Are certain people at greater risk of fall accidents?
Even though the very young and elderly are at greater risk of fall injuries, their age cannot be used as a defense to excuse a landlord, supermarket or storekeeper’s negligence in allowing a dangerous condition or hazard to exist. More than two million children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries suffered in slip and falls in 2007. For adults, the risk of falling and being seriously injured increases with age. Falls are a serious problem for older adults. One out of three adults aged 65 or older will be hurt in a slip and fall. As the U.S. population ages, slip and fall accidents are becoming a growing problem.
A 2010 study by Johns Hopkins School of Public Health’s Center for Injury Research found an alarming increase in deaths attributable to falls among older adults. Falls are the most common cause of severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and broken hips. Falls may cause bone fractures including hip fractures and fractures of the spine, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm and hand.
Women are more likely to be injured in a fall than men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2008, women were 46 percent more likely to suffer a fall injury than men.
At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., our personal injury lawyers have been assisting victims of slip and falls and other accidents caused by dangerous or poorly maintained property since 1981. Slip and fall accidents can occur in a wide variety of places and involve various dangerous conditions. Our NJ or NY accident lawyers can help you get back on your feet physically, financially and emotionally after a serious slip and fall.
Call our slip and fall injury lawyers today at (800) LAW-2000 or use our online form to receive a free initial consultation.
Home and Hospital Consultations Available—No Fee if No Recovery.