Wisconsin Seniors Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents

According to OSHA, falls are responsible for the majority of industry accidents; they cause fifteen percent of accidental deaths, and are the second cause of fatalities behind vehicle accidents. Ensure there is sufficient lighting to see walking surfaces clearly. Wear anti-slip shoes and be especially cautious of walkways covered by obstacles, those having uneven surfaces, or covered in snow or ice. If you see something that looks like it could be a potential injury hazard, report it before someone gets hurt.

Wisconsin Winters cause problems

Without fail, falling on ice sends people emergency rooms in Wisconsin ever winter. Falls on hard surfaces, such as ice, can cause head and back injuries, cuts, bruises, and strains. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), floors and flooring materials directly contribute to more than 2 million fall injuries each year. Parking lots and driveways are a prime spot for accidents that involve tripping or slipping. Keep in mind that stores and stations have a liability to keep patrons reasonably safe. Those that don’t, could potentially face an injury claim if a patron slips, trips, or falls going into, while inside, or while exiting the store. Other Shopping-related injuries.

Impact of slip and fall injuries

“The older we get, the harder we fall.” Falls are the leading cause of injuries for older Americans. Seniors are more frail and potentially more vulnerable to greater physical damage or death. However, not all falls are directly related to the aging process itself. Most slips, trips, and falls are truly preventable accidents. Therefore, as a community, we have an obligation to ensure that our senior citizens maintain their independence as long as possible.

1/3 of adults 65+ fall each year. Here are more facts:

• Every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
• Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.
• Falls result in more than 2.5 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 734,000 hospitalizations and more than 21,700 deaths.
• In 2013, the total cost of fall injuries was $34 billion.
• The financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase as the population ages and may reach $67.7 billion by 2020.

Injured from a fall?

Caring for a loved one who has been injured is difficult. Don’t add the stress of attempting to negotiate settlements with insurance companies. Hire an experienced personal injury attorney that can provide the personal attention you need, and the results your injured family member deserves. Action Law Offices is a firm you can trust. A free no-obligation case evaluation is offered for each case to determine if your family member may be entitled to compensation. No case is too small. Injured? Take Action!