Older adults face a number of risks, whether they become involved in a traffic collision or suffer a health-related emergency. Sadly, some become seriously hurt after falling down, and some of these falls occur because of a negligent property owner. For example, a business owner who fails to address a leaky pipe or does not keep surfaces in their store safe should face consequences if their negligence causes someone to sustain an injury.
Data shows the prevalence of these falls, which remain a major area of concern for older adults.
Statistics on falls involving older adults
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention writes that older adult falls result in more injuries and deaths for those 65 and over than any other cause. In fact, more than 300,000 older adults require hospitalization each year as a result of hip fractures, over 95% of which occur due to falling down.
Moreover, 20% of falls lead to injuries such as broken bones or head trauma, and roughly 3 million people 65 and over seek emergency treatment every year due to fall-related injuries.
Negligence and older adult falls
When walking around outside or in shopping malls, grocery stores and other locations, older adults should remain vigilant and look out for hazards that could lead to an accident. Clutter, ice, uneven steps and slick surfaces can cause a fall. Unfortunately, many of these accidents occur because of negligence, and careless property owners who do not prioritize the safety of others should answer when older adults become seriously hurt due to their carelessness.