Falls in Nursing Homes Can You Sue a Nursing Home for a Fall? Reviewed by Julie Rivers, MBA, CSA Eldercare Advocate & Certified Senior Advisor Home / Nursing Home Injuries / Falls in Nursing Homes Quick Answer Over half of nursing home residents fall each year. Some falls cause serious injury or death, and many are never properly reported. When falls in long-term care facilities are repeated or could have been prevented, the facility may be to blame, and you may have legal rights. Get a free case review right now to find out your options. Get a Free Case Review How Common Are Falls in Nursing Homes? Falls in nursing homes are extremely common and dangerous, with around 50% to 75% of nursing home residents falling annually. Tragically, nursing home falls cause roughly 1,800 deaths per year. Residents are typically older, frail, and dealing with chronic health issues that increase their risk of falling compared to those living independently. They may have memory problems, difficulty conducting daily activities, and trouble getting around. However, even with this increased risk, most falls are preventable, and in these instances, falls in nursing homes could be a sign of neglect. What to Do When a Resident Falls in a Nursing HomeAfter a fall, get immediate medical care and document everything. Falls may indicate negligence. If the facility failed to prevent it, you may be able to take legal action. The Nursing Home Abuse Center partners with a network of experienced attorneys. Our legal partners have secured over $318 million for incidents of abuse and neglect in facilities across the country, including nursing home injuries due to falls. Get a free case review right now if nursing home falls caused harm to you or a loved one. You could be eligible for compensation. Get a Free Case Review by Fight back against nursing home abuse and neglect — start now with a free case review. Start My Free Case Reviewor call (855) 264-6310 Falls in Nursing Homes Statistics Here are key findings from a 2025 U.S. Office of Inspector General (OIG) report: 43% of serious nursing home falls were not reported, even when they caused major injury and hospitalization. Nearly half of falls with major injuries never appeared in official nursing home records used to rate facility quality. Medicare’s Care Compare ratings rely on these reports, meaning families may be reviewing incomplete or inaccurate safety data. Nursing homes with the lowest reported fall rates were often the least likely to report serious falls, suggesting underreporting rather than safer care. For-profit, chain-owned, and large nursing homes (160+ beds) most often failed to report serious falls. Only about 3.4% of long-stay residents were reported as having a major fall injury, but federal investigators say the real number is likely higher. Short-stay residents experienced serious falls nearly 4 times as often as long-stay residents. 98% of residents who suffered a serious fall had one or more known fall risk factors identified beforehand. Many serious falls involved injuries such as head injuries, internal bleeding, spinal injuries, or fractures, not just minor bruises. Underreporting varied widely by state and was more common in non-rural and urban facilities. Can You Sue a Nursing Home For a Fall? Yes, you can sue if a nursing home’s negligence contributed to a fall. Nursing homes are responsible for providing a safe environment. When they fail to do so — whether through lack of supervision, unsafe conditions, or ignoring safety protocols — it may make them liable for fall-related injuries or death. Lawsuits for falls in nursing homes allow families to seek compensation for medical costs. This money can also be used to relocate your loved one to a safer facility. Here are 3 key legal considerations for suing for nursing home falls: Negligence: If staff fail to supervise residents or address hazards like cluttered hallways or broken equipment, the facility may be liable for falls. Lack of supervision: A fall may indicate negligence if residents weren’t properly monitored or assisted when needed. Failure to follow safety protocols: Procedures for fall prevention in nursing homes are required. Facilities must maintain proper staffing, supervision, and safety measures. Failure to meet these standards can result in preventable falls and serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or death. If negligence played a role, you may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses or other costs. Nursing home lawsuits also hold facilities accountable and push them to improve safety for others. Find out if you can sue a nursing home for a fall with a free, no-obligation case review. Get a Free Case Review by Fight back against nursing home abuse and neglect — start now with a free case review. Start My Free Case Reviewor call (855) 264-6310 What Legal Options Exist for Families After Repeated Falls in Nursing Homes? Nursing home falls can cause irreversible damage to a resident’s health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Families put their trust in nursing homes to protect their loved ones from harm. Filing a nursing home lawsuit may be the only way to get justice when facilities fail to keep residents safe. A successful lawsuit can result in the money you need to help your loved one recover. “In cases of severe neglect or wrongful death, compensation can reach hundreds of thousands or even more than a million dollars, but there’s never a guarantee.” – Ricky LeBlanc, nursing home attorney Compensation from lawsuits for falls in nursing homes can help pay for: Costs of relocating Everyday living expenses Funeral costs Medical bills Ongoing expenses Physical therapy Additionally, legal options for families after repeated falls in nursing homes often force facilities to make changes so residents are not harmed in the future. Consulting with an experienced nursing home lawyer can help you determine your legal options and pursue justice for your loved one. Take the first steps right now. Worried About Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?When you're ready to act, here’s what to expect:1. Spot Red Flags Before It’s Too Late Look for bedsores, confusion, weight loss, fear, or silence. 2. Reach Out to Our Team, Day or Night Speak with a trained advocate who listens and understands. 3. Our Legal Partners File Your Lawsuit We handle the paperwork and figure out who’s responsible. 4. You Get Help — and Money If We Win Receive financial compensation and get justice. Start My Free Case Review Injuries From Nursing Home Falls Falls in nursing homes often lead to severe injuries, particularly for frail residents who are at higher risk of harm. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a resident’s health, mobility, and overall quality of life. Common injuries from falls in nursing homes include: Broken bones and fractures: Fragile bones are more prone to fractures, especially in areas like the hips, wrists, and arms. Concussions and head trauma: Head injuries are especially concerning, as many older adults are on blood thinners, increasing the risk of dangerous bleeding. Spinal injuries: Damage to the spine can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis. In some cases, falls can cause permanent disability, making it difficult or impossible for residents to regain their independence. Falls that result in head injuries are particularly dangerous and can be fatal if not properly treated. If nursing home falls were preventable, families may have legal rights to pursue compensation. Nursing homes have a responsibility to protect their residents. If you or a loved one was harmed after preventable or repeated nursing home falls, the Nursing Home Abuse Center may be able to help. Contact us for a free consultation to see if we can assist your family in pursuing justice. Death After Fall In Nursing Home Falls in nursing homes can be fatal, particularly for older residents who are frail or have underlying health conditions. 5% of adults age 65 and older reside in nursing homes, but 20% of deaths from falls occur among nursing home residents. Can You Sue a Nursing Home for a Fall That Causes Death?Yes, families may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the nursing home. For example, a jury awarded a California family $20.5 million on behalf of an 84-year-old who died after suffering multiple falls in assisted living. Death after a fall in a nursing home typically arises from: Failure to address known fall risks, like cognitive impairment Improper use of assistive devices or equipment Inadequate staffing or supervision Unsafe conditions like slippery floors or cluttered hallways If your loved one passed away due to a preventable fall, time is critical. Evidence can be lost, and deadlines for filing claims can be as short as 1 year. Consulting with an experienced nursing home neglect attorney can help ensure that you take the necessary steps to hold the facility accountable and seek the compensation your family deserves. Don’t wait to take action if your loved one died after a fall in a nursing home. Our legal partners may be able to help you understand your rights and options. Call the Nursing Home Abuse Center now at (855) 264-6310 or Click to Live Chat. How Lawyers Prove Negligence After a Nursing Home Fall Nursing home lawyers start by reviewing medical records, care plans, incident reports, and staffing logs to see if fall risks were identified and properly addressed. Repeated falls, missed care plan updates, or delayed medical treatment often raise red flags. One of the best strategies for proving repeated falls due to nursing home neglect is showing a pattern: prior falls, documented fall risk, and no meaningful changes in supervision, staffing, or safety measures. Facilities are required to reassess and intervene after a fall. When they do not, that failure matters. “We can help guide you on how to protect your loved one, preserve evidence, and take the right legal steps without giving the facility a chance to cover up what happened.” – Ricky LeBlanc, nursing home attorney Attorneys also rely on expert testimony. Knowing how to get medical experts for nursing home fall injury cases is critical. Medical experts can explain how proper care, supervision, or equipment could have prevented it and connect the facility’s failures directly to the nursing home fall injury. Nursing home fall cases are complex, especially for an unwitnessed fall in a nursing home. Outcomes often depend on the quality and experience of the attorney involved. Download our free checklist to help you choose the best nursing home lawyer for your family. Free Nursing Home Abuse Attorney ChecklistDownload our free checklist for the questions that matter most when choosing a nursing home lawyer.Get Your Free Checklist Now What Causes Falls in Nursing Homes? Falls in nursing homes are often due to the health conditions of frail residents. However, environmental factors can also lead to avoidable nursing home falls. Did You Know? 72% of nursing home falls with injury involve walkers or wheelchairs Muscle weakness and gait problems cause about 24% of nursing home falls 50% of residents who experienced falls with injury have a form of dementia 81% of falls with injury occur in a resident’s own room Get Help Now Health Issues and Nursing Home Falls Many nursing home residents have underlying health issues that increase their risk of falling. Understanding these conditions can help prevent dangerous accidents and improve resident safety. Medical conditions that may cause nursing home falls include: Alzheimer’s and other dementias Balance disorders and coordination challenges Behavioral symptoms, like wandering Being underweight or overweight Epilepsy or other seizure disorders Having an active hip fracture History of falls Huntington’s disease Incontinence that requires frequent, urgent movement Lower body weakness Medications like antidepressants, tranquilizers, or sedatives Using a walker, cane, or crutch Wearing corrective lenses Addressing these health concerns and implementing proper fall prevention strategies can significantly reduce the risk of falls in nursing homes, helping to protect vulnerable residents. Environmental Factors of Falls in Nursing Homes In addition to medical issues contributing to nursing home falls, other causes include hazards that could have been avoided. Hazards that may cause nursing home falls include: Beds that are set too high Cluttered living spaces Hard-to-manage clothing Inaccessible personal items Ineffective wheelchair brakes Missing equipment parts Poor lighting Uneven floors Unstable wheels on furniture Wet floors Nursing home falls may also be caused by difficulty getting from one place to another, such as walking from a chair to a bed, poorly fitting shoes, or poor foot care. Regardless of the reason, falls in nursing homes should be prevented whenever possible. If you or a loved one was harmed, connect with us right now. Victims of nursing home neglect can take legal action.Call our team at (855) 264-6310 or Click to Live Chat. How to Prevent Falls in Nursing Homes Families should expect nursing homes to have effective fall prevention measures in place. Nursing home staff must be trained to recognize fall risk factors and take the necessary steps to protect residents. This includes knowing the common causes of falls in nursing home residents. If your loved one is at high risk for falls, it’s essential to ensure that staff members take proactive measures to keep them safe. You can request these safety measures to help prevent falls in nursing homes: Bedside commodes or adult diapers Elevated toilet seats Floor cushions to absorb shock Grab bars Low-profile beds Mobility aids, like wheelchairs, canes, or walkers Monitors, bed alarms, or personal alarms Nightlights Ultimately, the facility is responsible for implementing fall prevention strategies. If they fail to take these precautions and a preventable fall occurs, families may have legal grounds to seek compensation. Get Legal Help for Falls in Nursing Homes Compensation from a nursing home lawsuit can provide families with the financial support they need to recover from the physical and emotional trauma caused by preventable falls. Attorneys at top law firms are skilled at handling all of the legal work, so you won’t have extra stress. Our experienced legal partners can help families in all 50 states. They have recovered over $318 million for families, including payouts for falls in nursing homes. Call the Nursing Home Abuse Center at (855) 264-6310 right now or get a free case review to see if we can help your family. Falls in Nursing Homes FAQsWhat do you do when a resident falls in a nursing home?When a resident falls, the nursing home should provide immediate medical care, assess for injuries, and document the incident. For families, key steps include: Make sure your loved one is medically evaluated. Ask for a written incident report and details about where, when, and how the fall occurred. Document injuries, changes in condition, or signs of pain. Pay close attention if the fall was unwitnessed, repeated, or involved delayed care. If the fall could have been prevented or happened more than once, it may raise concerns about supervision, staffing, or safety. In those cases, you may want to speak with a lawyer to understand your legal options. Get a free case review to take the first steps. What should I do if a loved one dies after a fall in a nursing home?If a loved one dies after a fall in a nursing home, start by getting their medical records and the facility’s report on the fall. Gather any evidence, like details about staffing or safety measures in place at the time. A skilled nursing home attorney can collect this information for you. You may be able to file a wrongful death claim if the fall was preventable or due to neglect. This can include issues like poor supervision or failure to follow safety protocols. Since there are deadlines to file, it’s important to reach out to a lawyer quickly. Call the Nursing Home Abuse Center at (855) 264-6310 right now or get a free case review to see if we can help. Are nursing homes liable for falls?Yes. Nursing homes may be liable for falls when injuries occur because staff failed to provide proper supervision, address known fall risks, or maintain a safe environment. Repeated or unwitnessed falls often raise concerns about neglect and may give families legal options. How can I investigate nursing home falls?To investigate a nursing home fall, request an incident report and speak with staff to understand what happened. Review any medical records and facility safety protocols. You may also want to consult with a legal professional to determine if negligence was involved. If you or a loved one has been injured due to falls in nursing homes, we may be able to help. Call the Nursing Home Abuse Center right now at (855) 264-6310. Who regulates nursing home falls prevention?Falls prevention in nursing homes is regulated by both state and federal agencies, primarily through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state health departments, which monitor compliance with safety standards. What is the federal regulation on nursing home falls?Federal regulations, such as those found in 42 CFR Part 483, require nursing homes to provide a safe environment free from hazards and to ensure that residents receive adequate supervision to prevent accidents, including falls. Can you sue a nursing home for a fall?Yes. You may be able to sue a nursing home for a fall if the injury was caused by negligence, such as inadequate supervision, unsafe conditions, or failure to address known fall risks. When a fall is preventable or happens more than once, families may have legal options to pursue compensation for injuries or wrongful death. When do most falls occur in nursing homes? Falls often happen when getting out of bed or getting up from a chair Falls with injury most often occur during mealtimes and the afternoon/evening About 35% of fall injuries occur in residents who cannot walk on their own What should I do after an unwitnessed fall in a nursing home?If your loved one has experienced an unwitnessed fall in a nursing home, get them immediate medical attention, as some injuries may not be visible right away. Ask the staff how and when the fall was discovered, and document everything by taking photos of the area where the fall occurred and any injuries. Consult with a lawyer experienced in nursing home negligence to determine if inadequate supervision or hazards played a role. You may be entitled to take legal action if the facility failed to prevent the fall. An unwitnessed fall may suggest a lack of proper supervision, so it’s crucial to advocate for your loved one’s safety. What is the standard nursing home falls protocol?Standard falls protocol requires staff to assess injuries immediately, provide medical care, notify the family and physician, document the incident, and update the resident’s care plan. Failure to follow these steps — especially after repeated falls — may indicate negligence. Nursing Home Abuse Support TeamLast modified: January 16, 2026Reviewed by:Julie Rivers, MBA, CSAEldercare Advocate & Certified Senior AdvisorFact-CheckedEditorJulie Rivers is an eldercare advocate with over 25 years of experience focused on nursing home resident safety. She began as a case manager at a nursing home law firm, working with families in crisis. She is a Certified Senior Advisor and also cared for her mother through Alzheimer’s. Her business training deepens her understanding of how for-profit facilities operate. Written by:The Nursing Home Abuse Center TeamThe Nursing Home Abuse Center (NHAC) was founded to bring justice to those affected by nursing home and elder abuse. Our mission is to educate and empower victims of abuse and their families to take a stand against this unlawful mistreatment. We work to return dignity back to those who have been broken down by nursing home abuse and neglect. View Sources Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2018). AHRQ’s safety program for nursing homes: On-time falls prevention. Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/long-term-care/resource/ontime/fallspx/index.html. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2017). The falls management program: A quality improvement initiative for nursing facilities. Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/long-term-care/resource/injuries/fallspx/man1.html. Boyce, R. D., et al. (2022). Falls prediction using the nursing home minimum dataset. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocac111. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Facts about falls. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Older adult falls data. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). STEADI – Older adult fall prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html. KSRO. (2024). Petaluma assisted living facility found liable in former resident’s death. Retrieved from https://www.ksro.com/2024/08/16/petaluma-assisted-living-facility-found-liable-in-former-residents-death/. Marselas, K. (2025). Nursing homes fail to report 43% of major falls: Behind OIG’s findings. Retrieved from https://www.mcknights.com/news/nursing-homes-fail-to-report-43-of-major-falls-behind-oigs-findings/. Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Trends in fall-related injury among nursing home residents in Massachusetts, 2018–2022. Retrieved from https://www.mass.gov/info-details/trends-in-fall-related-injury-among-nursing-home-residents-in-massachusetts-2018-2022. Sanghavi, P., et al. (2020). Assessment of nursing home reporting of major injury falls for quality measurement on Nursing Home Compare. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13247.