Hip fractures are a frequent result of falls in nursing homes.   In fact, an elderly person living in a nursing home is more likely to sustain a hip fracture while at the facility than they would living independently.  Most hip fractures require surgery.  The type of surgery required depends on where the break is and how bad it is. Your doctor may put metal screws, a metal plate, or a rod in your hip to fix the break. Or you may need to have all or part of your hip replaced.

The outcome for nursing home residents who sustain a hip fracture are disappointing:

• 17% to 33% mortality rate for the year following the fall
• 25% to 33% of residents are unable to walk following surgery and physical therapy
• Up to 15% of hip fracture patients suffer from pressure sores

Nursing homes must take the risk of falls and hip fractures seriously.  The best prevention of a hip fracture is for a nursing home to identify residents who may be at risk of falling and to have adequate staff in the facility to provide assistance to residents. 

If you or a loved one has suffered a fall in a nursing home and sustained a hip fracture, the facility is responsible for damages from the initial fall, all subsequent medical care and decay in physical conditions.