South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
One out of every three elderly residents in the state of Florida will be the victim of a fall accident. Falls can serve up some serious injuries, including severe head injuries and bone fractures, and can also increase your risk for an early death.
One of the biggest problems, aside from the actual fall accident itself, is the fact that most elderly residents never talk to their doctor about it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are close to 2.5 million people who were sent to the E.R. because of a fall accident in 2010. Another 660,000 of these elderly residents were hospitalized because of their injuries.
Our Fort Lauderdale accident lawyers understand that falls are the number one cause of injury for residents over the age of 64. The costs for these kinds of accidents in 2010 totaled roughly $30 million. Many of these accidents can be prevented though, by following a few simple safety tips.
In 2010, the overall rate of nonfatal fall injury episodes for which a health-care professional was contacted was 43 per 1,000 population. Persons older than 75 had the highest rate (115).
What are the results of fall accidents?
-Nearly 25 percent of people who experience a fall accident are seriously injured. These injuries can make life tougher for these individuals and can lead to an increase in the risks for an early death.
-Fall accidents are the most common cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). As a matter of fact, these injuries were the cause of close to half of all fall fatalities.
-Most fractures that are sustained by elderly residents are the result of fall accidents. Most commonly, these injuries occur to the upper arm, the leg, the hip, the hand, the pelvis, the leg and the ankles.
-Even when people fall and are not injured, they develop a fear that can hinder their everyday activities. They’re scared of falling again. This fear can actually increase their risks for another fall accident.
The death rates from falls among older men and women have risen sharply over the past decade.
Remember that businesses have an obligation to provide safe passage. Premises liability suit can result from slippery floors, broken sidewalks, dark stairwells and other dangers that contribute to falls, which can be particularly dangerous for older adults. This is especially relevant in the state of Florida, which has such a large elderly population.
Make sure that you take these same safety precautions at home. Make sure that you clear walkways, that your home in well-lit, that all floors are dry and that you have railings and handles where needed. You should also exercise regularly and have your vision checked annually.
If you or someone in your family has been injured in an accident, contact the Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights at 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Accidents in Stuart City and Elsewhere Land Sunshine State as 18th Most Dangerous, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, May 15, 2012
Yard Work Accident in Fort Lauderdale Forces Evacuation, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, April 26, 2012