Falls in older adults

How Severe Are Falls in Older adults?

Falls are a common occurrence among older adults and can have severe consequences. The risk of falls increases with age due to a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors include age-related changes in balance, muscle weakness, and chronic health conditions such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and dementia. Extrinsic factors encompass environmental hazards like uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and cluttered pathways.

Fall-related injuries, especially hip fractures, are a major concern for the elderly. Hip fractures can result in significant disability, loss of independence, and increased mortality rates. Older people who experience a fall may also suffer from other serious injuries, impacting their overall health and quality of life.

Prevention plays a vital role in mitigating fall risks. Engaging in regular physical activity and exercises to improve strength and balance can help reduce the likelihood of falls. However, there are instances in which a senior may fall due to dangerous or hazardous conditions on someone’s property.

What Type of Health care is Needed After a Senior Suffers a Serious Fall?

Rehabilitation following a fall aims to address physical challenges and promote recovery. It typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Psychological counseling

Physical therapy focuses on improving strength, balance, and mobility, while occupational therapy helps individuals regain their ability to perform daily activities and adapt their environment to prevent future falls.

The rehabilitation process can be lengthy, costly, and demanding, requiring consistent effort and determination from the older person. It may involve exercises, gait training, assistive devices, and modifications to the home environment to enhance safety. The goal is to help the individual regain their independence, improve their quality of life, and reduce the risk of future falls.

In some cases, elderly individuals may require ongoing support and assistance even after rehabilitation. This could include home health care services, modifications to the living environment, or the use of mobility aids to ensure their safety and well-being.

What Should I Do if an Elderly Loved One Fell Due to Negligence?

In the event that an older loved one falls on someone's property due to dangerous or hazardous conditions, it is important to take action. First, ensure the well-being of the individual by seeking immediate medical attention. Then, document the incident by taking photographs of the scene, noting any potential hazards that contributed to the fall.

Working with a slip and fall lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys can help increase your chances of recovering compensation to cover the cost of all accident-related damages. Our attorneys specialize in handling personal injury cases, including slips and falls caused by negligence. They can investigate the circumstances surrounding the fall, gather evidence, and build a strong case on behalf of your elderly family member.

A slip and fall attorney can help negotiate with insurance companies and pursue legal action, if necessary, to ensure the elderly person receives appropriate compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and other damages. Their expertise in personal injury law and experience with similar cases can significantly increase the chances of obtaining a fair settlement.

Contact Us Today!

Falls among older adults can have serious repercussions and often require extensive rehabilitation. The combination of age-related vulnerability, increased risk of fractures, and the presence of comorbidities makes recovery more challenging. If an elderly family member suffered injuries due to a fall that was caused by negligence, contact a slip and fall lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.

We can meet with you to discuss the case, go over their legal rights and options and explain how we can help you recover the compensation your loved one deserves. Contact us today to learn more.