Slip and fall accidents are basically what they sound like – accidents that happen when a person trips or slips and falls. While anyone can slip and fall, the risk of serious injuries is greater among older people. In fact, slip and fall accidents are some of the leading causes of fatal injuries among older people.
If a loved one trips and falls while under the care of a nursing home, you may hold the facility liable for the resulting injuries. However, no one wants this to happen in the first place. Understanding how slip and fall accidents impact older people can ensure that everyone takes precautions to reduce the risk of these accidents.
Why do older people slip and fall?
As people age, they can lose their stamina. This makes them extremely vulnerable to slips and falls. Slip and fall accidents among older people tend to be aggravated by factors such as reduced vision, weakness of the muscles, use of certain medications like antidepressants and sedatives, foot pain and balance problems.
Devastating effects of slips and falls among older people
Not every slip and fall is bound to result in a serious injury. Due to their fragility, however, older people can suffer the following lasting injuries following a slip and fall:
- Broken bones – older people tend to have weaker bones. Depending on how they land on the ground during impact, they may break or fracture their hip bones, ankles and wrists.
- Head injuries – these can be particularly serious. Head injuries that are occasioned by a slip and fall accident can include skull fracture, hematoma and TBIs.
Anyone can slip and fall. If the accident victim is an elderly relative who is under the care of a nursing home, you may want to sue the facility for personal injury. Find out how proper legal guidance can help you pursue justice on behalf of an injured relative.
