Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the elderly are a growing concern in Iowa. As the population ages, more seniors are suffering falls that result in lifelong disabilities. If you have an elderly loved one who suffered a debilitating head injury from a slip, trip, or fall, you may have legal options.
Causes of Elderly Falls Resulting in TBI
Seniors are prone to falls for many reasons. Age-related vision loss, poor balance and mobility, and cognitive decline all increase fall risks. Environmental hazards like clutter, loose rugs, poor lighting, and lack of grab bars also endanger the elderly. In Iowa, winter weather like snow and ice poses tripping hazards.
Common elderly fall scenarios resulting in TBI include:
- Tripping on objects and falling to the ground
- Slipping on wet floors or icy sidewalks
- Falling off ladders or step stools
- Losing balance and falling down stairs
Even a mild bump on the head can cause brain bleeding and swelling in seniors. This disruption in brain function may appear as confusion, personality changes, loss of consciousness, nausea/vomiting, headaches, and other concussion symptoms. Seemingly minor falls can have catastrophic consequences.
Iowa Nursing Home Negligence
Nursing homes have a duty to protect elderly and disabled residents from foreseeable falls and injuries. If staff members fail to provide adequate supervision and assistance, they may be liable for negligence.
Examples of Iowa nursing home negligence related to falls include:
- Not using gait belts when assisting residents to walk
- Allowing cluttered hallways with tripping hazards
- Failing to use bed and chair exit alarms to alert staff
- Not answering call bells in a timely manner
- Understaffing leading to lack of assistance
Facility defects like uneven floors, lack of handrails, poor lighting, and more can also cause falls. Nursing homes must provide safe premises for their vulnerable residents.
Other Premises Liability Cases
Property owners have a responsibility to protect people from hazardous conditions on their land. If they fail to do so, victims can sue for premises liability.
Besides nursing homes, other examples of Iowa premises liability for elderly falls include:
- Unsafe stairs in public buildings
- Cracked and uneven sidewalks
- Poor lighting in parking garages
- Lack of salt/snow removal resulting in slick surfaces
- Unmarked changes in flooring levels or terrain
Even minor tripping hazards can cause catastrophic brain injuries. Property owners must eliminate dangers or adequately warn people of risks.
Damages Available in Iowa TBI Lawsuits
The impacts of traumatic brain injury are devastating. Seniors with severe TBI often face:
- Permanent disability
- Loss of independence
- Long term rehabilitation
- Round-the-clock care needs
- Personality changes
- Increased risk of dementia
- Shortened life expectancy
Families experience emotional distress and financial burdens from TBI care costs. However, monetary damages in Iowa may help the injured person:
- Pay medical bills (past and future)
- Cover in-home care and assistance
- Pay for mobility equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
- Cover lost wages if the senior was still working
- Pay for specialized therapies and rehabilitation
- Compensate for pain and suffering
- And more
Punitive damages may also apply if negligence was particularly egregious. An experienced attorney can pursue maximum compensation.
Get a Free Case Review Today
If your elderly loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury from a slip, trip, or fall in Iowa, contact Monge & Associates for a free consultation by calling (888) 477-0597. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska, our dedicated legal team has helped numerous TBI victims recover damages across the country. Let us review your case at no cost or obligation. Our goal is obtaining justice and compensation so you can focus on recovery and healing.