Improper use of lift at Danville Care Center | The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C.

Danville Care Center has been cited by IDPH for improper use of a mechanical lift which resulted in a resident suffering a broken leg. Sadly, this is not the first time Danville Care Center has been cited by IDPH for issues involving unsafe transfers of residents.

The resident at issue had a care plan which called for use of a mechanical lift with the assist of two due to her immobility. Further the sling was to be crossed behind her knees rather than placed in between her legs. On the morning in question, the sling to the lift was not crossed between the resident’s knees. When the resident was lifted from the bed, she fell to the floor. X-rays later established that she suffered a broken tibia.

Following the simple steps in a resident’s care plan is a crucial step toward avoiding unnecessary injuries for nursing home residents from things like falls and bed sores. In this case, there was a good plan which had proved successful day after day. However, on the day of the injury, the care plan was not followed and the fall and injury resulted.

Mechanical lifts like a Hoyer lift are certainly beneficial in a nursing home setting. Used properly, they can provide for safe transfers for residents who are not able to safely participate in their own transfers. Further, they can save on wear and tear on the staff who do such physically demanding work. However, they pose real risks of devastating injuries such as hip fractures when a mechanical lift is used improperly.

If you have had a parent or other loved one suffer injury as a result of a mechanical lift accident, unsafe transfer, or nursing home fall, contact our experienced Chicago nursing home lawyers to learn more about what your rights are. The initial consultation is free, and there is no obligation to hire our firm if you do contact us.