Wandering Can Lead To A Nursing Home Personal Injury Case
If you have a loved one who resides in and nursing home or memory care center, you may have heard of wandering. In many cases, wandering occurs when an individual gets up and wanders around. They may wander around the facility or even leave the facility itself and wander around outside. Some people even go missing or pass away because of this condition.
Wandering is associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Somebody who wanders may not do so with any intention, which can be dangerous. As a result, it can become a personal injury.
Why Is Wandering a Personal Injury?
For one, wandering residents can become lost. People can wander outside without access to food or water and even go missing for hours or days. Wandering can lead them to natural dangers, like lakes and streams, or even to streets where they can become injured by a vehicle.
Residents can also become injured while wandering, perhaps after becoming subjected to the elements. If they are found even after an hour or so, they could have fallen or been injured by another person, for example. This can result in costly injuries and other serious consequences.
Why Do People Wander?
Wandering can become a prominent issue among residents who do not realize what is happening. They may not have the faculties available to understand how to avoid being hurt, and so they can experience serious injuries, from broken bones to cuts and lacerations.
Wandering is also associated with feelings that one is not safe. If your loved one has been wandering, you may discover that they feel unsafe in their nursing home. This could point to other signs of negligence and abuse.
Why Is Wandering a Personal Injury?
Nursing homes have an obligation and duty to keep your loved one safe. If they cannot prevent wandering, they are held responsible. Many nursing homes have ways of watching out for people who may tend to wander, and they should be able to prevent such injuries from occurring in the first place.
Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You
If you discovered that your loved one was injured or even passed away as a result of wandering away from a nursing home, you may have a personal injury case. A personal injury lawyer or attorney can help you determine the next steps you need to take. You may be able to recover some of the funds you lost. Contact an injury lawyer for more information.