Who Is Most at Risk for Slip and Fall Injuries?

Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injury across various age groups, but certain populations are particularly vulnerable. Understanding who is most at risk can help in implementing preventive measures to reduce the incidence of these accidents.​

The Elderly (65 and Over)

Older adults and senior citizens – those 65 years and older – are at high risk of suffering catastrophic and fatal injuries in slip and fall accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four older adults falls each year. The CDC states that over three million seniors are treated in hospitals for fall injuries annually. In 2020, falls among older adults caused 36,000 deaths in the U.S., making it the leading cause of injury-related death for this age group.

The elderly are more at risk of slip and fall accidents due to physical limitations and disabilities that may cause them to struggle with balance. They may become dizzy or lightheaded when they stand up, have poor vision, experience foot problems, or take medications that make them dizzy or unsteady. These accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries or hip fractures, which can prove fatal for a victim. The CDC reports that over 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling.

Workers in High-Risk Occupations

Certain occupations expose workers to environments where slip and fall accidents are more likely. Construction workers, for instance, often work at heights and on uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of falls that can lead to fatal injuries . Healthcare workers are also at risk due to the fast-paced and often cluttered environments in hospitals and care facilities. In these settings, wet floors and obstacles can lead to slip and fall accidents, resulting in workers’ compensation claims and lost workdays.

Children

Young children are at an increased risk of slip and fall accidents due to their activity levels and poor coordination. Children may fall down staircases, trip and fall on a playground, or slip and fall on a swimming pool deck. Since children’s bones are still developing, they are soft and can suffer greenstick fractures in a fall accidents. Greenstick fractures are when the bones bend rather than break, similar to a young or “green” stick on a tree.

Individuals With Medical Conditions

People with medical conditions that affect balance, coordination, or cognitive function are at an increased risk of slip and fall accidents. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and arthritis can impair mobility and stability. Additionally, medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness can contribute to falls. It’s crucial for individuals with these conditions to take extra precautions and for caregivers to implement safety measures in the living environment.​

Examples include:

• Arthritis

• Diabetes

• Blurred vision

• Heart disease or cardiovascular problems

• Loss of vision or hearing

• Glaucoma or cataracts 

• Stroke

• Parkinson’s disease 

• Dementia 

Pre-existing injuries can also lead to an increased risk of fall accidents. If an individual has an old injury, such as a partially healed broken ankle or hip, for example, this could affect mobility and result in a subsequent fall. 

People on Certain Medications

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause side effects that lead to slip-and-fall accidents. Many medications have labels that warn patients they may cause dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, low blood pressure or loss of balance. These side effects can all increase the risk of an individual suffering a slip and fall injury.

Individuals With Certain Occupations

Falls are one of the most common causes of death among workers in the U.S., according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Construction workers are especially at risk of deadly fall accidents. Fatal falls can occur from scaffolds or rooftops in construction. Other dangerous occupations for potential slip and fall injuries include working in a warehouse, hospital, restaurant, office building, or entertainment venue. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Omaha if you or a loved one has been injured in a recent fall accident. We offer free case consultations.

Common Injuries Resulting from Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can lead to a range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions. Common injuries include:​

• Broken Bones: Falls often result in fractures, particularly in the wrists, arms, and hips.​

• Spinal Cord Injuries: A fall can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to chronic pain or even paralysis.​

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head trauma from a fall can result in concussions or more severe brain injuries, which may have long-term cognitive effects.​

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles or ligaments are common and can lead to prolonged recovery periods.​

Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases

When a slip and fall accident occurs on someone else’s property, determining liability involves proving negligence. This requires establishing that the property owner had a duty of care to maintain a safe environment, breached that duty by failing to address hazardous conditions, and that this breach directly caused the injury. Evidence such as incident reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements can be crucial in these cases.​

Why Legal Help Matters After a Slip and Fall Accident

When a slip and fall accident leads to serious injuries, such as hip fractures, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or even mild traumatic brain injury, it’s more than just a painful experience. It can result in long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. That’s why consulting with a lawyer isn’t just helpful—it’s often essential.

Proving negligence in a slip and fall case isn’t always straightforward. Property owners and insurance companies may argue that the fall was unavoidable or that you were at fault. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to build a compelling case by collecting the right evidence, identifying risk factors, and navigating complex liability laws. Their role is especially important when dealing with severe injuries or fall-related injuries that may require ongoing care or lead to emergency room visits.

Legal professionals understand how to challenge attempts to minimize your claim. They can help you calculate the true cost of your fall accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. If your accident occurred on someone else’s property, a lawyer can also hold the responsible party accountable and seek fair compensation for what you’ve endured. In cases involving fatal falls, they can assist families in filing wrongful death claims and securing justice.

Ultimately, a lawyer’s support ensures you don’t navigate this process alone. Whether you’re filing workers’ compensation claims or pursuing damages due to someone else’s negligence, having the right legal advocate can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.