People of any age may suffer injuries when they slip, trip, or fall down. Statistics show that Americans aged 65 and older may suffer particularly severe injuries, including hip fractures/injuries.

The CDC reports that 258,000 people in the U.S. over the age of 65 were admitted to hospitals for fractured hips in 2010 alone. Falling down was the number one cause for such hip fractures. Falls took place in a wide variety of locations, including the victim’s home, stores, other public places, nursing homes, or even within the hospitals themselves.

Hip fractures may have surprisingly serious consequences for an elderly adult. While a young person may heal from a broken bone rather easily and quickly, the healing process may be much more complicated and lengthy for older adults. An elderly patient with a hip fracture often undergoes surgery, hospital/long term care stays and rehabilitation.

Liability for Slip and Fall Accidents

Businesses and property owners have a duty to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for customers and other visitors. This includes keeping the property free of potential slip and fall hazards. Such hazards may include:

If a property or business owner knows that such a potentially dangerous condition exists and fails to fix it, they are acting negligently and should be held liable for any injuries that occur due to their negligence. Slip and fall victims are entitled to be reimbursed for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses they experienced as a result of their fall.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, please contact David M. Gabriel and Associates so that we can evaluate your case for damages.