A major injury later in life can disrupt a family’s lives in an instant. For a moment, things seem manageable. You then have to schedule a hospital visit, medication times, insurance calls, and what comes next, all while trying to multitask.
They can be expensive and take a long time to heal for seniors. A car accident at the grocery store, an auto accident on the way to an appointment, or a lack of supervision in the nursing home can significantly impact a senior’s health, independence, and finances in a short time.
In Georgia, many families are struggling to keep a loved one safe from rising costs of health care and demands from insurance companies. In times such as these, if you know of a personal injury law firm that can help you, they should meet with you.
Why Injuries Affect Seniors Differently
Bigger age – longer healing. Bones may become weak, balance may become reduced and health problems may be rendered more complex.
Many of those who fall are required after the fall to have surgery or rehabilitation, or are not able to move. It’s a life-changing moment, particularly for the home’s elderly residents and those who rely on them.
Family members and friends report problems when caregivers don’t keep appointments, pay bills, or answer questions about long-term care.
Common Causes of Senior Injuries
While unsafe conditions, poor supervision, or negligence are sources of many accidents, an older adult can be harmed in many situations.
Nursing Home and Assisted Living Neglect
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are to provide safe, caring, and appropriate treatment. All of these injuries (falls, taking the wrong medicine, dehydration, and more) can be prevented. Another consideration for families is safety, since this can impact the quality of care their senior receives in a care facility.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Fall injuries are one of the most frequent injuries older people suffer from, and this can be due to common sources of hazards around them such as poorly lit areas, slippery floors, and loose rugs. The positive side of things is that many of these accidents can be avoided. Simple measures that can be taken to reduce the risk and make the home of a loved one a safer and more comfortable place to live.
Car Accidents
Older persons are also more susceptible to car accidents. At older ages, the body’s ability to absorb physical trauma is diminished, and injuries are possible even at lower-speed collisions. Recovery can be surgical, physical therapy, or a prolonged rehabilitation period. Such expenses can be burdensome, particularly for those living on a fixed income in retirement.
The Financial Stress Families Often Face
Following a health issue or injury, most families pay the most attention to the initial medical treatment. However, the future financial impact of a serious injury can be significant, and financial details often become clearer only after the fact.
Very soon, emergency treatment, rehab, prescription requirements, mobility devices, and transportation to follow-up appointments can be overwhelming, particularly for retired people on a fixed income. Family members may also need to take time off or work less to help the family member recover.
Older adults fall at a cost of millions of dollars each year in the emergency departments, and many fall and sustain injuries requiring hospitalization, rehabilitation, or post-acute long-term care.
Often, insurance companies make it tougher. Some families receive settlements and don’t realize the cost of ongoing care, while others are held up because medical bills keep arriving in the mail.
How Legal Support Can Help
Many families hesitate to contact an attorney because they worry the process will feel stressful or aggressive. In reality, legal guidance often helps reduce confusion during an already difficult time.
An experienced attorney may help by:
- Investigating how the injury happened
- Gathering medical records and evidence
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Calculating long-term financial losses
- Pursuing compensation for medical care and recovery costs
In certain cases, legal action also reveals patterns of negligence that could affect other seniors.
After a Senior Injury, What Families Should Do
It’s a time of confusion that can last for hours after a serious injury. Families are concerned with the doctor, medications, and discharge, staying calm for someone who may feel scared or confused.
Records should be kept covering the accident itself, which includes bills, treatment plans, photographs, and communications with insurance companies or facility staff. Medical care must be considered first.
Having a dependable source of advice during this time can help make an already stressful situation a bit easier for many families. It can also help the caregiver feel more confident in decision-making and in discussing key issues related to the loved one’s care and recovery.
