Help Seniors Prevent Slip & Falls

Slip & Fall Accident Lawyers Serving All of Georgia & Alabama

There are over 36 million people over age 65 in America.  A lot of these “experienced” people live in the South.  The lure of year round golf, dedicated communities, and the warm weather lure retirees southward every day.  These good folks are at an increased risk for serious injury or fatal injury due to a slip and fall or premises liability accident.

The National Floor Safety Institute reports that 1 of 3 people over the age of 65 suffer a fall each year.  Over half of those who suffer a fall are repeat fallers.  87% of all fractures in people over the age of 65 are caused by slip, trips, and falls.  More amazing is that slip trips, and falls are the leading cause of brain and spinal cord injuries in older people.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimates over 2.4 million citizens age 65 and older went to the emergency room for injuries related to slip and falls.  Just over 700,000 of those ER patients required admission to the hospital.  The estimated cost of medical treatment for slip and fall victims over age 65 in 2012 was $30 billion.

Slips and Falls among people over age 65 can occur anywhere.  Falls can occur at home, in grocery stores, at parks, in hospitals and nursing homes, and other places.  According to The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, some tips to help older people prevent falls include:

• Remove clutter to create clear paths for walking through the home;
• Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep rugs from slipping;
• Install handrails and lights on all staircases;
• Install grab bars inside and outside the shower and next to the toilet;
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors;
• Avoid using step stools or ladders to reach items on high shelves;
• Extend the chain on ceiling fans to make them easily reachable;
• Avoid walking on icy surfaces outside;
• Get up slowly and turn on a light before walking across the room;
• Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.

Slips, trips, and falls cannot be completely eliminated.  They can be reduced by doing a little work.  A slip and fall accident can result in serious injuries, as well as many questions and concerns. Furthermore, proving liability can be a difficult process. Please contact the Metro Atlanta Slip & Fall Accident Attorneys of The Parian Law Firm, LLC by calling (770) 727-5550.  After an initial consultation, we can begin working on your case to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Proven. Personal. Parian.