Incidents involving an individual slipping or tripping and falling can be extremely dangerous. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that in 2010, 2.3 million non-fatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency rooms and more than 662,000 people were hospitalized.
The Indiana Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers with Stewart & Stewart Attorneys say that a new study is now showing annual deaths as a result of this type of accident may soon exceed the number of fatalities attributed to both motor vehicle accidents and firearms.
According to a recently published study in Anesthesiology News, deaths by car accidents have fallen by an estimated 27 percent due to advancements in safety technology, public awareness, and improved medical treatment since 2002. This decline was offset by a dramatic spike in the number of slip and fall fatalities, which had swelled by 46 percent over an eight-year period.
The Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart & Stewart Attorneys recognize the risks of slip and fall accidents, and they suggest following these simple steps to stay safe:
- Do exercises that focus on strength and balance
- Install railings and adequate lighting in high-hazard areas of your home, such as stairwells.
- Get your vision checked annually, as poor eyesight has been associated with falls and lack of balance.
- Be aware of side effects of medications, such as dizziness or drowsiness.