While slipping or tripping and falling down may not seem like a serious situation, these accidents can result in serious injuries that can have effects that may last for months or even years. In some cases, fall accidents may even be fatal. Across the United States, fall accidents are one of the leading reasons for emergency room visits and accidental deaths.
Slip and Fall Injuries Are Common
Falls are one of the leading causes of nonfatal and fatal injuries nationwide. According to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, which compiled data about emergency room visits in 2022, there were around 11 million people who sought emergency care for fall injuries. The National Safety Council (NSC) has also reported that falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in the United States, accounting for 35% of these injuries in 2023, and the second most common cause of fatal injuries, accounting for 24% of deaths in 2024.
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How Slip and Fall Injuries Break Down by Age
Age plays a major role in both the likelihood of falling and the severity of injuries that can occur.
Older Adults Face the Highest Risks of Fall Injuries
Adults over the age of 65 experience the highest rates of serious injuries and deaths from falls. The NSC reports that in 2024, more than 43,000 fatal fall injuries occurred for people in this age group, and falls also accounted for around 3.8 million non-fatal injuries in 2023.
Common injuries that older adults may experience in slip and fall accidents include:
- Hip fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Shoulder fractures
- Internal bleeding
Middle-Aged Adults Also Experience Serious Injuries
People between the ages of 45 and 64 also experience significant numbers of slip and fall injuries. The NSC reports that more than 4,000 people in this age group were killed in fall accidents in 2024, and around 1.7 million people suffered non-fatal injuries in 2023.
These accidents may result in:
- Torn ligaments
- Back injuries
- Knee damage
- Broken wrists
- Concussions
Children Experience Different Types of Fall Injuries
Children are also vulnerable to falls, which may take place on playground equipment, stairs, or locations with slippery floors. According to the NSC, around 1.4 million children under the age of 15 were injured in falls in 2023.
In slip and fall accidents, children may suffer:
- Head injuries
- Broken arms
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
Slip and Fall Injury Rates by Sex
Men are slightly more likely than women to be killed in fall accidents. The NSC reports that in 2024, 24,478 men were killed in falls, while 23,830 women suffered fatal fall injuries. Older women may be at a higher risk of falls and serious injuries due to issues such as osteoporosis and lower bone density. Men may be more likely to suffer serious or fatal fall injuries in workplace settings, including jobs involving construction or industrial work.
Common Reasons for Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere. In many cases, they occur because of dangerous conditions on a property that can create hazards for visitors, customers, tenants, or workers. Some common issues that can lead to fall injuries include:
Wet or Slippery Floors
Wet surfaces are one of the most common causes of falls. Spilled liquids, floors that are slick after being mopped, leaking pipes, and water tracked in through the entrance of a building can create dangerous conditions. When spills are not cleaned up promptly or when floor mats or warning signs are not provided, property owners may be responsible for failing to protect against slip and fall injuries.
Uneven Walking Surfaces
Cracked sidewalks, loose floorboards or tiles, potholes in parking lots, torn carpets, and other issues with walking surfaces can create tripping hazards. These issues may cause people to trip and fall, and a property owner may be responsible for failing to perform repairs when necessary.
Poor Lighting
Without proper lighting, people may be unable to see hazards clearly. Stairwells, parking garages, hallways, or other areas may have poor visibility due to insufficient lighting, which can increase the risks of falls.
Unsafe Stairs and Handrails
Broken steps, loose or missing handrails, or slippery surfaces may lead to fall injuries when people are using stairways. These falls may result in serious injuries when people fall from an upper level to a lower level.
The Long-Term Impact of Serious Falls
A slip and fall accident can affect a person in many ways. They may need emergency medical treatment for issues like broken bones, sprains, dislocated joints, or head injuries. Surgery may be needed in some cases, as well as ongoing physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation. Issues such as lost income and reduced mobility can also lead to challenges for injury victims and their families.
“People often underestimate how serious a slip and fall accident can be,” says Attorney Jason Burress. “These incidents can lead to multiple types of problems that can affect a person’s daily life, their finances, and their overall well-being. Taking steps to obtain compensation from the party who was responsible for an injury can help ensure that a person will be able to make a full recovery.”
A person who has been injured in a slip and fall may be eligible for financial compensation if the accident was caused by the negligence of the owner of the property where the accident occurred. A victim may be able to work with a personal injury lawyer to determine their legal options and address the impact that their injuries have had on their life.
