Fall Injuries Are Among the Biggest Concerns for Elderly Americans

 Posted on July 27,2018 in Nursing Home Negligence

Every eleven seconds, an elderly American is hospitalized due to a fall injury, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Fall injuries are now the sole leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among Americans over the age of sixty five. Throughout American hospitals, an average of 2.8 million people are treated after suffering severe injuries due to falls on an annual basis. Equally concerning is the fact that fall injuries alone account for an average of more than 27,000 deaths each year. 

While fall injuries are concerning for all Americans, elderly men and women are among those who face a higher risk of suffering severe injuries due to falling. Recent studies concluded that falls account for roughly 87% of all bone fractures among those over the age of sixty five. If you or a loved one suffer a fall injury, contacting a competent personal injury attorney can be critical in receiving the help and legal guidance you deserve. 

Most Common Fall Injuries 

Among elderly Americans, fall injuries can be incredibly dangerous. In severe cases, bone fractures can lead to serious health complications, and even death. Throughout the United States, just under 250,000 hip fractures occur each year among Americans over the age of fifty. While most hip fractures only require a few weeks of hospitalization, these injuries can cause severe discomfort, restriction of mobility, and a number of future health concerns. 

Other common injuries that can result after a fall include fractures to the upper forearm, wrist injuries, sprained or broken ankles, and in serious cases, severe spinal or brain trauma.

Preventing Falls 

While fall injuries continue to be one of the largest health concerns for elderly Americans, they can be prevented. If you are responsible for taking care of an elderly loved one, it is important to know what you can do to help ensure that they do not suffer a fall injury. 

Know if They Are Susceptible to Falls: Elderly people who suffer from vision disorders such as myopia or nervous system disorders like sciatica are much more susceptible to suffer a fall injury. Other physical ailments similar to arthritis can increase the likelihood of a fall. 

If you are responsible for taking care of an elderly family member, it is also important to know what medications they are currently taking. Medications that impact balance or increase drowsiness can also increase the likelihood of a fall. 

Limit the Risk: Whether elderly Americans are living full-time in an assisted-living facility, spending time in a family member’s home, or visiting a public place, it is important to ensure that they are safe from potential hazards. Their environment should be well lit and free of slippery surfaces, which can make all the difference in avoiding a treacherous fall.

Encouraging your loved one to take part in regular exercise can also help them maintain balance, restore muscular strength, and stimulate other key components to remaining physically healthy throughout the aging process. 

Contact a Will County Slip and Fall Attorney 

Despite our best efforts, injuries to elderly Americans do occur. At Flaherty Law, LLC, we know just how difficult an injury to an elderly loved one can be for the entire family, and when these injuries occur due to someone’s negligence, you should be sure to understand your options for recovering compensation. If you and your family are in need of a knowledgeable and compassionate Plainfield personal injury lawyer, contact us to set up a free consultation. Call our office today at 815-577-7500. 

Sources:

https://www.medicinenet.com/seniors_-_falls_cause_serious_injuries/views.htm

https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/