Broken Neck due to Nursing Home Abuse

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Abuse & Neglect January 11th, 2024 3 min read

We trust nursing homes with the care of our loved ones when they are at their most vulnerable. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes live up to the standards of physical or emotional care their residents need and deserve. Nursing home abuse occurs in many shapes and sizes. Physical abuse in nursing homes can cause broken necks and other serious injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a broken neck while in the care of a California nursing home, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Peck Law Group 866-999-9085 or fill out our online form to learn about your legal options.

Identifying a Broken Neck

A broken neck, also called a cervical spine fracture, occurs when one or more vertebrae in the neck are fractured, cracked, or dislocated. The spinal cord or other nerves may be affected. Broken necks can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Signs and symptoms of a broken neck may include:

Severe neck pain.
Limited range of motion, including difficulty turning the head or looking up and down.
Numbness, weakness or “pins and needles” sensations in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
Muscle spasms in the neck or other parts of the body
Loss of bladder or bowel control.
Headaches.
Difficulty breathing.
Paralysis.

Not all broken necks that occur in nursing homes are caused by abuse. In incidents of broken necks caused by nursing home abuse, the perpetrator is typically an employee of the facility or a fellow resident.

What to Do If Your Loved One Has Suffered a Broken Neck Due to Nursing Home Abuse

Seek Medical Attention. Any potential neck injury should be taken seriously and treated promptly. In some cases, a resident may not be able to communicate their pain. Pay attention to physical signs of injury, and assume every neck injury is serious until a doctor determines otherwise.

Protect the Victim. If you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, ensure they will not come into contact with their abuser. Consider transferring facilities. If you do not transfer facilities, talk with the nursing home management to ensure the abuser will be separated from the victim and discuss other protections in place.

Report the Abuse. Incidents of nursing home abuse should be reported to the nursing home management, law enforcement, and Adult Protective Services.

Document Everything. Gather evidence to support your case. Take photos of the injuries, save all relevant written communication with the nursing home, and hang on to your medical receipts. It may be helpful to take notes on your loved one’s account of the abuse.

Consult an Attorney. An experienced lawyer who specializes in nursing home abuse cases will be the greatest asset to your case. An attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the nursing home and any individuals responsible for the abuse.

Your Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Peck Law Group has decades of experience fighting for nursing home abuse victims and a proven track record of success. From offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and Palm Desert, we serve clients throughout all of California.

Request a free, no-obligation case evaluation at 866-999-9085 or premierlegal.org/evaluation/.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.