Caregivers and staff in long-term care facilities use Hoyer lifts to safely transfer residents with mobility issues between surfaces, into vehicles, or from a bed to a wheelchair and vice versa. However, accidents can happen for various reasons, including equipment misuse, mechanical failure, or malfunction.
The device, which typically includes a base, boom arm, spreader bar, and fabric swings to cradle the patient during the suspension, can be particularly hazardous in the event of an accident. Call an experienced elder neglect attorney at Sangisetty Law Firm for more information about Hoyer Lift accidents in New Orleans nursing homes. We are accepting clients in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
What Are the Primary Causes?
Injuries caused by Hoyer lift accidents can arise from several preventable factors, including human error while operating equipment, inadequate training, or staff shortages. Other typical factors that can lead to residents suffering harm are listed below.
Improper Assembly or Use
Improper assembly or use of the lift includes mistakes and mishandling of the patient during transfer, improper positioning of the patient, or failure to use secure straps, hooks, and loops. When caregivers, medical professionals, or other staff fail to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, their actions can quickly result in an emergency with devastating consequences.
Overloading
The equipment manufacturer always provides weight limitations, and the facility must ensure they stay within these guidelines. Ignoring these limits can cause the lift to malfunction and drop the patient, resulting in severe harm.
Poor Maintenance
As with all mechanical equipment, regular inspections, maintenance, and upkeep are vital to keep a Hoyer lift working properly. Faulty parts, such as worn straps or frayed slings, place the resident at unnecessary risk of an accident.
Equipment Defects
Manufacturing defects can lead to hazardous situations, such as hydraulic failures or malfunctioning clips, bolts, or hooks. When problems in production cause consumers harm, you have legal rights and may file a claim for damages against the responsible party.
Our New Orleans attorney has extensive experience handling claims resulting from Hoyer Lift accidents in care facilities. After reviewing your case, we can provide guidance on the relevant regulations and help you navigate the legal process.
Challenges and Benefits of a Hoyer Lift
Caregivers and staff have long faced challenges transferring residents between beds and other surfaces in nursing homes. Frequent heavy lifting, often requiring manual lifting, exceeds the physical capacity of most staff. Even with extensive training and the use of proper body mechanics, frequent heavy lifting often remains inefficient and unsafe.
Based on equipment studies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends the use of Hoyer lifts at all facilities to keep patients safe and protect the physical health and well-being of caregivers.
The use of this equipment enhances resident safety and comfort during transitions, providing the highest level of professional care. When used appropriately, in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, a Hoyer lift minimizes risks and can help reduce falls, friction burns, broken bones or dislocations, and bumps, bruises, or lacerations.
The lifting equipment is highly effective in reducing accidents and injuries to patients or caregivers. However, failure to maintain the equipment and follow operating protocols can be hazardous and result in avoidable accidents. After a Hoyer lift injury in a New Orleans nursing home, our diligent legal team could investigate and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and handle the legal work on your behalf.
Contact a New Orleans Attorney If Your Loved One Was Injured in a Hoyer Lift Accident in Their Nursing Home
You have the right to commence legal action against the liable parties if your loved one sustained injuries because of nursing facility or caregiver negligence. When misuse or failure to maintain the equipment causes harm to residents, you must take immediate action to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Sangisetty Law Firm, our compassionate team has experience in cases involving Hoyer Lift accidents in New Orleans nursing homes. Contact us today to discuss how we could guide you through the negotiations and legal process, advocating for a fair outcome on your loved one’s behalf.