Slip and Fall: A Silent Threat to Florida’s Senior Citizen Community
Our Senior Community in Florida
There are over 36.3 million people aged 65 and older living in the United States. Of this population, Florida has the highest percentage of senior citizens in any state, with 16.8 percent of all Floridians having reached the age of 65 or older. Unfortunately, this community is at an increased risk to suffer serious or fatal injury as a result of a slip and fall or premises liability accident.
Dangerous Slips and Falls Happen Disproportionately in the Senior Community
The National Safety Council has released data showing that slip, trip & fall accidents are the number one cause of injury-related fatalities for people age 65 or older in the United States. Furthermore, the council reports that slips and falls result in over eight million emergency room visits a year.
The council also released data showing that people over age 65 are up to four times more likely to suffer a fatality from a slip and fall or premises liability accident than any other age group. In general, the research done regarding the senior citizen community’s vulnerability when it comes to slip and fall or premises liability accidents is sobering.
Harsh Realities of Senior Slip and Fall Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that in the year 2000, the total cost of all slip and fall injuries involving people 65 and older exceeded $19 billion.
According to the NSC, slip and fall accidents are the primary cause of injury-related fatalities for senior citizens 73 and older and the second leading cause of death for senior citizens aged 60 to 72.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has released data that shows frequent scenarios where seniors sustain slip and fall accident injuries include falling on stairs (either ascending or descending the staircase), tripping over obstacles including electrical cords and loose carpeting and rugs, and other obstructions on the floor, as well as falling off of step stools and ladders.
Changing Premises Liability Laws in Florida
In 2010 the statutes regarding slip and fall injuries in Florida were amended. Prior to this, anyone in Florida who sustained injuries caused by a slip-and-fall accident only needed to demonstrate that a hazardous condition existed on the property that was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.
In 2010, the Florida State Legislature passed Florida Statute 768.0755, which served to significantly shift the burden of proof from defendants to plaintiffs. It also required that plaintiffs endeavoring to prove negligence be required to prove that the defendant knew about the dangerous condition, or should have known about it, and failed to remedy it.
Nursing Home Liability
Slip and fall accidents throughout Florida communities can be the cause of critical and even fatal injuries. Many of those at risk are living in Florida nursing homes where all too often neglect or shoddy housekeeping and building maintenance has been determined to be the cause of slip and fall accidents.
A slip and fall accident can leave you with serious injuries, as well as many questions and concerns. Furthermore, proving liability can be a difficult process. Please contact the Fort Lauderdale law offices of Boone & Davis by calling 954-566-9919. After an initial consultation we can begin working on your case to help you get the compensation you deserve.
