When we hop onto our motorcycle or take a trip in the car, we’re very aware of the potential for danger. While we don’t often worry about it, we know that an accident could happen in an instant. Hopefully that affects how we conduct ourselves. The same is true for being a pedestrian or even going to a doctor. We know that accidents happen and so we take precautions. Sometimes, however, the danger is much closer to home, or to work.
Slips, Trips and Falls Happen Anywhere
Our bodies are much sensitive than we give them credit for. While we are able to go through life picking up our share of scrapes and bruises, sometimes a simple slip or fall can have disastrous consequences. As a matter of fact, falls represent the third leading cause of injury-related deaths in our country.
- In 2016, nearly 35,000 people died in falls either at work or in their home
We’ve probably all taken at least one bad spill. Maybe you didn’t notice a slick spot and found yourself on the ground before you had a chance to react. If you haven’t yourself, you probably know someone who has broken a bone or been seriously injured from a bad fall. The older you get, the more likely you are to be badly injured in a fall.
Falls can, and do, happen anywhere. The majority of them happen on the job or at home though. Let’s take a look at the slip and fall numbers now.
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Slip and Fall Statistics
We know that people slip and fall, but is it really a common problem? Is it worth being worried over? The numbers seem to suggest so.
- In 2016, more than 9 million people were treated in emergency rooms for the injuries they sustained from a fall
- In 2015, falls cost our country more than $50 billion in medical costs, most of which was covered by Medicare and Medicaid
- Every year, more than 800,000 patients are hospitalized because of a fall-related injury
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Falls are a serious problem. As we mentioned before, your risk of injury only increases the older you get. More than a quarter of Americans older than 65 fall every year, and many don’t report it to their doctor.
Slip and Fall Attorneys and Premises Liability
Sometimes slips, trips and falls just happen. Other times, they’re a direct result of a negligent businesses, negligent employers or faulty products. In these cases, it may be in your best interest to seek out a slip and fall attorney. The injuries sustained from a bad fall can cost thousands of dollars to treat properly at a medical facility. If your fall was not your fault, you shouldn’t be responsible for taking care of the damage.
Proving that someone else is responsible for your fall can be difficult. That’s why we’ve prepared a few steps for you to take immediately following an accident.
- Take pictures
Is it clear that dangerous or unsafe conditions caused you to fall? Make sure to get photographic evidence of the scene. - Get the contact information for any witnesses
If someone saw you fall, they can be a critical witness for your claim. - Ask the store owner/manager to write a report and give you a copy
You’ll need more than your word to bring a successful premises suit. Requesting a report from someone in charge of the business may highlight key information in your case. - Do NOT admit fault
Until you’ve had a chance to get your injuries treated and your case reviewed by an attorney, do not admit fault. You may not know the full story and you don’t want to say anything you can’t take back later. - Seek treatment immediately
Sometimes your injuries aren’t immediately apparent. If you’ve fallen, seek medical treatment immediately following the accident. If you’re unsure if you’re injured, you need to see a medical professional to know for sure.
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