Whether you worry about your safety as an older adult or you recently fell down due to a negligent property owner, it is important to understand the serious consequences that often arise from these accidents. Every year, many older adults suffer serious injuries as a result of falling and some lose their lives.
Sadly, many of these accidents should not occur and they take place as a result of carelessness, such as failing to address a slick surface or another hazard. It is important for older adults and their family members to go over statistics on these accidents in order to understand the scope of the problem.
Data on older adults and falls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that three million older adults receive emergency treatment for injuries they sustained after falling down every year. Furthermore, over 800,000 require hospitalization. Falls are the leading cause of TBIs and they also account for over 95% of accidents resulting in a hip fracture.
According to statistics, 20% of falls result in a serious injury and older adults are especially vulnerable when they fall down.
Falls often have devastating consequences for older adults
The CDC notes that falls can interfere with an older adult’s daily life and ability to live independently. After falling, some older adults have mental trauma that can cause them to become less active and even more likely to fall down again. Many older adults suffer brain injuries, which are especially concerning for those taking blood thinners and other medications.
If you are trying to recover from a slip-and-fall accident as an older adult, look over all of your options.
