Who is Most Susceptible to Slip & Fall Injuries?
Slip and fall injuries can happen anywhere and to anyone. However, there are some parts of the population that are more susceptible to slip and fall injuries than others. Here, we want to discuss how slip and fall injuries affect certain populations, including older individuals as well as those who work certain types of jobs.
How Slip and Falls Affect Older Individuals
Data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that millions of individuals aged 65 and older fall each year. More than one out of every four older individuals sustains a fall injury annually, and the chances of falling again double after a person sustains the first fall.
Unfortunately, slip and fall injuries are much more severe in the elderly population, particularly because they are more likely to sustain severe injuries as a result of the incident. More than 95% of all hip fractures are caused by falling. Additionally, as we age, our bones become more fragile, thereby increasing the chances that individuals will suffer broken bones in the legs, arms, and rib cage as a result of a fall incident.
The National Floor Safety Institute indicates that slip and fall injuries are the leading cause of occupational (workplace) injuries in those aged 55 and older. However, slip and fall injuries can certainly affect individuals no matter where they are, not just at work. This includes at commercial establishments such as grocery stores, office buildings, and banks, as well as inside private residences or apartments.
Additionally, slip and fall incidents can also occur at assisted living facilities or inside of hospitals, particularly if the staff members do not follow adequate fall prevention measures.
What Jobs are Most Susceptible?
The National Safety Council also states that slip and fall incidents are a leading cause of work injuries across the country. There is essentially no job that is completely risk-free when it comes to slip and fall injuries. These incidents can occur at seemingly “safe” jobs because all it takes is one slippery surface to cause a slip and fall incident.
However, there are certainly various occupations and employees who have a higher risk of a slip and fall injury occurring. This includes construction industries, restaurant and food service employees, factory workers, and warehouse workers.
Recovering Compensation for a Slip and Fall Injury
Individuals who sustained slip and fall injuries due to the negligent actions of another individual or entity should be able to recover compensation. If a slip and fall incident occurs due to the negligence of a property owner, victims will need to pursue compensation through a premises liability lawsuit with the help of a personal injury lawyer. In these situations, it will be necessary to prove that the property owner knew about the slip and fall condition and failed to warn the individual or take steps to remedy the situation.
For incidents that occur on the job, individuals will typically need to turn to workers’ compensation insurance claims. For a work injury claim, slip and fall victims should be able to recover compensation for their medical bills and a portion of their lost wages if they are unable to work while recovering.