Falls are one of the most common causes of severe injuries in the United States, and slipping is one of the main causes of falls. Understanding statistics about slips, trips, and falls may help prevent these accidents from happening. They can also help injured people understand their financial recovery options.
More specifically, property owners who understand the frequency of falls may take special measures to remove slipping hazards from their premises. When they fail to take such protective measures, they are generally liable for any resulting injuries and damages. A Lakeland premises liability lawyer could evaluate your case and advocate for a fair settlement.
Slip and Fall Statistics Everyone Should Know
Some statistics about falls, and specifically slip and fall accidents, are particularly telling. These statistics tell us:
Who Is Most at Risk of Slipping and Falling
While anyone can slip and fall when dangerous hazards are present, some demographics face a higher-than-average risk of falling. We know that:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals aged 65 and older face the highest risk of falling and suffering injuries, with one in four people in this age range falling every year.
- Construction workers account for one in five workplace fatalities, including slip and falls, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Those with vision problems and health conditions that affect their mobility may face a higher risk of slipping and falling. It’s important to reemphasize, though, that anyone can slip, fall, and suffer injuries when property owners are negligent.
The Cost of Slip and Fall Accidents
The costs of slip and fall accidents are high, both at the individual and group level. Statistics that indicate the financial scope of falls include:
- JAMA Health Forum reports that the average cost of medical care per fall victim is about $62,521.
- The National Council on Aging (NCOA) found that the total annual cost of treating only older adult falls will rise to $101 billion by 2030.
The cost of each fall varies, often depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries. A personal injury lawyer will work with medical professionals to determine the cost of your medical care and other fall-related damages.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
Falls are often preventable, as data indicates that:
- Per the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 42,000 people lost their lives in a single year from fall-related injuries that were likely preventable.
- Hazards in the home, workplace, and public spaces (like businesses) must be immediately removed to prevent falls and resulting injuries, including slip and fall accidents.
While there are many specific causes of slip and fall accidents, many of the causes fall under the umbrella of negligence. When someone responsible for a sidewalk, construction site, grocery aisle, poolside patio, or other space fails to identify and address slipping hazards, they are negligent.
What Injuries Result From Slips and Falls
Per the CDC, some injuries that can result from slips and falls include:
- Hip fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries, such as skull fractures
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Some people lose their lives after slipping and falling. As noted, these populations are generally older adults with pre-existing health conditions.
Slip and Fall Prevention Measures Every Property Owner Must Take
Property owners must take reasonable measures to prevent parties from slipping, falling, and suffering injuries. A property owner may be negligent if they:
- Fail to monitor their property for slipping hazards
- Fail to instruct employees about how to spot and remove slipping hazards when the property owner is not around
- Fail to install bright lighting throughout their property
- Install flooring that poses a high risk of slipping
- Fail to install anti-slip mats in areas of the property where guests may be likely to slip (such as in front of a doorway from outdoors, where guests may track rain)
Negligence occurs when someone fails to take actions that a reasonable person would in the same circumstances. A property owner’s negligence can lead to slip and fall accidents and expose the property owner to a premises liability claim or lawsuit.
What to Do if You Suffered a Slip and Fall Accident
If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible: Getting medical attention for any fall-related injuries should be a priority. Furthermore, you should keep documentation of all fall-related medical care, as you will need such documentation when seeking compensation for your damages.
- Consider hiring a personal injury lawyer: A personal injury attorney will protect your rights from the moment you hire them. Your lawyer will proceed to seek compensation covering all damages from your slip and fall accident.
By taking these two steps, you give due attention to your physical recovery and your financial recovery.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Help Slip and Fall Accident Victims
A personal injury attorney can assist you in several ways, including:
- Developing a personalized case strategy
- Managing all paperwork and communications
- Obtaining witness accounts, expert testimony, photographs of the slipping hazard, and any other evidence relevant to your case
- Documenting your fall-related damages with medical records, images of injuries, expert testimony, employment records, and other relevant documentation
- Demanding a fair settlement from the liable parties and negotiating for a fair offer
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
Our team will oversee your entire case from start to finish. We will also provide frequent updates, so you always know your case’s status.
A Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Fight to Recover These Damages
If you suffered a slip and fall due to another party’s negligence, a compensation claim could offer coverage for:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs, including anticipated medical treatment costs
- Treatment for the psychological and emotional effects of the fall
- Lost income
- Diminished earning power
- Other professional damages
- Assistive medical equipment
- Any relevant out-of-pocket expenses
Our personal injury attorneys consider both current damages and any damages you may suffer in the future. For instance, if you have yet to complete rehabilitation for fall-related injuries, we will seek compensation covering all future rehab sessions.
Call Dismuke Law Today to Ask Dave About Your Case—the Consultation Is Free
When you’re suffering the effects of a slip and fall accident, Ask Dave what to do next. Our firm has helped many victims of negligence secure compensation after falls, and we’ll work to do the same for you.
A personal injury attorney from our team may not have much time to file your case, so don’t wait to speak with us. Call Dismuke Law today for your free consultation.
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