Did you know that one in four people age 65 years or older falls each year? Often, these falls result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries. Fall-related injuries can also be the start of a more serious health issue that can carry a heavy quality of life impact, such as long-term disabilities that reduce one’s independence. They are also the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for this age group.
Many slip, trip, and fall accidents result in minor injuries, a sprain, a laceration, bruises. We do not always think of these types of accidents resulting in serious injuries yet serious falls are most common in the elderly, those over age 65.
If you are not aware of the dangers of slip, trip and fall accidents, these statistics and facts will help educate and inform you about the potential dangers.
Whether it’s a spill, a freshly mopped surface, or rain tracked indoors, wet floors pose a serious slip and fall risk. What seems like a common, everyday occurrence can easily lead to injuries ranging from minor bumps and bruises to severe head trauma and more.
Slip and fall accidents can strike in virtually any setting—from bustling sidewalks and busy grocery aisles to quiet parking lots and private spaces like backyard pools. These unexpected falls can happen to anyone—regardless of age—and lead to anything from a few minor bruises to serious injuries like broken bones or traumatic brain injury.
Falls happen for a variety of reasons in the workplace. Slippery work surfaces, unstable work platforms, unprotected holes, falls from ladders. In fact, falling from a ladder is one of the most common types of work accidents, especially in the construction industry (where falls happen to be a leading cause of death).
According to the CDC, over one million Americans suffer a slip, trip, and fall injury accidents and over 17,000 people die annually because of these injuries. In fact, on average, falls are one of the top three leading causes of unintentional deaths.
Slip, trips, and falls often result in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken hips or pelvis, shoulder and neck injuries, and more.
Did you know:
Slip, trip, and fall incidents are among the most common causes of injury and happen for many reasons.
Common causes include:
While some falls are true accidents, others result from negligence—often a result of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property—and may be pursued as a premises liability claim.
Whether you’re young or elderly, fall-related injuries can be life-altering. Here are the most frequent types:
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBIs range from mild concussions to skull fractures and brain damage. Severe injuries can cause seizures and loss of bodily control; however, mild TBIs (concussions) account for about 75% of traumatic brain injuries.
Spinal cord injuries can happen when a slip, trip, or fall causes you to hit the ground with your back or when you twist to avoid a fall. Falls can lead to slipped discs, herniated discs, or even paralysis. Twisting during a fall increases the risk of spinal trauma.
Hip and pelvic fractures are common among the elderly population, those whose bones are more brittle (but can happen at any age). These fractures typically require surgery and long-term rehabilitation and can permanently impact your mobility.
Shoulder and/or neck injuries happen when you fall and land on this part of the body or as you twist to prevent a fall. Neck injuries can range from muscle sprains to spinal injuries; shoulder injuries can include dislocation, torn nerves, and collarbone breaks.
Limb fractures and torn ligaments, tendons and muscles are common fall injuries.
Limb fractures and sprains. Broken arms, legs, wrists, and ankles are frequent outcomes. Again, the elderly population tends to suffer these fractures due to the brittleness of their bones. These injuries can mean surgery, long recovery times, and casts that can limit mobility. Wrist and ankle fractures or sprains/strains are some of the most common types.
Torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles happen when you overexert yourself or twist to stop yourself from falling. This can damage the ACL, MCL, or other soft tissues. Often, surgery and months of rehabilitation are needed, and, depending on the severity, you may not regain full mobility.
Always seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor—after any slip, trip, and fall accident. A prompt evaluation may uncover hidden trauma. The best course of action is to get checked out by a doctor or go to the emergency room.
Have questions? Contact us at (877) 284-6600.
Fall Injury Statistics That May Surprise You
If you’ve suffered a serious injury due to a slip, trip, or fall, our experienced legal team is here to help. We have a successful track record for helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.
In the Kansas City area and across Missouri, the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm will fight for your rights. Call (877) 284-6600 today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published January 7, 2021. It was reviewed on September 14, 2022, and again on June 14, 2024, for content and accuracy. Last update: November 6, 2025.
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Slip, trip, and fall accidents can happen anywhere – while shopping at a retail store, walking through a parking lot, visiting a friend’s home, or navigating an office building. All of these places – buildings, homes, parking lots, and even walkways – are supposed to be maintained to ensure the safety of those using them. If they are not, and you have a slip and fall accident due to the owner’s negligence, you may have a premises liability case.
Slip and trip accidents while going up or down the stairs can result in serious injuries. When you add height, the repeated impact of multiple stairs, and unsafe conditions, the dangers of stairs multiply.
Slip and trip accidents can result from hazards such as:
Whether you are on a commercial property or residential, stairs can present dangers to both able-bodied and disabled persons, young and old alike.
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), over 1 million hospital emergency room visits are due to slip and fall accidents, or 12% of total falls.
Slip and fall accidents can happen at any time and any place. Sometimes it is just that, an accident plain and simple. Other times, it may be due to the negligence of another party. Whatever the cause, the elderly – those 65 and older – are at a greater risk to fall and suffer a serious, sometimes life-threatening, injury.
Elderly: 29 million falls. 800,000 hospitalizations. 28,000 deaths. Share on X