The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year, one in three adults 65 years of age or older falls. Injuries caused by falls can range from mild to severe, and in older people, there is an increased risk for complications such as hip fractures and head injuries. When another person or party is responsible for the conditions that caused a fall, they may be legally liable for any injuries that may result from a fall. In order to determine whether you have a claim for injuries sustained in a fall, you should contact an experienced Fayette County personal injury attorney for a free consultation. Shane Smith Law is comprised of personal injury attorneys who are dedicated to representing the rights of older people who have been injured in falls.
Preventing Falls in Older Adults
Falls in older adults have the potential to result in serious injury. As a result, it is important to take appropriate steps to minimize the risk of falling as much as possible. For people 65 years old or older, falls are the leading cause of injuries resulting in death. In addition, 2.3 million older adults went to the emergency room due to injuries that were the result of falls, and 662,000 of these people were hospitalized for their injuries. Fortunately, there are steps that people can take to reduce the risks of falls for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that older adults take the following steps to reduce their chances of falling:
- Engage in a regular exercise program. Exercises should focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance and should get progressively more difficult. The CDC identifies Tai Chi as a particularly good exercise for older people.
- Have your physician review the medications that you are taking. Some medications can dizziness or drowsiness, and medication interaction may intensify this effect.
- Have your eyes checked by a medical professional at least once a year and make any necessary changes or updates to your eyeglasses. Consider getting a pair of single-vision distance eyeglasses for engaging in outdoor activities.
- Make sure you make your home as safe as possible by removing any tripping hazards such as poorly placed furniture or other obstacles. Add grab bars inside and outside the bathtub or shower and next to the toilet. All stairs should have railings on both sides, and make sure that all areas of the home are well lit, including outdoor walkways.
Contact a Fayette County Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a fall and suspect that someone else may have been responsible, you should contact an Atlanta personal injury attorney as soon as possible to have your case reviewed. Types of damages that may be available in a personal injury case include damages for medical expenses, pain, and suffering, loss of wages, or damaged property. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Fayette county personal injury attorneys at Shane Smith Law, call our office today at (980) 246-2656.