Anyone could have a slip-and-fall accident. Often, a younger person can just shake it off or at least recover in a relatively brief period. You cannot say the same for older people.
Aging is an inevitable part of life, and as we get older, we tend to become frailer. In short, our bodies just cannot handle the same level of trauma as they were once capable of. The numbers around elderly falls are staggering. Each year, millions of falls among the elderly result in injuries that require hospital treatment. Sadly, tens of thousands of older adults do not manage to survive.
The consequences of falls among the elderly are more serious, and here’s why.
Falls are more likely to be deadly
According to some studies, older adults are three times more likely to die in a slip-and-fall accident than younger people. There are several reasons for this. For instance, older people are more likely to have a preexisting condition, which can be exasperated by the trauma of a fall.
Recovery periods are longer
As mentioned, our bodies just can’t recuperate in the same way as we get older. Injuries sustained during a fall may require extended periods of recovery. For an older person, this can be risky. Extended stays in medical facilities expose older adults to hospital-acquired infections, which can be fatal.
Older adults need to be especially careful when presented with slip-and-fall hazards. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury, taking a closer look at your legal options might be beneficial.
