According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional falls are the leading injury-related reason for emergency room visits, with nearly 9 million visits occurring annually. The two highest risk age groups for falls are children under five and adults over 70. For older adults, falls are typically the result of problems with balance and walking, lower-body weakness, chronic illness, history of stroke, or visual impairment. For children, the most severe fall injuries are associated with things like baby walkers or play equipment, including trampolines.
Falls account for over 40 percent of nonfatal injuries and are the leading cause of unintentional home injury deaths (33 percent).
You can prevent unintentional falls by taking the following steps:
- Keep clutter off the floors of your home. Avoid leaving objects in walkways or stairs.
- Repair loose floorboards or carpeting.
- Remove or tack down throw rugs.
- Set up locking gates near stairs to keep very young children away from the steps.
- Use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways.
- Add non-skid surfaces to bathtubs and showers to avoid slipping. For older adults, consider adding grip bars to the bath and shower area.
- Wear helmets and other protective gear when biking, motorcycling, or playing contact sports.
If you or someone you know has tripped or slipped and fallen because of an unsafe condition on another person’s property, you may have a premises liability claim and may be entitled to compensation. The Orlando personal injury lawyers at Todd Miner Law®️ represent people who have suffered injury due to preventable slips/trips and falls. If you believe your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact our firm and tell us about your case. Consultations are provided free of charge.
Get started by filling out an online contact form or give us a call at 407-214-4743.
