When a mechanical lift injury occurs that would not have happened but for a nursing home professional’s failure to exercise the proper level of care, the nursing home can be held liable for any harm that results. This might include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other economic and noneconomic losses.

How do injuries occur when using a mechanical lift to transfer a nursing home resident? Are there some common circumstances in these injuries?

• The lift or sling malfunctions due to improper inspection, maintenance, or repair. Nursing home staff must examine the sling and its loops (or other attachment areas) for tears, holes and frayed seams. They must not use a sling that has any indication of wear.
• The staff does not comply with the operator’s manual. Most lifts require two or more caregivers to operate lift and handle patient safely. Did the nursing home have enough staff on duty to perform the two-person operation?
• The staff uses the wrong type of sling for the patient (too small or too big) or the lift (wrong manufacturer or configuration). The nursing home personnel must use only a sling that is specifically designed for the particular lift.  Staff must also check the weight limits of the lift and sling, and ensure that the resident’s weight does not exceed the limits. Using the wrong sling can cause serious injury.
• The staff fails to secure the loops of the sling to the lift. Failing to properly secure the loops of the sling on the hooks of the lift can cause the resident to become unstable and unsupported, resulting in the resident falling out of the sling.
• The staff fails to place the resident securely in the sling. Failing to properly position the resident in the sling can cause the resident to become unstable and unsupported, resulting in the resident falling out of the sling.
• The nursing home personnel lift the resident without performing a proper safety check. They must inspect all hooks and loops (or other fasteners) to make sure they do not detach during use. They must also make sure that the straps are properly positioned before lifting the resident. They must make sure that the hooks, fasteners, and straps remain securely fastened throughout the lifting process.
• The staff moves the equipment improperly and causes the resident and lift to become unstable.
• The staff fails to make sure that the floor and space around the lift are clear so that the lift can turn and move unhindered.