Hoyer lift accidents in a nursing home may cause serious injury. Victims may have the right to financial compensation. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a patient lift, we invite you to talk to nursing home abuse attorney Robert “Bobby” Jones of Bobby Jones Law in Greenville.
What is a Hoyer lift?
A Hoyer lift is a medical device that is used to lift or move a person. Using a sling that supports their weight, a person may be transported from one position to another, assisted to stand up, or otherwise moved without someone else needing to lift the person’s entire body weight.
The Hoyer lift is named after the company that first made them. There are manual and electrical models, and they serve a variety of purposes. They may also be called hydraulic, medical, or electric lifts.
A person can use a Hoyer lift to move from:
- Moving from one chair to another
- Transferring from a bed to a chair
- Lying in bed to a sitting position
- A different position lying in bed
- From sitting or standing into a bathtub
- In or out of a pool
- To sit in or get up from a wheelchair
- Sitting to standing, standing to sitting
- Standing or sitting to a toilet seat
When used appropriately, a Hoyer lift can improve a person’s mobility when they live in a nursing home. It can also help caregivers move patients without bearing the patient’s full body weight. However, if used improperly, there are dangers to using a Hoyer lift.
How safe is a Hoyer lift?
Despite Hoyer lift safety guidelines, accidents may occur in nursing homes. Many of these accidents are the result of caregivers failing to follow guidelines and directives when using the lift to transfer a patient.
Mistakes With Hoyer Lifts That Result in Injuries
Examples of mistakes with Hoyer lifts that may result in injury are:
- Using the lift when it is inappropriate for the patient, including using the wrong size lift for the patient
- Obstacles in the area where the lift is being used
- Damage to the components of the equipment, including the sling, failing to inspect components before use
- Twisted straps, having the sling fall off the equipment, hooks being out of place
- Not watching the patient, positioning the patient in a way that causes them to fall from the sling
- Allowing the machine to tip over
- Standing too far from the resident to help if there is a problem
- Failing to follow guidelines for use, including instructions that are specific to the model
There may be underlying causes of an accident. For example, understaffing can lead to inadequate training or trying to use a lift without enough people present. Corrective action may not be taken when there are warning signs of a problem. Spending limitations may result in the facility failing to replace aging or broken machines.
A patient should use a Hoyer lift as part of a complete health and wellness plan. For example, they may need additional mobility supports like hand and bath railings, a raised toilet seat, and bed rails.
Hoyer Lift Accident Injuries
Injuries that may occur from a Hoyer lift accident include:
- Broken bones, fractures
- Sprains
- Traumatic brain injury
- Bruising
- Pulling of ligaments, tendons, and the skin
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma and emotional anguish
- Wrongful death
A fall may cause significant physical injury. Injuries may further complicate existing medical conditions.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Hoyer Lift Accident?
When a Hoyer lift is used properly – for the right reason, using the appropriate model and with trained caregivers – accidents shouldn’t happen. If someone gets hurt using a Hoyer lift, it may be the result of negligence.
Negligence is an important legal aspect to a claim against a nursing home. It means someone didn’t use the care that a reasonable person would use in a particular situation. It may be an affirmative act, or it may be a failure to act. For example, using a lift or sling that is in disrepair may amount to negligence. Failing to adequately support a patient during a transfer may also be negligence. Let us investigate on your behalf.
Talk to an Attorney in Greenville
Bobby Jones Law can investigate if your Hoyer lift accident is a result of a nursing home’s negligence. We represent victims and their families in compensation claims. Contact us now to talk to an attorney about your case.
