When some people over the age of 65 falls down, they could face additional challenges in the wake of the accident. Not only can these falls prove especially devastating for older adults from a physical point of view, but they can lead to other hardships. For example, some slip-and-fall accident victims cannot keep living independently as a result of the fall. Financial problems, emotional challenges and other difficulties can affect victims and their loved ones as well.
Sadly, too many older adults fall down on an annual basis, and some of these accidents occur due to negligent property owners.
Data on older adult falls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that during 2020, falls involving older adults (those 65 and up) resulted in three million emergency department visits. In addition, the CDC points out that falls claimed more lives of older adults than any other factor during 2020 when more than 36,000 older adults died due to falls.
Aside from injuries and deaths, falls have significant financial consequences as well. Older adult falls generate $50 billion in medical expenses each year.
The aftermath of an older adult fall
In the wake of a slip-and-fall accident, victims need to understand how the fall could affect their life. It is important to thoroughly evaluate physical, emotional and financial concerns while focusing on the recovery process. When a careless business owner fails to address hazards that cause an older adult to sustain injuries after falling down, they should face consequences for their negligence.