one's brain injury, take action to protect your loved one immediately. Seek medical attention for your loved one and find a safe place for your loved one to stay. If you believe a patient is in immediate danger, contact local authorities or adult protective services.
Once your loved one has the medical care he or she needs and is safe, contact a Kansas City nursing home abuse lawyer. A lawyer investigates the circumstances surrendering your loved one's injury to determine if the nursing home or specific individuals could be responsible for the injury.
Contact a Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorney
At The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus, we have experience handling both brain injury claims and nursing home abuse claims. Our lawyers understand the legal requirements necessary to prove fault and liability.
We also understand the sensitive nature of these claims. Emotions can take control as family members seek to hold the parties responsible for their loved one's injury accountable for their actions. We are here to help you seek justice for your family member.
Call 816-203-0143 for a free consultation with a Kansas City nursing home attorney. We represent clients in Missouri and Kansas.
