Virtually anyone can have a slip-and-fall accident. These types of incidents are particularly a problem for older Americans, though. Some seniors are more vulnerable to falling than others.
Certain injuries commonly result from these accidents more than others. Knowing more about the subject can help you better avoid danger.
How common are slips and falls among seniors?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research shows that 25% of adults over age 65 suffer falls each year in the U.S. At least half of them will have at least one other fall in their lifetime.
Less than half of those seniors who have a slip-and-fall accident report it to their physicians. Even still, CDC data shows that at least three million seniors seek treatment in hospital emergency rooms for slip-and-fall injuries every year.
Which injuries most commonly result from seniors’ slip-and-fall incidents?
At least 95% of the 300,000 patients who report to emergency rooms with hip injuries suffered them in slip and fall incidents. At least 20% of seniors’ falls result in significant injuries such as broken bones or head trauma.
What should you do after a slip-and-fall accident?
All businesses and property owners have an obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. Property liability laws may allow you to sue a property owner for compensation if their negligence resulted in your serious injuries in a slip-and-fall accident. Your decision to hold a negligent party liable for their actions may protect someone else from suffering injuries in the future and provide you with the money you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages and other damages.