Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury in nursing homes. As our loved ones age, their risk of falling increases due to factors like reduced balance, vision issues, and weakened muscles. But when a fall occurs inside a nursing home, the question often becomes, "Who is responsible?" In Tennessee, nursing homes can be held legally liable for slip and fall injuries if the accident was caused by negligence. That means the facility failed to provide a safe environment or ignored specific hazards that contributed to the fall.
If your parent, grandparent, or other family member has been injured in a nursing home fall, it’s important to understand their legal rights and the responsibilities these facilities carry.
Not every fall is the result of negligence. Accidents can happen even in well-maintained facilities. However, when a fall could have been prevented through proper care, staffing, or hazard management, the nursing home may be legally at fault. Here are some examples of negligence that can lead to nursing home liability:
When any of these conditions are present, and a resident is injured, the nursing home could be considered negligent under Tennessee law.
Nursing homes are legally required to maintain a safe environment for their residents. This includes performing regular safety inspections, responding to hazards quickly, and training staff to assist residents with mobility challenges. This is known as a "duty of care." If a facility breaches that duty by being careless, understaffed, or poorly trained, and someone is hurt as a result, the facility can be held liable. In some cases, liability may also extend to individual staff members, contractors, or third-party vendors who contributed to unsafe conditions.
Elderly residents are especially vulnerable to serious injuries from slip and fall accidents. Even a minor fall can lead to complications that impact quality of life and overall health. Common injuries include:
These injuries can lead to hospitalization, surgery, or even permanent disability. In the worst cases, a fall may trigger a decline that leads to premature death. When these outcomes are tied to a facility’s negligence, a legal claim may be the only way to hold the nursing home accountable.
If your loved one has suffered a fall in a nursing home, taking the right steps early can help protect their health and their legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
Taking action quickly ensures important evidence is preserved and your loved one’s voice is heard.
Yes, you can file a lawsuit against a nursing home in Tennessee if their negligence caused a preventable fall and your loved one was injured as a result. A successful claim can help recover compensation for:
In some cases, if the nursing home acted with extreme carelessness or recklessness, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the facility and prevent similar conduct in the future.
Most falls in nursing homes are preventable. With the right staffing levels, proper training, and consistent monitoring, many accidents simply would not occur. Facilities are expected to assess each resident’s fall risk and put prevention measures in place. That may include assistive devices, mobility support, physical therapy, or environmental changes. When nursing homes cut corners or fail to follow safety protocols, it is the residents who suffer. Holding them accountable can bring justice to the injured person and help improve conditions for others in the facility.
At Glenn Injury Law, we represent families across Tennessee who are seeking justice after a loved one was hurt in a nursing home. Slip and fall injuries can be serious, and when a facility’s negligence is to blame, someone should be held responsible. We know how to investigate nursing home claims, gather evidence, and build strong cases on behalf of vulnerable residents and their families. We are committed to making sure your loved one receives the respect, dignity, and protection they deserve.
If your loved one was injured in a fall at a nursing home, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let’s talk about what happened and how we can help.
