South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
Falls off ladders, slip and fall injuries, falls from balconies and other fall-related injuries are a leading cause of death in the United States. According to experts, the rising trends indicate that in only a few years, falls could account for more fatalities that motor vehicle accidents or gun-related deaths. Experts are now considering new ways to treat falls to prevent fatalities. This includes new strategies in trauma centers and emergency rooms to ensure immediate and effective treatment.
While the elderly are most vulnerable in the event of a fall, every age demographic is at risk of head trauma and death caused by a serious fall. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys are experienced in helping victims recover compensation after an accident. We are also experienced in developments in the medical field that focus on patient care and recovery. Our priority is to raise public awareness to prevent serious accidents and future injury or death.
A recent study showed while motor vehicle accident deaths are on the decline by 27%, fatalities caused by falls are on the rise by 46%. The study has tracked accidental deaths since 2002 and highlights the need for further efforts in public awareness and advancements in medical treatment for fall victims. Experts agree that injury trends can shift overtime. Tracking these shifts can help to better understand risks and improve treatment opportunities.
Analysts have compared data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, and other reporting centers. While the overall number of trauma-related deaths declined by 6% between 2002 and 2010, there was a 10% increase in firearm injuries. Motor vehicle accidents caused 16 deaths per 100,000 people in 2002 and only 12 per 100,000 in 2010. Unlike these declines, the number of fall trauma accidents rose by 46%.
Though the studies did not take into consideration age or pre-existing vulnerabilities, medical experts suggests that the reason falls account for more injuries, is that patients are older and frailer than trauma patients in previous years. This could make them more likely to sustain a fall and less likely to recover from it. Taking into consideration this demographic shift of trauma patients, doctors must take new approaches when applying trauma resources and when exploring prevention strategies.
For doctors and other professionals involved with trauma care, this means that changes will have to be made when providing preventative care and surgical care. Analysts point to a growing aging population that will place new and different demands on trauma centers. To prevent trauma fatalities, doctors must calibrate their resources to meet the needs of an aging population.
This study was the first analysis of trauma trends using multiple data sources. The findings could be helpful in diagnosis and treatment of fall-related injuries. For the elderly in nursing homes, or those who have suffered an injury because of negligence, an immediate investigation should be initiated to identify responsible parties. Victims and their loved ones may be entitled to significant compensation for fall-related injuries.
Contact Freeman Injury Law at 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
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