Slip And Fall Accident Statistics

Wet surfaces in stores, ice, and snow are, for many people, the main culprits of many slip and fall accidents. However, this is not always the case, as Slip and Fall Accident Statistics indicate that these types of accidents can occur at any location and are not always caused by ‘wet floors’.  In addition, the recovery process for individuals who have encountered these types of accidents can be painful, lengthy and costly.

Most people have heard about older people being severely hurt by falling, or of plaintiffs being awarded large settlements for slip and fall injuries. Still, many people don’t have much appreciation for how common or damaging these injuries can be. Sadly, slip and fall accident statistics indicate that these types of injuries are widespread and often very serious.

How Common Are Slip And Fall Injuries?

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that, with nearly 9 million hospital visits a year, falls are one of the country’s leading causes of injuries.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a majority of the accidents that occur in the workplace and 15% of all accidental deaths are a result of trips, slips and falls. These slip and fall accident statistics on accidental deaths (15%) are second only to the fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents, making these types of accidents grave.

Slip and fall injury statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that falls are especially a danger for people over age 65. One-third of the Americans in this age group suffer from a fall each year. In 2010, about 2.3 million older people were hospitalized for non-fatal injuries, while more than 20,000 were fatally injured.

How Severe Are These Injuries?

Although some falls are harmless, others can be devastating. Common injuries include fractures, head injuries, and lacerations. The CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, which can cause death or lifelong cognitive impairments. Falls are also responsible for more than 95 percent of hip fractures, according to the CDC.

How Can These Injuries Be Prevented?

Certain precautions can reduce the likelihood of fall injuries. The NSC recommends that people check their homes for tripping hazards like cords, rugs, and small objects. The CDC recommends that older people exercise regularly and avoid medications with side effects like dizziness. Unfortunately, in many cases, slip and fall injuries occur because a business or property owner failed to provide a safe walking area. This can happen when lighting is bad, flooring is wet, gaps are unmarked, or the walkway is cluttered. Victims are often powerless to see these hazards and are unable to avoid the resulting injuries.

Slip and fall accidents can cause lifelong injuries and even death. Unfortunately, slip and fall accident statistics indicate that there are millions of victims each year. If you have fallen and been hurt because another person failed to maintain safe conditions on public or private property, you should contact a slip and fall accident attorney to discuss seeking compensation for your injuries. To learn more about slip and fall accident statistics, call 303-447-1144 today to speak with an experienced premises liability attorney at Sloat & Nicholson, P.C.