Slip and Falls Can Be Particularly Harmful For Elderly Individuals

Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone of any age. However, elderly adults are at a particularly high risk of slipping and falling down. The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that an individual’s risk of falling down increases every decade they are alive and statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that one-third of adults age 65 or older will fall down on an annual basis. This results in emergency room visits for an estimated 2.5 million older adults, 700,000 of whom are admitted to the hospital as a result of their injuries. Such medical treatments cost $34 billion each year and victims suffer other types of losses, as well, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disabilities, and more.

Common Injuries in Slip and Falls Among Older Adults

The CDC estimates that approximately one in five slip and fall accidents result in serious injuries that may significantly affect an older adult’s life. These injuries can often include:

• Broken bones, including hips and arms, that can seriously limit an individual’s mobility and capability to complete everyday tasks;
• Head and/or brain injuries that can cause significant cognitive, physical, and/or emotional impairments and challenges; and
• Emotional injuries, including an intense fear of falling again, which may result in withdrawal from everyday activities or situations in which a fall may be possible.

Broken hips are of particular concern in this type of accident, as at least 95 percent of broken hips happen as a result of falling. Broken hips can often require hospitalization or surgery. An older adult is often at greater risk of complications during surgeries and may have a more difficult time recovering from a hip fracture. A substantial number of elderly adults with broken hips never return to independent living and instead must permanently move to an assisted living center.

While some slip and fall accidents simply happen because an older adult loses their balance or suffers from muscle weakness, other accidents occur because of the negligence of a property or business owner. Hazardous conditions that may lead to a slip and fall include damaged or worn carpet, uneven floors, liquid spills, debris in walkways, and many others. Negligent property owners should be held responsible for the losses of elderly slip and fall victims.

Consult With A Boca Raton Slip And Fall Lawyer For Assistance Today

If you or a loved one has slipped and fallen and sustained serious injuries as a result, any negligent parties should be held liable for any losses incurred due to the injuries. Though elderly individuals may be more prone to slipping and falling and may suffer more severe injuries as a result of a slip and fall, anyone who falls due to hazardous property conditions deserves to fully recover from the business or property owner. At the Boca Raton law firm of Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, our experienced premises liability attorneys understand how to help you obtain the recovery that you deserve. Please call us today at 888-646-1315 to schedule a free consultation.

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