From motor vehicle crashes to health problems, you could face many different risks as an older adult. However, it is important to understand the dangers you face with respect to falling down. Whether you trip on clutter in your home or you slip on a slick surface while shopping, a fall could lead to a serious injury that significantly affects your life.
Regrettably, statistics show that many older adults fall down each year.
Data on falls involving older adults
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published data on older adult falls and these statistics shed light on the scope of this problem. Based on CDC data, roughly three million people aged 65 and over receive emergency department treatment due to injuries sustained after falling down on an annual basis. Every year, over 32,000 older adults die after falling down, and roughly 36 million older adult falls become reported.
The CDC notes that women fall more frequently than men and suffer three out of every four hip fractures. Hip fractures account for more than 300,000 hospitalizations among older adults per year, 95% of which occur as a result of falls.
Addressing a fall-related injury as an older adult
In the U.S., 25% of older adults fall down each year. In fact, falls cause more injuries and deaths among older adults than any other risk factor, and statistics reveal that an older adult falls down every second in the U.S.
If you suffered an injury after falling down, it is crucial to do everything in your power to recover from the accident. If your fall occurred as a result of the negligence of another party, such as a careless business owner, you deserve justice.