Slip and Fall Injuries are a Significant Public Health Problem that Must Be Addressed

Michele Mirman | Slip & Fall Injuries | November 15, 2018

A fall can change your life. Falls, which can happen anywhere and to anyone, account for the most serious injuries we suffer, according to the CDC: fractures requiring surgeries; concussions with brain damage; permanent disabilities. And they also cost thousands of dollars in medical care and lost wages.

How does this happen? Most commonly, those responsible for buildings and sidewalks fail to maintain these areas, neglecting their responsibility to the everyday people who they know use their sidewalks, stairs, and premises. They don’t make repairs. They don’t clean away snow and ice. They ignore dangerous, broken and dirty conditions: leaking pipes, falling ceilings, raised tiles, broken sidewalks, cracked steps.

They create hazardous conditions—garbage, pipes or hoses across sidewalks.  The CDC has said Those in charge of sidewalks, buildings, subways, schools, and other premises, are responsible under the law and will be held responsible in a court of law for injuries caused by their carelessness.

If you or a loved one has suffered a trip and fall or slip and fall accident, our attorneys will provide the knowledgeable legal guidance you need after a serious accident and get you the compensation you deserve.  The consultation is absolutely free.  Call today before running out of time to file your personal injury claim.  Call 212-262-0289 or use our online contact form to get started.

Types of Slip and Falls & Trip and Falls

  • Broken, Cracked, Misleveled Sidewalks, Walkways, Stairs, Flooring, Tiles
  • Elevator Misleveling
  • Garbage, dirt and debris
  • Pipes and hoses across sidewalks
  • Defective Sidewalk Bridges
  • Defective Sidewalk Scaffolding
  • Leaks from Pipes, Ceilings, Appliances
  • Lack of Lighting or Dim Lighting
  • Snow and Ice

Falls Are Serious and Costly

  • One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury,
  • Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
  • Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.
  • Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
  • More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.
  • Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).1
  • In 2015, the total medical costs for falls totaled more than $50 billion. Medicare and Medicaid shouldered 75% of these costs.