Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Each and every year, a third of adults over the age of 64 suffer from a fall accident.
These falls vary in severity. Some can be as serious as head injuries and hip fractures! Falls can even increase the risk of an early death. These accidents are a public health problem and are often preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Our Cape Coral injury attorneys understand that although a third of elderly residents are expected to suffer a fall accident this year, only half of these victims will ever talk to their doctor about it. The truth of the matter is that these kinds of accidents are the number one cause of injury death for elderly residents. They are also the most common cause of injuries and hospital visits for trauma. There were close to 2.5 million fall injuries sustained by elderly residents in 2010. More than 660,000 fall victims had to be admitted into a hospital. These falls cost about $30 billion in direct medical costs alone!
Companies, business owners, landlords and members of homeowners associations (HOA) are required to make sure that their premises are kept safe for older adults. Many companies actually cater to the seniors who call South Florida home — keeping their property free from fall hazards doesn’t happen by accident.
Who is most at risk for a fall-related injury?
-Residents who are over the age of 74 are nearly 5 times more likely than younger seniors to be enrolled into a long-term care center following a fall accident.
-Rates of fractures resulting from fall accidents are higher for senior women than they are for men.
-More than 95 percent of hip fractures are suffered because of fall accidents. There were more than 270,000 hip fractures in 2009.
-White women are much more likely that black women to sustain a hip fracture.
There are ways that you can decrease your risks for a fall accident. Some people believe that falls are a normal part of aging, and as such are not preventable. Lack of knowledge leads to lack of preventive action, resulting in falls.
You should exercise on a regular basis. Exercising helps you to build up your leg strength and improve your balance and reactions. You should also go over your medications with your doctor or medical professional. You want to make sure that none of them are causing any side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. It’s a good idea to get your eyes checked too, at least once a year! Seeing helps your walking and decreases your risks for a fall accident. Lastly, you want to make sure that your home is safe. You should eliminate trip and fall hazards, add railing to stairways and improve the lighting in your home, too!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. 1-800-283-2900.
More Blog Entries:
Accidents in Cape Coral and Elsewhere Common Result of Ergonomic Disorders, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, June 14, 2012
Florida Brain Injury Case Highlights Complexity of Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Litigation, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, January 15, 2012
