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Dangers of Low-Level Falls

May 10, 2019

Every year, more than 37 million falls require medical attention and are the second leading cause of accidental injuries worldwide. It goes without saying that falls from great heights are dangerous, but low and ground level falls can be just as risky, especially to elderly or medically-fragile individuals. Fall victims suffer painful and debilitating strains, sprains, and fractures and other head, neck, and spine injuries that impact their daily activities and quality of life.

Common Causes of Low-Level Falls

Certain falls can be random accidents, while others have a discernable cause. Uneven or broken pavement or flooring, poor lighting, and wet or slippery surfaces are among the most common. Because falls pose the risk of serious and fatal injuries, companies and individuals whose negligence results in falls and other accidents should be held responsible for the injuries they cause.

Falls and Seniors

Older adults aged 70 and older are three times more likely to suffer unintentional falls every year. For seniors with preexisting conditions, these accidents may exacerbate their symptoms, increasing their pain and limiting their mobility. As we age, we lose bone mass and density, making us more vulnerable to breaks that take longer to heal. Younger individuals rebound from low-level falls more quickly than seniors with pre-existing health problems.

Personal Injury Claims

Besides the trauma, pain, and suffering you may experience after a low-level fall, you may also be facing extensive medical bills for hospitalization and surgery. If a property owner’s negligence led to your fall, you should consider speaking with a Delaware County personal injury lawyer about filing a claim.

To hold the property owner negligent for fall injuries, the following criteria must be met:

  • Duty of care: The property owner has an obligation to act reasonably to protect others from harm. This can mean repairing cracked pavement or removing spills from walkways to protect the public from preventable slip and falls.
  • Breach of duty: If the property owner knew that hazards existed but neglected to correct them in a timely manner and someone was harmed as a result, a breach of duty may exist.
  • Causation: It must be shown that the property owner’s negligence was a significant factor in the victim’s fall. If the owner could not have foreseen the potential for harm, then causation may not be present.
  • Damages: The person who fell must have suffered some form of damages as a result of the property owner’s breach of duty. Damages are verified with medical bills and proof of lost wages if the victim is unable to work.

Even if the property owner seems cooperative, you will likely be dealing with their insurance company during the claims process. They may not be quite as agreeable. Working with an attorney increases your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Delaware County Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Protect Victims Injured from Low-Level Falls

Low-level falls are just as dangerous as falls from above. They pose the same risk of fractures and head, neck, and spine injuries. To discuss your accident with a Delaware County personal injury lawyer at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C., call 610-565-3701 or contact us online for a free consultation today. With locations in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.