Have you or a loved one been injured in a dropped patient accident in Charleston, West Virginia? Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers can help when you call (304) 720-1000. We offer a free consultation with a Charleston nursing home abuse lawyer to review your case and explain your legal options.
Being dropped during a transfer or procedure can lead to serious harm, including fractures or spinal injuries. In nursing homes, these incidents may be a sign of broader nursing home abuse or neglect. If you or a loved one has suffered due to unsafe care, our attorneys are here to fight for justice and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help After a Dropped Patient Accident in Charleston, WV?
If you or a loved one was injured in a dropped patient incident in Charleston, WV, Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our firm serves the community by holding negligent healthcare providers accountable when patients are harmed due to improper care.
Here’s why clients choose us when they need support most:
- We have extensive experience investigating complex medical records and identifying where healthcare professionals failed to follow proper procedures.
- Our attorneys know how to uncover negligence in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers by analyzing safety protocols and staff conduct.
- We gather evidence quickly, interview witnesses, and work with trusted medical experts to understand what happened and why.
- From start to finish, we keep clients informed, reduce their stress, and pursue the full compensation they deserve for physical injuries and emotional trauma.
If you need help, call today to schedule your free consultation with a Charleston personal injury attorney.
What Causes Dropped Patient Accidents?
Dropped patient accidents are almost always preventable. These incidents often stem from a combination of human error, inadequate staffing, or poor communication. In many cases, basic safety rules are ignored during patient transfers.
Common causes include:
- Failure to use proper lifting equipment or transfer belts
- Lack of staff assistance during movement or repositioning
- Improper use of wheelchairs, stretchers, or lifts
- Fatigue or distraction by nurses or aides
- Slippery floors or cluttered hallways
- Inadequate training in patient handling procedures
When these preventable factors lead to injury, the facility and staff may be held liable for negligence under West Virginia law.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Dropped Patient Accidents?
A dropped patient incident can lead to severe and long-lasting harm, especially for elderly or medically fragile individuals.
Common injuries include:
- Hip fractures and pelvic breaks
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Head trauma and brain injury
- Shoulder or back strain
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Severe bruising or lacerations
Even a seemingly minor fall can cause serious complications, such as infection or reduced mobility. Medical care costs can quickly grow, making compensation essential to recovery.
Who Could Be Liable for a Dropped Patient Accident?
Determining liability requires a careful review of facility policies, staff actions, and training standards. Multiple parties could share responsibility for the patient’s fall, including:
- Individual nurses, aides, or orderlies who failed to follow safe handling rules
- Supervisors who did not ensure adequate staffing
- Hospitals or nursing homes that ignored safety protocols
- Equipment manufacturers, if faulty lifts or restraints contributed to the accident
By identifying each liable party, our attorneys can build a stronger case and pursue all available insurance coverage.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit?
In West Virginia, most medical negligence and personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Some exceptions may apply if the harm was not immediately discovered, but waiting too long can result in losing your right to compensation.
Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible helps preserve evidence and witness statements before they are lost. Our firm can review your timeline and make sure your case meets all legal deadlines.
Speak With a Dropped Patient Lawyer in Charleston, WV
If you or a loved one suffered harm after being dropped off in a medical facility, you do not have to face the system alone. Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers has delivered outstanding results to injured patients throughout Charleston, WV, and the surrounding areas.
Our firm offers a free consultation and works on a contingency fee basis, so there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact our office today to discuss your options with a Charleston nursing home abuse lawyer and learn how we can help.
