Yellow caution signs warning of wet and slippery floors are a common sight in public places. Despite this, slip and fall accidents are exceptionally common, and the sad truth is that they are almost all avoidable. Whether you want to prevent becoming a victim of such an accident yourself, or have already had the misfortune of doing so, here are some facts and statistics about slip and fall accidents you should be aware of.
Did you know slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of brain injury in the United States? Here are some more facts about these accidents.
About 5% Result in Broken Bones
Not all slip and fall accidents are equal in terms of severity. Often, people can get up from these incidents relatively unscathed. But, in more severe cases, trips to the emergency room and even surgery may be necessary. It has been estimated that as many as 5 percent of victims end up with broken bones due to their slip and fall.
Leading Cause of Brain Injury
Among the consequences of injuries, damage to the brain is probably the most feared. Traumatic brain injuries can have long-lasting impacts on the wellbeing of the sufferer. Victims of these injuries may require years of therapy, and in more severe instances, life will never be able to return to how it once was.
People often assume that other categories, such as sporting or car accidents, cause the most traumatic brain injuries annually. In fact, studies show that slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of brain injury in the United States.
Affect All Age Groups
Many people make the mistake of assuming that slip and fall accidents are only severe to the elderly. In fact, they do not discriminate in terms of age. It is true that the repercussions of such accidents for those over the age of 65 may be more severe, but you should keep in mind that slip and fall accidents are the number one cause of non-fatal injuries in almost all age groups.
Lead to Lost Wages
Part of what distinguishes a catastrophic injury from those of less severity is that they result in considerable lost wages. This is because they don’t just land the victim in the emergency room, but they impact their ability to return to work in the long-term.
Slip and fall accidents may or may not qualify as catastrophic. But, in slip and fall accidents with injuries, an average of 11 days’ wages are lost. This is a significant loss to the majority of Americans who live paycheck-to-paycheck.
If you or a loved one fell victim to a slip and fall accident, a lawsuit can help to cover not only the medical costs associated with your injuries, but also the wages you lost as a result. Don’t hesitate—get in touch with a lawyer as soon as you can.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts settlements*. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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