Whether you fall down on a slick surface while shopping in a building or walking on the sidewalk, it is important to review your rights if the accident occurred due to another party’s carelessness or negligence. Every year, many people suffer serious injuries and even lose their lives due to slip-and-fall accidents.
There are many hazards that can cause someone to fall, from icy and slick surfaces to clutter, uneven steps and broken walkways. If you are struggling with the consequences of falling down, focus on your recovery and look into resources that could help you move forward.
How many people suffer injuries after falling down?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year, more than 800,000 people require hospitalization due to fall-related injuries, many of which involve a fractured hip or head injury. Moreover, falls account for more traumatic brain injuries than any other risk factor.
Older adults are especially vulnerable when it comes to falls and every year, more than 3 million people 65 and older need emergency treatment after falling down. In fact, over 25% of older adults fall down on an annual basis.
How do fall injuries affect victims?
If you fall down, you could struggle with various challenges. For example, you could have to take time off of work to recover from your injuries or you could lose the ability to work indefinitely. Physical pain, medical costs and emotional hardships also affect many fall victims. If you fell down because of a negligent business owner or a careless property owner, take a look at the options you have.
Whether you have a child who frequently walks near traffic or you enjoy getting exercise by jogging alongside the road, it is very important to understand how prevalent pedestrian accidents are. Moreover, you should review statistics on pedestrian injuries and deaths as well as risk factors surrounding these accidents.
Sadly, many people lose their lives as a result of negligent drivers and those who survive pedestrian accidents often struggle with many hardships. Physical pain, the inability to keep working, financial problems and emotional challenges impact many pedestrian accident victims and their families.
How many pedestrians lose their lives and suffer injuries?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5,977 pedestrians died in traffic accidents over the course of 2017. Moreover, roughly 137,000 people had to receive emergency treatment due to injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents, according to estimates.
Based on these figures, a pedestrian passed every 88 minutes during 2017, on average. Furthermore, pedestrians have a greater chance of losing their lives in traffic accidents compared to those riding in vehicles.
Which risk factors increase the odds of pedestrian accidents?
The CDC reports that 47% of fatal pedestrian accidents involved alcohol. Additionally, pedestrian accidents take place more frequently during the night and on urban roads. When a driver travels too fast, not only do they increase the odds of a pedestrian accident but they also increase the likelihood of a pedestrian sustaining more serious injuries.
When it comes to pedestrian fatalities, older adults and young children are especially vulnerable. If you or a loved one suffered an injury because of a negligent driver, do not hesitate to look over your options.
