Slip and fall accidents can range from minor to fatal, depending on the circumstances. Some of the most common slip and fall victims are elderly individuals, who tend to suffer higher levels of pain and suffering from the resulting injuries, including fractured hips and pelvises. Continue reading to learn more about fractured hip injuries in elderly victims, and what you should do as a loved one who is helping a senior citizen recover from a recent slip and fall accident that occurred through no fault of their own.
Fractured Hip Slip and Fall Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), nearly 9 million slip and fall emergency room visits take place each year in the United States. Of these, the scope of injuries range from scrapes and bruises, to orthopedic injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and more. Because of the potential severity of injuries that result from slip and fall accidents, it is common for victims to require extensive medical treatment and prolonged recovery.
Therefore, if the accident occurred as a result of another’s negligence, whether a company, manufacturer, a business or an individual person, it is vital to discuss your case with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury attorney who concentrates on slip and fall accidents. The insurance company for the company, manufacturer, business or an individual person are immediately investigating the incident in an attempt to try to suggest the person falling was at fault and usually are not obtaining or retaining evidence which would be favorable to the person who fell. You may be entitled to certain compensation to cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Elderly Slip and Fall Accidents
When slip and fall accidents happen to the elderly, one of the most common and severe injuries that result are fractured hips. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 258,000 adults over the age of 65 are admitted to the emergency room each year for such injuries. The CDC goes on to report that slip and fall accidents are the number one cause of fractured hips among individuals of this age group.
For elderly persons over the age of 85, a fractured hip resulting from a slip and fall accident is exponentially higher, and can mean severe injuries and prolonged rehabilitation. Common recovery programs for elderly fractured hip patients include surgery, extended hospital stays, prolonged physical therapy, additional rehabilitation facility stays, and even temporary or permanent nursing home care.
In fact, it is reported that nearly 1/3 of all hip fracture victims who lived on their own before their accident are never able to return home, and instead, must live in assisted living. Sadly, because certain recovery complications are more common at an older age, such as surgery complications, infection, and lowered immune systems, it is reported that virtually 20% of hip fracture victims over 65 lose their life within a year of their injury.
What to Do For Your Elderly Loved One
If your elderly loved one recently suffered a fractured hip or other serious injury as a result of a slip and fall accident, talk to an Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer to learn more about your rights to compensation. If the accident happened due to someone else’s negligence, you likely have a strong case. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case and the best strategies for obtaining compensation for your damages and losses. See our blog, “What to Bring to a Personal Injury Consultation” to get started.
Indianapolis Slip and Fall Attorneys
Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed hip injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana. Seasoned lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are motivated to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after experiencing a slip and fall accident in Indiana. Call 317-881-2700 to get started today.