Preventing Slip and Falls
When it comes to reducing the possibility of a fall, you want to develop a plan to maintain your health.
- Talk to your doctor about your fall risks
- Begin a strength and balance exercise program
- Get regular vision care
- Assess your home for fall hazards
Factors That Put the Elderly at Increased Risk
There are extrinsic and intrinsic factors that place older adults at risk for falling. Although falling is not a normal part of aging, there are aspects associated with the aging process that makes seniors more vulnerable to a slip and fall accident; these are intrinsic factors. Additionally, specific extrinsic issues, sometimes a result of others' negligence, can cause an elderly individual to fall.
Extrinsic Factors
It is estimated that for the elderly, 30% - 50% of falls are due to environmental causes such as poor lighting, slippery floors, and uneven surfaces. These hazards can affect even the healthiest of individuals, but when it comes to older adults who may be dealing with mobility issues, the risk of falling becomes magnified. Persons who rely on the assistance of a walker, cane, or other device are at an even increased danger of falling while trying to navigate perilous conditions.
- Cracked or broken driveways
- Poor lighting
- Stairwells with missing or poorly maintained handrails
- Clutter and debris in walkways
- Pooled water from leaky air conditioning units and other sources
- Variation in surface types and elevations
Intrinsic Factors
As indicated above, getting older may increase a person's chances of having a fall, but there are ways to reduce the risk factors associated with falls in older persons. Research shows that it is often a combination of factors that contributes to falls in older adults. With an increased number of risk factors comes a heightened level of fall risk. Some of these risk factors are:
- Increased weakness in the lower body
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Walking and balance issues
- Medication usage
- Vision problems
- Foot pain or improper footwear
Consequences of Slip and Fall Accidents
In addition to various types of fractures, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and death, hip fractures are an especially devastating injury for older persons. It is an injury that is difficult to recover from and causes many who experience it to lose their independence. Every year over 300,000 older adults are hospitalized due to a broken hip. This means that many seniors end up with a diminished quality of life, all because of something that could have been prevented.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Even when you have taken precautions, you may be out at a restaurant, a store, or some other business in the Gainesville area and still experience a slip and fall through no fault of your own. This is when you need to reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Gainesville who can fight for your rights. Attorney Michael C. George has the necessary knowledge and experience to win your slip and fall case. By following a specific process involving gathering records, investigation, and negotiation on your behalf, the Law Office of Michael C. George can get you the compensation you deserve. Here's how it works:
- We gather your documents – All records and evidence pertaining to your claim are collected by our office to help the attorney build your case. This includes gathering physical evidence such as medical records, medical bills, photos, and insurance information.
- We conduct an investigation – By reviewing any video footage of your accident and police records, the attorney can further establish the facts of your case. The attorney will also seek to acquire eyewitness testimony, if available, and attempt to determine the duration of the dangerous condition's existence that led to your accident.
- We seek to negotiate with the defense – The attorney will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the defense for compensation. If unsuccessful, your case will go to court.
Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer in Gainesville
If you were injured in a slip and fall in the Gainesville area, you might initially be focused on healing from your injuries. But it is also prudent to consider taking action against those whose negligence resulted in your injury. Don't let neglectful individuals get away with careless behavior, and don't try to handle these matters on your own. If you or someone you know has been in an accident, call the Law Office of Michael C. George at (888) 407-6242 for a free consultation.
