Slips and falls can happen anywhere. Anyone can slip on a wet aisle in the grocery store or fall after losing balance while cleaning at home. However, these mundane accidents could quickly put a victim in a tough spot.
These incidents could have grave consequences, depending on the circumstances. Data shows that serious slip-and-fall injuries frequently happen, with one out of five incidents leading to severe head trauma and broken bones.
Additionally, the people most prone to severe slip-and-fall injuries are older age groups or senior citizens. Around three million go to the emergency room for fall injuries, with hip fracture cases exceeding 300,000 annually.
This accident type is also one of the most common reasons for traumatic brain injuries. Costs associated with these incidents could become unbearable for an average person to cover.
In 2015 alone, medical costs associated with slips and falls reached over $50 billion, with Medicare and Medicaid covering only 75% of the total. If a patient suffers a severe injury, they might not have the resources to keep up with their medical expenses. Additionally, the people most prone to these accidents usually have other health conditions increasing accident risks.
What increases fall risks?
Certain factors could influence slip-and-fall risks, including:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Loss of balance
- Grogginess caused by medication
- Vision issues
- Chronic pain in feet potentially caused by ill-fitting shoes
These elements could increase the risk of a slip and fall. People experiencing these conditions might have more difficulty spotting and avoiding walkway obstructions or bumps in their path.
Prevention is the ideal intervention for slip-and-fall injuries. Still, these incidents could inevitably happen because of someone else’s negligence. If so, the victim might be able to file a claim against the liable party.