Eye-Opening Statistics About Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common amongst people of all ages and physical ability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than one million slip, trip, and fall incidents in the United States every year and nearly 20,000 people die annually due to injuries from a slip and fall accident. While many slip and fall injuries are minor and don’t require medical attention, this is not always the case. In fact, slip and fall accidents account for 15 percent of all accidental deaths in the U.S., second only to car accidents. Slip and fall accidents can take place in a wide range of settings, from the comfort of your own home to a local business or a friend’s house. Even though there are certain steps that can be taken in order to prevent falls from taking place, these types of accidents happen more often than many people realize.

Before we go over some of the most eye-opening statistics surrounding slips and falls, let’s look at a few of the leading causes of these common accidents:

• Slippery floors from hazardous materials, leaks, or materials and debris left in walkways
• Uneven floor surfaces
• Protruding nails and floor boards
• Narrow stairways
• Loose handrails
• Unguarded manholes
• Low lighting, leading to poor visibility
• Poorly maintained public areas

These are just a few of the top issues that can result in an individual slipping, tripping, or falling and sustaining an injury. In many cases, unintentional falls can result in moderate to severe injuries, such as bruises, hip injuries, or fractures of the spine, forearm, hip leg, ankle, pelvis, and hand.

With that in mind, let’s now look at some interesting statistics surrounding slip and fall incidents:

• The CDC estimates that 20 to 30 percent of people who experience a slip and fall will suffer a serious injury
• More women will experience a slip and fall accident than men, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Falls lead to more than 8 million emergency room visits every year
  • This means slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of hospital visits in the U.S.
• Fractures are the most serious injury associated with slip and falls
• Slip and falls are the top cause of workers’ compensation claims
• Slip and falls are the number one cause of occupational injury for people at least 55 years of age
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that floors and flooring materials contribute to 2 million fall injuries each year
• Nearly half of all accident deaths in the home happen as a result of a fall
• Hip fractures are the most serious fracture injury associated with a fall
  • They lead to the most health problems and deaths
• 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will experience a fall at some point
  • Half of these individuals are classified as “repeat fallers”
• According to the CDC, nearly 2 million people over the age of 65 will be treated in the emergency room for injuries from a fall every year
• Falls are the leading cause of lost time at work
• 22 percent of falls result in more than 30 days of missed work

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at work or one another party’s premises, contact Rad Law Firm today. Our knowledgeable Dallas personal injury attorneys would be happy to go over your case with you today and advise you on how to proceed.