Perhaps the most common causes of injuries in the state of Nevada and across the United States are slip-and-fall accidents. That being said, many Americans do not realize that these types of injuries can cause long-term effects and the financial cost can be significant. Below are some facts about slip-and-falls that highlight the seriousness of these types of accidents.
Interesting Facts
Fact # 1: Slip-and-fall accidents account for more than one million emergency room visits each year. This translates to more than 2,000 emergency room visits each day in the United States. Of the approximately eight million emergency room visits every year because of falls, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), 12% of these can be attributed to slip-and-fall accidents.
Fact #2: Slip-and-fall accidents can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the average hospital cost of a slip-and-fall accident exceeds $30,000. Not only do these expenses raise insurance costs (which impacts everyone) but they also devastate the families of the victims.
Fact #3: Serious injuries are more common than you think in slip-and-fall accidents. Studies show that there is a 5% chance of breaking a bone when someone experiences a slip-and-fall accident. Moreover, slip-and-falls cause severe injuries 20-30% of the time. Fractures can result in significant pain, delayed recovery time, and emotional distress.
Fact #4: The older you are, the higher the risk you have of experiencing a slip-and-fall accident. Moreover, the older you are the more serious the injuries are likely to be. In fact, about one-third of adults age 65 and older fall every year in the United States. Slip-and-falls are the top cause of injuries for workers aged 55 and older. More than 60% of residents in assisted living facilities or nursing homes experience a fall at least once per year.
Fact #5: Slip-and-falls are a leading cause of injury across age groups. Research shows that slip-and-falls are the most common injuries that are not fatal for all ages except those between 10 and 24; in this age group, slip-and-falls are the second leading cause of non-life-threatening injuries.
Fact #6: While brain injuries are often associated with sports-related injuries, the most common way to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a fall. TBIs can have a significant impact on the victim and loved ones, and the extent of the injury may not be realized until months after the fall. Moreover, TBIs can have lingering effects and must be diagnosed and treated properly.
Fact #7: Medical bills related to slip-and-fall accidents amount to billions annually. Expenses from medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States. Americans’ costs associated with slip-and-fall accidents are more than $34 billion each year.
Fact #8: As much as 95% of hip fractures are caused by slip-and-fall accidents. A hip fracture can cause significant pain, mobility issues, among other life-altering harm.
We Can Help You
Nevada slip-and-fall accidents can cause medical bills to pile up, keep you from returning to work, and impair your ability to earn future income. Many of these accidents are preventable. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a Nevada slip-and-fall accident, contact the skilled personal injury attorneys at H&P Law today. You may have a legal right to recover monetary compensation under Nevada law, and our lawyers will fight for every dollar to which you are entitled.
