Michael DiCindio | May 8, 2020 | Slip and Fall
Facts & Statistics About Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents injure hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. every year. These accidents can occur nearly anywhere. Floors that have hazardous conditions, including debris or slick areas, can cause falls and injuries.
A majority of slip-and-fall accidents are preventable. By learning the facts and statistics of slip-and-fall accidents, you might understand how you can prevent yourself from being injured.
If you have suffered injuries after slipping or tripping and falling on the property of someone else because of negligence, the legal team at DiCindio Law can help you to determine whether your potential claim has legal merits.
Here are some important facts and statistics about falls that you should know.
Falls are the leading cause of emergency department visits
The National Flooring Safety Institute reports that an average of eight million people goes to the emergency department for the treatment of fall injuries in the U.S. each year. Out of these visits, in excess of one million of the injuries are caused by slipping or tripping and falling.
Falls are the top reason for workers’ compensation claims
Slip-and-fall accidents at work are common. They are the leading reason for workers’ compensation claims. Among workers who are ages 55 or older, falls are the top cause of work-related injuries. Slip-and-fall accidents at work are the top reason for missed days from work.
Older adults are especially at risk for falling
The National Council on Aging reports that 25% of adults ages 65 and older fall every year. Falls are the top cause of fatal injuries among older adults. An elderly adult is treated for fall injuries in the U.S. every 11 minutes.
An elderly person dies from fall injuries in the U.S. every 19 minutes. Older adults are at a greater risk of falling because of mobility problems, and they are more likely to suffer fractures and other serious injuries because they are more fragile.
Falls are the second-leading cause of workplace fatalities
According to EHS Today, falls in the workplace are the second-leading cause of deaths behind transportation deaths.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cites more companies for violating the agency’s fall protection regulation than any other type of violation. Failing to have fall protection results in numerous injuries and deaths each year in the construction industry.
Falls are very costly
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nonfatal falls cost an estimated $50 billion each year. Fatal falls cost an additional $754 million. Of those amounts, Medicaid and Medicare pay for three-fourths of the expenses related to serious fall injuries.
The CDC anticipates that the costs for treating nonfatal and fatal injuries will soar as the population ages because of the large cohort of baby boomers.
One out of every five falls results in serious injuries
One out of every five fall accidents causes serious injuries. Some of these injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries. Some slip-and-fall accident victims never return to their previous levels of functioning. Around 5% of people who slip or trip and fall break bones.
Falls can be prevented
Most falls can be prevented. In many cases, a fall occurs because of the negligence of the person who falls or the negligence of a property owner, employer, or another party. Property owners should inspect their properties regularly to identify hazards that could result in falls and promptly correct them.
People should remain alert to their surroundings to prevent themselves from slipping and falling.
Flooring materials and floor surfaces are a top cause of falls
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, flooring materials and surfaces are a top cause of slip-and-fall accidents, accounting for two million injuries from falls every year. Slick flooring materials or freshly waxed surfaces can cause falls in businesses and private residences.
Hip fractures caused by falls are serious
The CDC reports that an estimated 300,000 elderly adults are treated in the hospital each year for hip fractures. Falls that result in hip fractures most frequently happen when people fall sideways, and 95% of hip fractures happen because of falls.
The NFSI reports that 50% of older adults who suffer from hip fractures in falls will not be able to return home.
Top cause of traumatic brain injuries is falling
Falling is the top cause of traumatic brain injuries among all age groups. While many people believe that car accidents are the leading cause of TBIs, they are more frequently caused by falls. People who suffer from TBIs in falls may be left with permanent disabilities and reduced quality of life.
The risk of slipping and falling can be increased by health conditions
Many types of health conditions can increase the risk of slipping and falling. Some of the factors that might lead to an increased risk of falling include taking certain medications, having vision problems, suffering from nutritional deficiencies, suffering from bodily weakness, and other causes.
Property owners have a duty of care to prevent foreseeable fall accidents
Property owners have a duty of care to prevent foreseeable fall accidents that could injure people who are lawfully present. Businesses should regularly inspect their premises and promptly correct any dangers or post signs to warn customers of potential dangers.
Get help from DiCindio Law
In some cases, people who suffer injuries in Pennsylvania slip-and-fall accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for their losses.
When an accident results because of the negligence of a commercial or residential property owner, the victim may have grounds to file a lawsuit. By filing a legal claim, the victims might be able to hold the property owner accountable for the harm that was caused.
Contact DiCindio Law to schedule a free consultation by calling us at (610) 430-3535 or by filling out our online contact form.
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