We All Fall Down

From infancy through adulthood, we all occasionally slip, trip or fall.  However, the older we get, the more frightening a fall can be. Slip and fall injuries can take the form of a minor bruise — or a devastating brain injury.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, over 7,000 older adults are injured in fall accidents, and about 225 die of their injuries each year.

How do falls happen and how can you prevent them? Knowing ahead of time how to avoid a slip or a fall can save your life.

Cause and prevention

As slip and fall injury attorneys, we represent people of all ages who are injured when they fall on the premises of others.  Common causes of premises liability cases involving slips and falls include:

• Poor lighting
• Obstructed walkways
• Uneven or slippery surfaces
• Damaged or worn flooring or floor coverings

Here are tips for property owners to prevent fall accidents, keep patrons safe and reduce the chances of a lawsuit:

• Improve lighting
• Keep flooring maintained and clean
• Keep cords, tools, and debris from walkways.

For people of all ages, especially seniors, fall prevention is a necessity.  The likelihood of falling increases due to such physical aging factors as:

• Reduced visual acuity
• Poor balance
• Lack of flexibility

For seniors, keep these points in mind for reducing falls:

• Have your vision checked annually
• Exercise, to maintain fitness and flexibility
• Check with your doctor if you experience dizziness, and be aware of potential drug interactions

Preventing a fall is easier than recovering from one, but on hazardous premises, we all fall down.  If injured in a slip and fall or other accident, let our firm pursue the compensation that will facilitate a full recovery.  Contact Cunningham & Mears online today.