When it comes to falling down, most of us tend to think that such accidents are no big deal. Falls are part of the process small children go through when learning to walk. And as we mature, most falls seem more embarrassing than physically harmful.
But depending on the circumstances and the age of the victim, a fall can be debilitating or even deadly. That’s why it is critically important for businesses, property owners and even local governments to reduce the risks of falls on premises where the public regularly travels.
A recent New York Times article highlights how dangerous falls can be for older people. The article cites a CDC statistic that more than 25 percent of people over age 65 suffer a fall each year, which can cause injuries and double their risk of falling a second time. Falls are so common and dangerous that in the US, an older person dies every 19 minutes from a fall.
There are, of course, many factors that go into the likelihood of falls among older Americans as well as the physical injuries associated with them. For starters, aging bodies are simply not as resilient as younger ones. But older Americans still need access to grocery stores and other public spaces without fearing that they will encounter a dangerous hazard like spilled liquid or objects left carelessly on the floor.
Even among younger Americans, slip-and-falls or tripping accidents can be highly injurious, leading to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and other serious consequences. And these accidents become much more likely when property owners fail mitigate hazards like slippery floors, sidewalks and parking lots.
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to avoidable hazards that were not addressed, you may have options for compensation. Please discuss your injuries and legal options with a personal injury lawyer today.