l.lStatistics reveal surprising facts about the number of people who suffer serious or fatal injuries in slip-and-fall accidents.
A slip or trip and fall may occur in almost any location, such as at work, on city sidewalks, in a crosswalk, or on any private, commercial, government property. Hazards include uneven surfaces on floors, walkways and pavement, potholes, cluttered hallways, uneven carpeting or tiles, and wet, icy or oily floors. Any of these situations may put visitors, employees and others at high risk of suffering a serious injury.
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that adults over the age of 55 are at higher risk of falling, and the common injuries a victim might sustain could significantly diminish his or her quality of life. In the most serious cases, the individual loses the ability to live independently or suffers a fatal injury.
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Slip-and-Fall Accident Statistics
Falls are the reason for over 8 million visits to the emergency room (ER) every year, and the numbers outstrip every other type of injury or illness requiring a visit to the emergency department of a hospital.
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reveals some troubling facts about slip and fall accidents:
- Falls of all types are the leading cause of ER visits, accounting for 21 percent of cases.
- Slips and falls are responsible for about 1 million ER visits each year.
- About 5 percent of all falls result in a fracture.
- Slips and falls are the leading cause of missed days from work.
- Floors and flooring materials play a role in about 2 million falls each year.
- Half of accidental deaths involving falls take place in the home.
- Falls on slick floors are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims.
- Over 60 percent of all nursing home residents fall each year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 3 adults age 65 and older will fall, leading to moderate to severe injuries. Common injuries sustained by those in this age group include hip fractures and head trauma, increasing the risk of death.
For older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. The CDC reports that during a typical year, 2.4 million nonfatal falls required treatment in the ER, and more than 722,000 patients were admitted for treatment at the facility.
Slip and Fall Facts
The numbers tell the story about this serious public health issue for all types of slip-and-fall accidents. According to the CDC:
- Slip-and-fall accidents are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Nearly half of fall-related fatalities among older people are due to TBI.
- 20-30 percent of fall victims suffer severe injuries (lacerations, hip fractures, head trauma).
- 22,900 older adults died from unintentional falls in one recent year.
- 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falls.
- The fatality rate for men who fall is 41 percent higher than the rate for women.
- Women are more than twice as likely to suffer a fracture compared to men.
- Most fractures in older people are caused by falls. Commonly fractured bones include the spine, hip, arm, leg, ankle, pelvis and hand.
Falls: The Risks for Older Adults
Older adults are far more likely to die in a fall. Statistics for causes of death in the Northeast reveal the high numbers of fall-related deaths for older persons.
Fatal Falls by Age in the Northeast Region
| Age | Deaths | Percentage unintentional deaths from falls |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 3 | 3.1% |
| 1 – 4 years | 9 | 6.7% |
| 5 – 9 years | 3 | 4.2% |
| 10 – 14 years | 1 | 1.0% |
| 15 – 24 years | 38 | 2.1% |
| 25 – 34 years | 53 | 2.0% |
| 35 – 44 years | 85 | 3.6% |
| 45 – 54 years | 244 | 7.4% |
| 55 – 64 years | 406 | 17.0% |
| 65 – 85+ years | 4,137 | 52.8% |
Source: CDC
Those who survive often suffer very serious injuries that are incapacitating, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fractures to hips, knees, elbows or shoulders. Less severe cases involve soft tissue injuries that are difficult to treat and resolve, often requiring many months before the pain and inhibited motion is resolved, if ever.
Get Legal Help Following a Fall
If you or a loved one has suffered a slip-and-fall accident that caused serious injuries, the situation can quickly become dire. The costs of medical treatment, the inability to work and earn a living, the need for extensive rehabilitation, surgeries and other consequences can continue for many months, or last for the remainder of the victim’s life.
Speak With A Knowledgeable Professional
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., are ready to provide a free evaluation of your claim. Our lawyers are conveniently located in offices throughout the New York and New Jersey metro area. Call 1-888-GINARTE (1-888-446-2783) or use our online form to get started.
Sources:
- National Safety Council – Prevent Falls In and Outside of Your Home
- National Floor Safety Institute – Quick Facts
- CDC – Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview