Among Seniors, More Slip & Falls and More Serious Injuries
“The rate of severe falls among older Americans over 65 has been climbing sharply in the last few years.”
As we get older, we fall more often and get injured more seriously. Aging weakens our bones and muscles; it makes our balance more certain. According to a recent article in the New York Times called “Bracing for the Falls,” the rate of severe falls among older Americans over 65 has been climbing sharply in the last few years. For many of the same reasons we fall, the falls we take at a more advanced age result in more serious injuries - and are harder to recover from.
Medications Taken By Elderly May Increase Risk of Falling
Even more alarming, researchers say bad falls can be linked to the increasing prevalence and treatment of conditions such as diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s, and heart disease, since in many cases the medications prescribed to treat these diseases actually increase the risk of falling. Surprisingly, we don’t see a warning for “increased risk of falling” as a side-effect on any prescription bottles - yet.
When a Fall Isn’t Just an Accident
Elderly people in the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility are under constant supervision. Medical staff and other personnel must uphold a reasonable standard of care in looking after residents. Part of that duty includes assessing the risk of falling each resident represents - and providing them with appropriate assistance in order to help them avoid falling. Sometimes, however, whether due to systemic understaffing or more straightforward neglect, nursing homes fail to protect elderly people from avoidable slip & fall incidents. When this happens, nursing homes may be liable for the injuries and damage suffered by the resident.
Some common causes of slip, trip, and fall personal injury accidents:
- Grease on the floor
- Wet or uneven flooring
- Slick or icy sidewalks
- Loose carpet
- Faulty stairs
- Unsafe or unsecured bannisters
- Unguarded heights
- Clutter and debris
- Dizziness or imbalance resulting from medication
PA & NJ Nursing Home Law Firm
Every fall taken by an elderly person is serious. Some falls are accidental--but others are accidents resulting from negligence. As personal injury lawyers experienced in both elder care law and slip and fall litigation, we represent victims of falls caused by the carelessness or negligence of another party.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries due to a slip & fall, please contact our eldercare attorneys immediately at 1-855-462-3330 or by using our online contact form.
