Injured at the Rehabilitation Center: Here’s What You Should Know

Traumatologist senior doctor and nurse helping asian patient to take off cervical neck collar

Medicare patients who go to rehabilitation hospitals and centers have a high rate of preventable injuries caused by improper care and treatments.

Rehabilitation Injuries can be Prevented

A recent report from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services shows that 29 percent of patients in rehabilitation facilities sustain injuries caused by improper treatment, and 46 percent of these injuries are likely preventable. Since most Medicare rehab facilities require patients to undergo at least three hours of physical and occupational therapy per day, five days a week, patients are presumed to be healthier than patients in hospital and/or nursing home settings.

(Article continues below infographic)

Ankin 2018 Dec Injured at the Rehabilitation Center scaled | Injured at the Rehabilitation Center: Here's What You Should Know [infographic] 1

Rehabilitation facilities provide a crucial part of healing with physical exercises and workouts for patients who are recovering from certain illnesses and diseases, injuries and disabilities, surgeries, and strokes. Physicians who reviewed Medicare cases from numerous rehab facilities around the country say that almost half of the 158 injuries noted among 417 patients were clearly preventable. Many patients sustained injuries due to substandard care received during prolonged hospital stays, hospital transfers, and medical interventions. Others sustained injuries due to falls, infections, bedsores, and medication errors.

Falls

Patient falls caused by slippery floors and medical conditions that cause dizziness and loss of balance contribute to many rehab facility injuries. While some falls are unavoidable, others are caused by staff negligence. Some patients suffer falls while under the care of distracted workers, and some are even dropped.

Infections

Dangerous infections can occur after surgeries. Bacteria can enter the body through surgical wound sites, feeding tubes, and catheter lines. Rehabilitation facilities frequently work with post-surgery patients, but they are not equipped to treat serious infections.

Bedsores

Immobilized patients and patients with physical disabilities are commonly sent to rehabilitation facilities. Many of these patients develop bedsores caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. Without diligent care, patients can sustain serious infections and life-threatening injuries during rehabilitation.

Medication Errors

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, many rehabilitation facilities are understaffed or staffed with caregivers who provide substandard care and insufficient patient monitoring. As a result, one in three patients are victims of medication errors that contribute to serious injuries in rehab facilities.

Rehabilitation center injuries range from mild to severe and temporary to permanent. In elderly patients with existing health issues, an injury sustained during physical rehabilitation that’s meant to improve a condition can lead to permanent disability, life-threatening injuries, and even death.

Table of Contents

If you have been injured:

Call now:

Recent posts

Protecting the rights of injured people since 1940.

Call now:

Latest posts:

Medical Team Performing Surgical Operation in Bright Modern Operating Room
Medical Malpractice
Ankin Law Office

How to File a Lawsuit for Anesthesia Aspiration

Patients who undergo surgical procedures and suffer anesthesia aspiration are at risk for severe health complications and even death. If medical negligence is the cause,

doctor Injecting anesthesia
Medical Malpractice
Ankin Law Office

Can I Sue for Anesthesia Complications?

If complications develop from too much anesthesia, a bad reaction, or another issue, you may be able to sue medical professionals for malpractice under certain

Dental instruments on blue.
Medical Malpractice
Ankin Law Office

Top 3 Reasons to Sue a Dentist for Malpractice

The top 3 reasons to sue a dentist for malpractice include issues with extractions, endodontic procedures, and dental implants. In addition, there are other types