Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents for Older Americans
July 17, 2015
Tips from your Personal Injury Lawyer in Sarasota
Slips and falls are the second leading cause of accidental death for older Americans. Most people know of an elderly relative who has suffered a hip fracture or broken bone as a result of aging-related conditions. Such conditions include balance issues, decreased strength, poor flexibility, vision problems, and memory loss. These health problems may require medication that can increase the individual’s chances for a slip or fall accident. With such an increased risk in the senior community, understanding how to avoid slip and fall accidents is essential. Your personal injury lawyer in Sarasota has several easy, cost-effective steps that can be taken to prevent a life-altering accident.
Consequences for the Elderly
Consequences of slip and fall accidents can create a domino effect for seniors. As bodies age, muscle mass and strength decrease. This slows movement, which in turn decreases strength even more. If a fall occurs, recovery can be exceptionally difficult for an elderly person. Frustration from lack of mobility and fear of a subsequent fall may result in even less mobility, exacerbating the cycle. Physical consequences may include:
- Fractures – Hip, pelvis, spine, ankle, leg, arm, and hand fractures are the most common.
- Lacerations – As skin ages, it becomes thin and extremely vulnerable to tissue damage.
- Head trauma – Approximately 50 percent of fatal slip and fall accidents are caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s).
Statistics
The serious risk of elderly slip and fall traumas is evident in recent statistics:
- In 2013, emergency rooms treated 2.5 million older adults for slip and fall injuries. Over 734,000 were subsequently hospitalized.
- The same year, approximately 25,500 seniors lost their lives from accidental slip and fall injuries.
- Compared to seniors between the ages of 65 and 74, Americans 75 and older have a four to five times greater chance of residing in a nursing facility for over a year following a slip and fall accident.
- The rate of slip and fall fatalities for older men is about 40 percent greater than for older women.
Prevention Tips
Though the above statistics are alarming, awareness and following some simple tips can help decrease the risk of a slip and fall accident.
- Exercise regularly to improve and maintain strength and flexibility. Thai Chi, yoga, swimming, and gentle fitness classes are healthfully challenging while easy on joints.
- Be conscious of changes in blood pressure when moving from lying, sitting, or standing positions.
- Install bars and railings in appropriate areas, such as the bathroom.
- Make sure footwear soles have material with a decent grip. Never walk around with only socks or on bare feet.
- Review prescriptions and any over-the-counter drugs with a physician. Knowing side effects or negative interactions may reduce fall risks.
- See an eye doctor annually to ensure safe vision.
- Keep bones healthy with vitamin D and calcium from foods and supplements. Bone density tests reveal what steps are needed to be as strong as possible. Weight bearing exercises may also be beneficial for bone health.
Jodat Law Group – Injury Lawyer in Sarasota
Despite taking every available precaution, slip and fall accidents may still occur. If the accident occurred in a public space or business as a result of another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other associated costs. At Jodat Law Group, we work hard to protect our clients’ rights and to obtain the compensation they deserve. With multiple locations including Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties and the surrounding areas, our experienced legal team can help you get back on your feet. Contact Jodat Law Group, your personal injury lawyers in Sarasota, for your free consultation.