Are you at risk for a slip-and-fall accident?

On Behalf of O’Malley Tunstall PLLC | Dec 27, 2019 | Premises Liability

Some people are at higher risk than others for serious medical consequences from slip-and-fall accidents. If you are of a “certain age” or have a parent or another relative who is, you may have already done what you can to reduce the risk of falls in your home.

Unfortunately, other property owners aren’t always as careful as you need them to be. There is always a certain amount of risk for slipping and falling when visiting stores, restaurants, apartment buildings and other public properties. Getting older just increases the chances of falling and of getting seriously injured if you do.

People over the age of 65 have major slip-and-fall risks

A quarter of all adults over the age of 65 will fall each year. Sadly, thousands of older adults pass away after slip-and-fall accidents. Some of these deaths are a direct result of their accident injuries. Other die due to complications related to the injuries they suffered.

Broken bones are one of the most common injuries that can result from slips, trips and falls. A broken bone can cause a loss of mobility and secondary infections that may prove fatal, particularly for those who already have compromised health or immune issues.

The older you are, the more important a medical review is after a fall

Teenagers and young adults bounce back more quickly after slip-and-fall accidents. Their bones are more flexible and forgiving. Older adults don’t heal as quickly, and more fragile bones make the risk of injury and complications much higher.

If you have fallen, seek medical attention and let the property owner or business owner know that you fell. An evaluation from a health care professional can rule out the potential of hairline fractures or traumatic brain injuries that may get worse with time. If you are injured through the fault of someone else, they should be responsible for your medical treatment and other expenses.