In Michigan, nursing home neglect is a common reason that hip fractures happen. The staff fails to provide an adequate duty to their patients and does not maintain the facility as expected. Under these conditions, the senior is more likely to fall and fracture their hip. A Personal Injury Attorney in Kent County provides legal assistance after these events occur.
What are the Types of Hip Fractures?
There are three types of hip fractures. The intertrochanteric fracture is located about four inches from the hip joint. This fracture doesn’t restrict blood flow through the femur. Next, an upper femoral fracture exists around the top of the socket. It prevents circulation of blood and often damages the vessels. Finally, the intracapsular hip fracture exists around the entire ball and socket. It also presents more complex injuries for the victim.
What are the Symptoms Associated with Hip Fractures?
Obvious signs of a hip fracture include a shortening of the affected leg and pain when weight is applied to the leg. An inability to walk, inflammation, pain around the hip, and bruising are also common symptoms.
What are the Complications Associated with a Hip Fracture?
Complications that occur as a result of a hip fracture are blood clots and bedsores. The victim may develop pneumonia and urinary tract infections due to immobility and a suppressed immune system. Hip fractures that are mismanaged lead to secondary infections and sepsis.
These conditions lead to death if a high standard of care isn’t provided quickly. Surgery is often needed to correct the fracture. Extensive physical therapy is a part of the recovery process.
What Circumstances Lead to Hip Fractures?
The most common causes of hip fractures are slip and fall accidents, the effects of osteoporosis, and malnutrition. In a nursing home, elderly individuals are most likely to sustain these injuries than any other condition. These events are due to nursing home neglect and a failure to provide a safe environment for at-risk patients.
In Michigan, nursing home neglect is a heinous crime and must be punished. These conditions present a higher risk for seniors and increase the frequency in which they sustain breaks. These breaks lead to complications that can become life-threatening. Victims of these injuries hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Kent County by contacting Bleakley Law Offices P C today.