Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries among elderly individuals.
With age, comes a decline in vision, hearing, balance, and mobility – all factors that increase the likelihood of slip and fall accidents. This increased vulnerability, that comes with age, also enhances the effects of these accidents.
Here is what a slip and fall accident lawyer would want you to know about how these accidents affect the elderly.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents
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A slip and fall accident happens when someone loses balance or footing due to an unforeseeable hazard present on a surface. Hospitals, nursing homes, public parks, and sidewalks, among others, are areas where slip and fall accidents are likely to occur.
Elderly individuals are at higher risk of slipping than younger people because their reflexes tend to be slower, they might walk less steadily, or have difficulty seeing obstacles in their pathway.
Causes of Elderly Slip and Fall Accidents
Due to a variety of reasons, such as muscle weakness or medical conditions like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, seniors often have difficulty walking steadily. In addition to slowed reflex time brought on by aging, environmental hazards also play an important role in increasing slip-and-fall risk among seniors.
The following are the most common factors.
Uneven flooring: An accident waiting to happen
One major factor that increases the risk of slips and falls for seniors is uneven flooring. Uneven surfaces such as cracked or broken pavements, worn carpets, or loose rugs can cause a senior’s foot to catch while walking which may lead to tripping and falling. Therefore it’s essential for care providers, at home or in public areas frequented by seniors like nursing homes or hospitals, to always check flooring conditions regularly.
Poor lighting: Do not let darkness hide hazards
Another crucial factor that contributes significantly to slip and fall accidents among older people is poor lighting. It’s challenging for an older adult to see clearly, thus lack of sufficient lighting can obscure potential trip hazards, making them more prone to slips as well as other types of accidents. For this reason, it’s highly recommended that indoor spaces with high traffic have proper illumination so there won’t be any dark corners lurking with potential risks.
Reduced mobility: Arthritis pain could hinder movement
We cannot neglect physical impairments in identifying contributing factors causing elderly slips and falls. Aging often comes along with reducing muscle strength leading to joint wear and tear, causing arthritis – especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This condition restricts movement capabilities – because it involves painful joint inflammation frequently found on knees – causing uneven mobility which translates into decreased balance. This results in a higher likelihood of slipping when trying sudden body movements like reaching out or bending down.
Medication side effects: Side effects should never be ignored
Several medications such as blood pressure and sedative medications can cause an individual to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and unsteady, which could potentially lead to dangerous slips or falls. Inappropriate medication dosage, mismanagement among providers, or total abandonment of intake over extended periods leads to potential side effects that increase the likelihood of injury in seniors.
Poor footwear: Comfortable does not mean safe
Choosing inappropriate footwear can also play a considerable role in increasing slip and fall accidents among seniors. Seniors should avoid shoes with slippery soles or those with worn-out soles since it puts them at higher risks than when they wear correctly fitting rubber-soled shoes that are generally proven to be beneficial for better grip and safety.
Effects of Slip and Fall Accidents on Elderly Individuals
Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone regardless of age, but for elderly individuals, the impact of such accidents is often more severe.
According to CDC, one out of five falls results in serious injuries like head injuries or broken bones. Older adults are at higher risk for suffering a slip and fall since they have an increased likelihood of having decreased balance, vision impairment or cognitive decline.
Fractures: An Ominous Consequence
When older people take a fall, fractures are one of the most common consequences due to weakened bones — especially if they suffer from diseases like osteoporosis.
Hip fractures are among the most destructive types resulting from falls – they lead to reduced mobility and make patients highly susceptible to developing other age-related health conditions.
Cuts And Bruises – Ouch!
Older people’s skin naturally becomes thinner over time which makes them more prone to bruises when engaging in any physical activity. In case of a fall, seniors will have higher chances of experiencing cuts or bruises on the body parts that come into contact with hard surfaces while tumbling down.
Death – A Grim Possibility
Shockingly enough, falls might end up being fatal for senior citizens as well. CDC reports that approximately 20% of senior accidental deaths result from these accidents alone.
Impaired Mobility & Everyday Life
After suffering a slip-and-fall accident, older individuals may experience difficulties moving around and doing activities like bathing cooking cleaning housekeeping, which greatly impacts their daily life.
They also become nervous when walking leading to further sedentary lifestyle risks., Reduced range of motion (subsequently making it difficult to do exercises), trouble sleeping comfortably and increased pain levels add insult to injury, leaving elderly persons struggling on each front.
Legal Impact on Elderly Individuals
When an elderly person suffers a slip and fall injury due to another party’s negligence, they may hold that party liable for damages incurred by bringing forth a personal injury lawsuit against them.
The victim must prove that the defendant breached their responsibility towards him/her by failing to maintain or repair the premises adequately. Also, proving that the failure was the actual cause of his/her injury is crucial in building a strong case.
If successful in proving liability, victims may recover monetary compensation for medical bills coverage from Medicare or other health insurance programs that cover elderly individuals’ needs during such emergencies. Pain and suffering reimbursement could be awarded as well if required by law or deemed appropriate under Florida statute 768(21).
Expertise Required To Handle It All
Bringing a personal injury claim requires special skills in litigation- this kind would require even greater expertise due to possible defamation risks regarding elder abuse cases or mistreatments in senior assisted homes/hospitals/nursing centers etc.
Proving fault usually involves complex issues that should best be handled by professionals suited for this task (i.e. lawyers specialized in elder law). These professionals are experienced in establishing fault, handling evidence, evaluating damage claims for monetary compensation, and ensuring a victim’s legal rights are protected.
Legal Procedures & The Elderly
In most cases, elderly individuals lack the knowledge of their legal options. Hence it is crucial that, if they suffer slip and fall accidents due to negligence, they should consult with personal injury attorneys specializing in elder-related legislation.
As seniors may require additional support throughout this process – whether it be acquiring medical treatment or physical therapy- lawyers can help provide them with all necessary assistance.
Preventive Measures for Reducing Slip-and-Fall Risk Among Seniors
1) Keep the Home Environment Safe
Encourage regular cleaning around homes while closely monitoring areas prone to obstructions or hazard build-up. Invest in electric-light timers around stairwells and hallways that activate when there’s a drop in illumination.
2) Wear Proper Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes with grip souls instead of slippers which easily tug off your feet leaving toe stubs on uneven stretches within your home.
3) Address Medical Symptoms Immediately
Most importantly when you experience symptoms such as dizzy spells due to health issues, share them freely with family members and caregivers so they can monitor activities more effectively.
4) Regular Exercise Routine
Physical activity has proven effective for maintaining good muscle strength and flexibility required for balance control.
Hiring a Lawyer For Better Outcomes
Dealing with an insurance company can be frustrating, especially if the insurance adjuster is minimizing or denying your claim. If you’re an elderly individual who may not fully understand the legal and negotiation process in these cases, a slip and fall lawyer can help.
Your lawyer will know how to deal with pressure tactics by insurers, such as offering “lowball” settlements or trying to delay payment. With a professional representing your interest, the chances of reaching a settlement that truly covers what compensation is rightfully deserved will be significantly improved.