Detroit Nursing Home Falls Attorney & Michigan Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

Updated Jan. 2026 | Reviewed by Donna MacKenzie, Detroit Nursing Home Slip and Fall Lawyer

Nursing Home Slip and Fall Injuries

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Elderly residents are especially vulnerable — even a “minor” fall can result in broken hips, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, or complications that lead to premature death.

While some falls may seem unavoidable, the reality is that most nursing home falls are preventable with proper care, supervision, and staffing. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, our Michigan nursing home falls attorneys have decades of experience uncovering negligence and fighting for families whose loved ones were harmed.

Call us today at 1-800-366-8653 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win compensation for you.

Why Do Falls Happen in Nursing Homes?

Nursing homes have a duty to assess each resident’s fall risk and create a care plan to keep them safe. Too often, facilities cut corners, leaving residents exposed to unnecessary dangers.

Common causes of nursing home falls include:

• Understaffing: Not enough staff to monitor or assist residents who need help walking.
• Failure to provide mobility aids: Ignoring a resident’s need for a cane, walker, wheelchair, or handrails.
• Medication errors: Prescribing or mismanaging drugs that cause dizziness or drowsiness.
• Unsafe environments: Wet floors, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, or lack of grab bars in bathrooms.
• Failure to monitor residents: Leaving vulnerable residents unsupervised in hallways, bathrooms, or while getting in and out of bed.

These are not “accidents” — they are warning signs that a facility failed to protect its residents.

Injuries Caused by Nursing Home Falls

A single fall can have devastating consequences for an elderly resident, such as:

• Hip fractures requiring surgery
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Broken arms, legs, or spinal fractures
• Lacerations and internal bleeding
• Loss of independence and mobility
• Increased risk of infection or decline from immobility
• Death, particularly when complications arise after surgery or prolonged hospitalization

Falls often start a downward health spiral, robbing seniors of their quality of life.

Is the Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Facility Liable for the Injuries Resulting from the Fall?

Nursing homes and long-term health care facilities are not automatically liable for the injuries suffered from a fall. From a legal perspective, it’s important to assess the health care needs of the individual, and to determine whether the nursing home or care facility was negligent in not providing for the resident’s needs.

For example, based upon the health of the resident, if the nursing home should have recognized that a resident needs assistance in walking or a wheelchair, and the nursing home or care facility did not provide such assistance or a wheelchair, they may be liable for the injuries sustained.

Determining liability for a fall can be highly fact specific. At our firm, our nurses on staff carefully review the charts and medical histories of a resident to determine the resident’s needs. Once we have undertaken this review, we are then able to make an assessment as to what care and assistance should have been provided, and to determine whether we believe that a case for negligence exists.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Michigan Nursing Home Fall Lawyer?

Hiring our firm to handle a nursing home fall case costs families nothing up front. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No hourly rates or upfront fees. You do not pay out of pocket to start your case.
• We cover the costs of investigation and litigation. Our team handles expenses like medical experts, records review, and court filings (which are typically fully covered by a settlement or jury award).
• You only pay if we win. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and if we do not secure compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

This arrangement ensures that families can pursue justice without financial risk. Our goal is to lift the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your loved one’s care and recovery.

If A Parent Or Loved One Has Suffered From A Fall, Please Contact Us So That We May Learn About The Facts And Circumstances Of The Injury

We will be happy to meet with you at your convenience to learn about your case. If we believe that a case for negligence exists against a nursing home or care facility and accept your case, we will represent the injured resident on a contingency fee basis. Call our office at 1-800-366-8653 to seek justice and accountability for your loved one!

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Nursing Home Falls

Can I sue a nursing home for a fall?

Yes. If the fall resulted from neglect — such as failing to supervise, ignoring fall risks, or leaving unsafe conditions unaddressed — you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit for compensation.

What compensation is available after a nursing home fall?

Families may recover damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and in some cases, wrongful death damages if the fall contributed to a resident’s death.

What if the nursing home claims the fall was “unavoidable”?

Facilities often make this argument, but most falls are preventable with proper supervision, staffing, and safety measures. We work with medical experts to show when negligence is to blame.

How do you prove a nursing home was negligent in a fall case?

We examine medical records, care plans, staffing schedules, and facility conditions. Our legal and medical team identifies whether the facility ignored known risks or failed to follow accepted standards of care.

What should I do if my loved one fell in a nursing home?

Seek immediate medical treatment, document injuries, request medical and facility records, and call a Michigan nursing home falls attorney right away. Acting quickly preserves evidence and protects your family’s rights.

Why Families Trust Olsman MacKenzie Peacock

Families across Michigan choose Olsman MacKenzie Peacock because we bring decades of experience and national recognition in elder neglect litigation. Our attorneys include:

• Jules B. Olsman – More than 40 years fighting for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect.
• Donna M. MacKenzie – A national leader in nursing home litigation and past president of the Michigan Association for Justice.
• Emily Peacock – Chair-elect of the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus, recognized for her passionate advocacy.
• Lauren Walson – A strong advocate for families impacted by elder neglect and injury.
• Michael C. Dennis – An experienced trial attorney representing families throughout Michigan.
• Michaelene Sowinski – Committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable nursing home residents.

Our firm has recovered millions for families harmed by nursing home negligence, but our mission extends beyond financial recovery — we fight to improve care standards and protect seniors across Michigan and Detroit.

Schedule A Free Consultation With an Experienced Detroit Nursing Home Falls Attorney Today

If your parent or loved one was injured in a nursing home fall, you deserve answers and accountability. These injuries are often preventable, and families have the right to demand justice.

Call Olsman MacKenzie Peacock at 1-800-366-8653 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.