The older you become, the higher the risk you run for a fall. In fact, one in four people aged 65 and older fall every year in New York and throughout the U.S., which comes to millions of cases. Yet less than half of the victims tell their doctor, presumably because the injuries are minor. This is not always the case, of course.
One in five involve serious injuries
Serious injuries, such as fractures and head injuries, arise in one out of every five fall incidents. Every year, some three million people go to the emergency department for fall-related injuries, and 800,000 are hospitalized, most especially for head injuries and hip fractures. Ninety-five percent of all hip fracture cases are the result of falling, usually sideways.
Traumatic brain injuries all too frequent
Falls are to blame for most TBI cases. Head injuries in general can hold serious consequences for those who take blood thinners or other medications, and this is one reason why older people, even when they feel their head injury was minor, should always see their doctor after a fall. Besides head injuries, falls can lead to broken arms, wrists and ankles.
Fall prevention is not too difficult. Older people can have doctors evaluate their risk and check their vision. They could try strength and balance exercises and add lights and railings in their home.
When someone’s negligence causes you to fall
Perhaps your slip and fall injuries were the result not of advanced age but rather of negligence on the part of the property owner. In that case, you may be able to file a premises liability claim and seek compensation for your past and future medical expenses, any lost wages and pain and anguish. A lawyer may determine how strong of a case you have and handle all negotiations.
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