The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that trip- or slip-and-fall accidents continue to be particularly dangerous for seniors. The older we are the less agile we become and the more likely we are to suffer a fracture or other serious injury as a result of a fall. One third of all adults ages 65 years and up will fall and often be seriously injured. In 2010, more than 662,000 seniors were hospitalized after falling; of those, 21,700 died. Falls are the leading cause of serious injuries and death among older adults.
Serious injuries suffered by senior citizen falls
Senior citizens who trip or slip and fall may suffer debilitating injuries that can affect the rest of his or her life such as a fractured hip, torn meniscus, spinal injury or head injury. Falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with almost half of all fatal accidents stemming from a fall involving a TBI injury.
Where are seniors at risk to fall accidents?
A fall can happen to anyone and at any age. There are many active senior citizens in Florida who lead active lives. However, a moderate unexpected raise in a sidewalk can easily cause a person to trip and fall. A slippery liquid spilled on the floor can cause a person to slip. Senior citizens are vulnerable to being injured in a fall as a result of dangerous conditions on the following properties:
- Supermarket - liquid, produce or a display lying on the ground
- Restaurant - dim lighting, narrow stairways, and spilled drinks
- Parks – holes, debris and broken pavement
- Parking lots – uneven pavement, depressed sewer covers and sidewalk cracks
- Sidewalk – uneven or broken pavement, holes or depressions
- Malls – slippery floors, crowded floors and debris
Property owners have a duty to keep their properties free of dangerous conditions; failure to do so will open them to liability for injuries on the premises, regardless of the victim's age. If have fallen and been hurt as a result of a dangerous condition, you can consult with a Florida slip and fall personal injury attorney about your rights.