Who Is Most Vulnerable to Slip and Fall Accidents?

You may think of slipping and falling as no big deal. In fact, you may have clumsily tripped over yourself while walking, and picked yourself back up afterwards, more times than you can count. However, there may come a time when you are not let off as easily, and your slip may be serious enough that it constitutes an accident event. With that being said, please read on to discover who is likely to be the most vulnerable to serious injuries and how a seasoned Passaic County slip and fall lawyer at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis can help you heal from this physically, emotionally, and financially. 

How serious are slip and fall injuries compared to other accidents?

Slip and fall accidents may seem less dramatic than, say, auto accidents. However, the resulting injuries may be comparatively severe or even worse. This is because you must remember that a driver is at least protected by a seatbelt, airbag, and the build of their vehicle. But an individual walking through a supermarket, on a sidewalk, down a stairway, or in a parking lot is afforded little to no protection. 

Therefore, an individual’s body may directly strike a hard surface with significant force and without much warning. Depending on how they land, their head or back may absorb the impact, which may translate into life-altering, life-threatening, or life-ending injuries. Namely, a traumatic brain injury that can lead to permanent cognitive disabilities, or a spinal cord injury that can lead to permanent mobility issues or paralysis. 

Who is most vulnerable to being seriously injured in a slip and fall accident?

Anyone can be seriously harmed in a slip and fall accident, depending on the hazard they interacted with, the way their body was impacted, etc. However, it can be said that elderly individuals may be the most vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. For one, this may be due to their reduced bone density, making a fracture or broken bone more likely. Plus, the recovery time after a necessary surgery may be extensive, possibly without ever fully rehabilitating. 

Then, elderly individuals may have more balance issues and overall slower reflexes. Usually, when one begins to fall, they can regain control, or at least attempt to land in a less damaging way (i.e., grabbing onto a supportive item, sticking their arms out to brake the fall, etc). But without these skills, a wrist fracture may turn into a concussion, or superficial bruising may turn into internal bleeding, and so on and so forth. 

On the topic of elderly individuals slipping and falling, we must note that this is unfortunately a known accident within nursing home care facilities. If these circumstances apply to your loved one, this may be an indication that they are suffering from some form of abuse. You may be devastated that you did not pick up on the signs before they got seriously hurt, but you still have a chance to step in and serve as their advocate via a nursing home abuse claim. 

For further legal guidance, please look no further than a competent Passaic County personal injury lawyer. When you work with the Law Offices of August R. Soltis, you can trust that you are in good hands. Schedule a consultation with us today.