Call us now
There are many serious implications associated with slip and fall injuries and especially if the injured is a senior. A slip and fall injury with a senior victim can result in a loss of their independence, a long-term disability or could even be fatal. Added to all that there can be personal costs that are quite significant.
Minor slip and fall incidents for seniors can result in broken bones and usually requires hospitalization. It is most frequently an orthopedic injury including fractures and dislocations associated with a slip and fall accident that lands a senior in the hospital. About half of all seniors hospitalized due to a slip and fall accident will have sustained a hip fracture.
Along with the risk of broken bones a senior can suffer serious head injury in a fall. It is more common than not that seniors have less bone strength and more health fragility than the rest of the population which adds to their susceptible nature for severe injury if they fall. Injuries in seniors can be even more dangerous with the addition of medicines, such as blood thinners.
The physical harm a senior suffers in a slip and fall accident can reduce their strength and health and that increases their chances for taking another fall. They can also have a much greater risk of falling again from fear of it happening again. Falls for senior citizens are not all physical but can include, psychological trauma, withdrawing from society and a lack of independence creating increased dependency.
Risks for seniors sustaining injury is increased by negligent situations. Factors such as slippery or wet floors, inadequate lighting, no handrails, uneven floors and poorly maintained walkways are just a few that pose higher risks.Accidents will always happen but there are preventative measures you can take to reduce the risks of a fall or following ones for seniors:
• Keep up a physical exercise routine. This could lessen the severity of some physical effects of an injury.
• Wear correct footwear or eyeglasses if necessary.
• Ask for assistance walking up and down stairs and make use of guard or handrails.
• Try to avoid obstacles such as rugs or clutter.
It may not be enough to try and prepare for a slip and fall accident. Negligence of another person cannot always be prepared for. When this is the case, your personal injury lawyer in North Bay report the incident and hold the negligent party responsible for the injury. They will ensure that your rights are protected and justice is served. You need to ensure that you work with a lawyer that is experienced and qualified.