Even though many trip-and-fall accidents cause no injuries, they can still be hazardous to your physical well-being. Some of the factors that could increase your injury risks include:
- Your age
- Your physical condition
- Medications you take, and
- The surface you fall upon
For example, if you trip and fall on a carpeted surface, you are more likely to walk away uninjured or with temporary injuries which are not serious. However, a trip and fall on a defective sidewalk will probably result in a more serious and longstanding injury.
Trip-and-fall statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that one of every five fall incidents results in a serious injury. Other stats to know include:
- Nearly all hip fractures (about 95%) occur from falling, usually a sideways fall.
- Each year, more than 800,000 patients with a fall injury need hospitalization.
- Annually, about three million older Americans seek hospital treatment for fall-related injuries.
About one in four people 65 and older suffer a fall annually, but most don’t inform their doctors. Falling just once doubles the risk of experiencing another fall.
What injuries occur in a sidewalk trip-and-fall?
The possible injuries range from minor bruises and lacerations to life-changing effects. Severe fall injuries include:
Traumatic brain injury. For older people, these injuries can be especially catastrophic. Those who take blood thinners can suffer excessive bleeding after a fall.
Complex bone fractures. These can impact your mobility regardless of whether you are relatively young or a senior citizen. Hip fractures, in particular, often lead to lifelong mobility and pain issues.
New York sidewalks can be hard to navigate due to weather, defects, debris and other factors, increasing your risk of suffering fall injuries. If a trip-and-fall has affected you or a family member, consider learning more about your financial compensation options.