Increasing Liability: Hip Fractures in Hospitals and Nursing Homes

More than 14.2 million people worldwide and 280,000 in the US experience a hip fracture each year

The above statistics were reported last week by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Hip fractures have a 1-year mortality rate of 22% and are associated with limited mobility and a decreased quality of life.

An estimated 50% of nursing home residents fall at least one time each year.

It is well known that hip fractures are common in older adults, in particular those that are hospitalized, and or live in long-term care facilities. Patient falls resulting in hip fractures are considered to be “Sentinel Events” by the Joint Commission, defined as unnecessary medical errors that cause significant patient harm or death. This poses a significant risk for negligence and medical malpractice litigation.

Joint Commission data for 2024 revealed that falls comprised 49% of all sentinel events. In 2024, The Joint Commission found the highest number ever recorded for traumatic patient falls. Statistics for the year 2025 are not yet available.

Fall Prevention

Medical research has revealed that many patient falls can be prevented with simple patient safety measures. The Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare reduced falls with injuries by 62% in one study, simply by instituting common sense solutions, such as screening patients for fall risk on admission, providing education on fall prevention, having nurses and aides assist with bathroom visits, and hourly rounding to make sure patients are safe.

In recent years, we have seen a tremendous spike in the number of serious adverse patient events. Patient falls continue to be a major health risk to patients in hospitals, rehabilitation settings, and residents of long-term care facilities. It is incumbent upon healthcare providers to be disciplined and to take the time and initiative to identify patients at high risk and provide appropriate evaluation, care, and techniques to prevent falls.

Sources

• JAMA, “Hip Fractures: A Review,” American Medical Association, July 16, 2026
• The Joint Commission, “Sentinel Event Data 2024 Annual Review”
• CDC, “Facts About Falls,” Older Adult Fall Prevention, May 9, 2024

Med Legal Pro connects attorneys with board-certified medical expert witnesses across 50+ specialties, including orthopedic surgery, geriatric medicine, and nursing home standard of care. If you are handling a case involving a patient fall or hip fracture, submit your case for a free consultation.