Facts about Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
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.
- While falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits, more than one million people go to the emergency room each year for a slip and fall accident. Daily, that is more than two thousand people and makes up about 12% of total fall-related ER visits.
- Falls are the most common cause of brain injury. They are also the most common cause of hip fractures. A hip fracture often requires invasive surgery and long-term it can potentially limit your mobility.
- Falls are a leading killer in the construction industry taking more lives than any other type of accident. Fatalities caused by falls from elevation are a leading cause of death for construction workers.
Questions? Contact us at (877) 284-6600.
Slips, Trips, and Falls and our Elderly
The risk of falling increases with every 10 years of life.
The older a person is, the more likely they are to fall. In fact, the risk of falling increases with every 10 years of life.
- For those over the age of 65, falls cause 87% of fractures and are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries and brain injuries for this age group.
- Serious falls are most common in the elderly and 1 in 3 adults over 65 will suffer a fall each year.
- Hip fractures are the most serious fractures that occur due to falls, primarily occurring in the elderly who fall. These fractures can lead to significant health risks and a decreased quality of life.
- Half of all adults over the age of 65 hospitalized for hip fractures cannot return home or live independently after the fracture.
- Nursing home residents face high slip and fall risks. It is incumbent on nursing homes to evaluate safety risks for each resident, ensuring proper fall prevention protocols are followed.
According to the CDC:
- 18% of the 1,176,340 nonfatal work injuries resulting in days away from work in 2020 were related to slips, trips, and falls.
- One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
- Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
- Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.
- Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling.
The average cost of a slip and fall injury is $30,000 to $40,000. This does not account for any long-term effects associated with disability, lost time from work or dependence on others.
When your slip, trip, and fall is a result of someone else’s negligence, you do have a legal remedy. Retain the services of a personal injury attorney to help you fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Questions? Contact us at (877) 284-6600.
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Common Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls can happen for many reasons.
Slips
- Wet spills (e.g., water, mud, grease, etc.)
- Weather hazards (e.g., ice, snow)
- Sloped or uneven walking surfaces
- Ramps or planks without skid- or slip-resistant surfaces
- Climbing ladders
Trips
- Clutter on the floor
- Poor lighting
- Uncovered cables, wires, hoses, and extension cords
- Uneven walkways
- Unmarked steps or ramps
Falls
- Weak or damaged ladders
- Carrying heavy objects
- Failure to use guardrails on scaffolding
- Unprotected edges
- Unsafely positioned ladders
Tips to Help Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Practice good housekeeping. Remove clutter. Remove tripping hazards in walkways, doorways and stairs.
- Keep drawers and cabinet doors closed when possible.
- Provide adequate lighting in walking areas. Be sure there is proper lighting in access and egress points such as halls, ramps, stairs, and exits.
- Clean spills immediately.
- Keep frequently used items in easy to reach areas and keep a step stool handy to access items too high to reach when standing on the floor.
- Use handrails when going up and down stairs.
- Make sure proper footwear is worn. Wear shoes with good support and slip-resistant soles.
- When walking on icy or slippery areas, wear shoes or boots with soles that provide extra traction, take special care when entering and exiting vehicles, and take short steps for stability.
WHY HIRE NASH & FRANCISKATO?
Injuries from a slip, trip, and fall can affect one’s mobility and ability to live independently, taking months for the injuries to heal. It is one of the leading causes of injury and death in the elderly.
Having an attorney who is your advocate can offer you peace of mind during your recovery. We have a successful track record helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve. Call the Kansas City-based law firm of Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600. One of our experienced staff will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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Find related blog articles: Slip and Falls and Premises Liability
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Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Sources of statistics:
- NFSI (National Floor Safety Institute)
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published February 21, 2021. It was reviewed on September 14, 2022 for content and accuracy and again on June 18 2024 when it was republished.
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