11 Slip and Fall Statistics

Slips and falls are among the most common causes of injury in the United States. The dangers of these types of accidents can slip most people’s minds until they take a fall, and their lives and families are affected by these catastrophic accidents.

Many might not realize how costly slip and fall accidents can be. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Dallas or in Texas, it is best to work with an experienced slip and fall attorney. Allowing a personal attorney to take the lead on your case is the best way to recover the compensation you need to regain your normal life.

The best way to learn about the seriousness of these types of accidents is to become familiar with the facts and statistics surrounding them.

1. More Than 2,000 Americans Visit Hospitals And Medical Professionals Daily Because Of Falls

Falls are the leading cause of visits to the emergency room, and more than 12% of these falls are because of slip and fall accidents.

According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falling accidents account for more than eight million emergency room visits each year. More than 2,000 Americans visit hospitals and medical professionals daily because of falls.

2. The Average Hospital Cost For Slip And Fall Accidents Is Between $30,000 And $40,000

The average hospital cost for slip and fall accidents is between $30,000 and $40,000. These costs can spiral out of control, devastating families, and cause insurance costs to spike. This is why slip and fall costs can impact all of us if not handled properly.

3. There Is A 5% Chance Of Sustaining Broken Bones In A Slip And Fall Accident

There is a 5% chance of sustaining broken bones in a slip and fall accident. These broken bones turn out to be severe about 30% of the time. Often, severe fractures end up in more than a cast—causing terrible pain, increasing recovery time, and adding emotional anguish to deal with.

Suffering a serious fracture in a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence typically results in cases of pain and suffering damages, in addition to medical expenses.

4. Slip and Fall Accidents are a Leading Cause of Injury

In all demographics, slip and fall accidents are one of the most serious threats for causing injuries. Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of non-fatal injuries in all adults over the age of 24. It is the second most common cause of non-fatal injuries in people between the ages of 10-24.

5. The Elderly are Affected at a Disproportionate Rate

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about a third of adults over 65 fall each year. That is almost three million hospital visits annually, and more than 38,000 died from their injuries in 2021.

As you age, falling is more likely to occur, and the injuries get more serious the older you get. The most significant cause of work injuries for people over 55 is slip and fall accidents, and it is the sixth leading cause of death for people aged 70 years or older.

In nursing homes, 40% of the residents are admitted, and more than 60% of the residents fall at least once per year.

6. Falling Accidents are the Leading Cause of Brain Injury

In the last few years, brain injuries have been associated with organized sports, but the leading cause of brain injury is falling. Someone suffering from a brain injury may not even know the extent of their injuries, which can be devastating.

It is crucial to recognize and diagnose the lingering effects of a brain injury to begin treatment for a brain injury as soon as possible.

7. Falling Accidents are Also the Leading Cause of Hip Fractures

Falls account for more than 95% of hip fractures. A hip fracture is a life-changing event because it typically requires invasive surgery to alleviate the limited mobility and the pain and suffering associated with the injury.

8. Slip and Fall and Medical Bills

Medical bills and compensation associated with slip and fall accidents account for more than $70 billion each year. In the United States, the leading cause of bankruptcy is medical costs. These types of medical expenses can be unexpected and devastating.

9. Victims Of Slip And Fall Accidents Miss An Average Of 11 Days Of Work

Victims of slip and fall accidents miss an average of 11 days of work. That is a little more than two weeks of work. Slip and fall accidents not only cost individuals lost work income, but it can also cause businesses to lose out on work productivity. Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of missed work in America. After adding in medical costs and other damages, the debt may seem overwhelming and all-encompassing.

10. Slip And Fall Accidents Leading Cause Of Workers’ Compensation Claims

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims in America are because of slip and fall accidents. Slip and fall accidents account for 11% of job-related fatalities for men and 5% for women. As noted, it is also the most common occupational injury for people aged 55 years and older.

11. Slip and Fall Accidents and Personal Injury Claims

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), less than 2% of personal injury cases result in jury trials. Most people pause before filing a personal injury claim because of the stress-inducing thoughts of having to testify in a courtroom setting, but few actually make it to trial.

The truth is, you have some control over how a personal injury case plays out. In fact, you are an active participant in the settlement process when you file a personal injury claim. A skilled attorney can guide you through the process and help you determine if the case needs to be settled or go to trial.

Many Slip and Fall Accidents Are Avoidable

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than two million fall injuries are a direct result of unsafe floors and flooring materials. These are preventable situations that could be avoided with just a little more precaution and care.

Because slip and fall accidents are common and costly, it makes them a public health problem. Slip and fall accidents can be prevented if business owners and individuals took a bit more time to keep their property safe for their guests, customers, and employees,

In the circumstances of business owners and employers, the U.S. Department of Labor offers published guidelines to follow, ensuring a safer workplace and minimizing the chance of slip and fall accidents.

The Legal Remedy to Slip and Fall Accidents

It is important to know who is liable in a slip and fall accident after you’ve been injured.

Texas law offers you the right to recover compensation from any responsible parties that created or knew about the dangerous condition.

If your slip and fall accident was caused by someone else not being careful enough, you may be owed compensation for financial losses and pain and suffering.

If you are seeking compensation because of a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, Texas law also has a two-year statute of limitations. Any civil action you intend to use as a legal remedy for your damages should be filed within this two-year window.

Contact a Dallas Work Injury Lawyer Today

Your life can be drastically changed by being injured in a slip-and-fall accident. The qualified Dallas premises liability attorneys at Wolf Law, PLLC, are ready to help you pursue compensation and make sure justice is done.

If you have been injured because of a negligent property owner, odds are you should reach out for help in filing a claim to seek financial security for your family against a monstrous pile of medical bills.

Contact our compassionate and determined lawyers today. While we handle your case, we will not back down.