10 Facts Statistics About Slip Fall Accidents

1. More than one million people go to the emergency room each year for a slip and fall accident

The number of people who need emergency medical care because of a slip and fall is more than one million each year. That’s more than two thousand people each day in the United States alone. There are approximately eight million emergency room visits each year because of falls. Of those falls, roughly 12 percent are slip and fall accidents.

2. The average cost of a slip and fall is $30,000 to $40,000

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average hospital cost of a slip and fall is more than $30,000. Another source says that snow-related slip and fall accidents cost between $33,000 and $48,000 on average. These costs not only devastate families, but they raise insurance costs that impact our entire society.

3. Approximately five percent of slip and falls involve broken bones

When you slip and fall, there’s a five percent chance that you’re going to break a bone. A slip and fall accident causes severe injuries in 20-30 percent of cases.

A fracture can cause serious pain in addition to increasing your recovery time and causing emotional anguish. When you suffer serious injuries because of a slip and fall, you may recover for pain and suffering in addition to recovering for your medical bills.

4. Approximately one-third of adults over 65 fall each year

The older you get, the more likely you are to fall, and the more serious your slip and fall accident is expected to be. In fact, slip and falls are the most significant cause of injuries on the job for people over 55. Also, more than 60 percent of nursing home residents fall at least once each year.

5. But slip and falls are a leading cause of injury for all age groups

Even though slip and fall accidents are often the most serious for older adults, they’re a leading cause of injury for all age groups. In fact, slip and falls are the most common way non-fatal injuries occur for every age group except for people between the ages of 10 and 24. For people ages 10-24, it’s the second-most common cause of non-fatal injuries.

6. Falls are the most common cause of brain injury

Even though most people associate brain injuries with organized sports, the most common way to suffer a brain injury is falling. A brain injury can be devastating because the victim may not even realize the extent of their injuries. A brain injury can have lingering effects, and it’s critical to recognize, diagnose, and treat a brain injury correctly.

7. Falls are the most common cause of hip fractures

Falls are responsible for a whopping 95 percent of hip fractures. A hip fracture often requires invasive surgery. The pain, suffering, and limited mobility from a hip fracture can change your life in an instant.

8. Medical bills for slip and fall injuries top $34 billion each year

Slip and fall accidents cost Americans more than $34 billion each year. In fact, medical bills are a leading cause of bankruptcy. The medical bills that result from a slip and fall are often both unexpected and devastating.

9. Slip and fall victims miss an average of 11 days of work

In addition to medical bills and other damages, slip and fall accidents cost businesses in terms of lost work productivity. A slip and fall accident results in an average of 11 lost days of work.

In cases of serious injury, lost work productivity may be much more significant. If you miss work because of a slip and fall, you may recover for lost income in addition to your other damages.

10. Only two percent of cases go to a jury trial

Many people hesitate to bring a personal injury action because they worry about having to testify in a courtroom formally. But less than two percent of personal injury cases result in a jury trial.

When you bring a personal injury claim, you’re an active part of the settlement process. You have some control over whether your case goes to trial or results in a settlement. An experienced attorney can help you determine if your case is the type that’s likely to go to trial.

Many Slip and Fall Accidents Are Avoidable

Slip and fall accidents are a public health problem because they are so common and costly. Many slip and fall accidents are preventable. If business and individuals take the time to keep their property safe for customers, other guests, and employees, they can prevent many slip and fall accidents before they happen.

The U.S. Department of Labor offers published guidelines for employers to keep workplaces safe and minimize the chances of slip and fall accidents.

You May Have a Legal Remedy

When you’re hurt in a slip and fall accident, Nevada law may give you the right to recover from the responsible party.

If someone else causes your slip and fall by not being careful enough, they may owe you compensation for your financial losses and suffering.

If their failure to exercise appropriate care results in your injuries, Nevada law allows you to bring a claim for recovery.

How an Injury Attorney Can Help

If you’re hurt in a slip and fall, an experienced injury attorney can help you determine the value your claim and bring the appropriate action for recovery.

They will help you prepare your case in a way that demonstrates the other side is responsible for your injuries and other losses.

Your attorney can also help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and build a strategy to ensure the most successful outcome possible.

Although recovering from a slip and fall accident can be stressful, you don’t need to go at it alone.