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Bedrail entrapment is one of the lesser-known, but most serious forms of nursing home abuse and neglect. One of the many ways that nursing homes present themselves as a safe place for their patients is a bed rail. They are designed to be assistive devices secured on beds to prevent patients from falling in the middle of the night or provide additional safety for patients that have a difficult time moving around. However, many nursing homes also use these devices for patients that do not need them as a way to restrain them. Additionally, these rails may be more harmful than helpful for the patients that need them.
The Potential Dangers of Bedrails in Nursing Homes
Due to the way that bedrails are set up, there are increased opportunities for injuries or even death. These range from getting stuck between the rails to entrapment in the area between the mattress and bedrail. Many elderly people in nursing homes have been harmed or died from bedrail injuries when they get stuck and try to get out, with insufficient nursing home staff attention to prevent issues as they are occurring.
Some of the more prevalent injuries caused by bedrail entrapment are:
- Trapped limbs between bed rails
- Strangulation when the head is stuck between rails
- Sense of fear, agitation, or desire to self-harm due to trapped feeling
- Death due to a combination of the above factors
However, bed rail entrapment is not always the nursing home’s fault. By reaching out to a nursing home abuse lawyer, you can assess if the bedrail manufacturer is at fault or if there is a serious problem at your loved one’s nursing home. Lawyers can help you investigate the situation and determine if further action should be taken. Unfortunately, the statistics show that bedrails used in nursing homes are one of the most dangerous types, so immediate action is in your best interests.
Discuss Your Case with a Lawyer
While there are some ways that you can make your loved one safer, getting in touch with a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney at the law practice of Walner Law could provide you with some peace of mind. We are easily reached online or at (312) 313-2888. Please call us today!