Slip and Fall Accidents Particularly Dangerous for Elderly in Georgia

Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities, ranking second only to auto accidents as a cause of injury in the U.S. Because most people have fallen many times in their life without serious injury, there is a tendency to underestimate the danger of a slip and fall accident. Over 300,000 people suffer some form of disabling injury in a slip and fall accident each year. The danger posed by slip and fall accidents is particularly serious for the elderly.

The elderly are both more likely to suffer a slip and fall accident and also tend to suffer more injuries in such an accident. According to AARP, slip and fall accidents account for over two-thirds of all accidents involving the elderly, and an elderly person dies in a slip and fall accident in the U.S. every 35 minutes.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured or suffered wrongful death in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, have been representing slip and fall accident victims thoughout the Atlanta area and all of Georgia for over 39 years. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team diligently pursues the best possible outcome for our clients. We are committed to providing exceptional service as part of our goal of being the top personal injury lawyers in Georgia.

One of the biggest reasons that the elderly are disproportionately involved in slip and fall accidents is related to the physical effects of aging, including the following:

• Vision/Eyesight: The elderly are more likely not to notice foreign substances or objects on the ground that may cause a person to slip or trip and fall. A person will typically experience declining vision with age as well as other medical conditions that can affect eyesight, such as cataracts and glaucoma. An Australian study found that use of bifocals can reduce slip and fall accidents involving the elderly by as much as forty percent.

• Use of Medications: Many of the elderly take medication that can promote drowsiness. Because such medications make it so that the person taking the drug is less aware or alert, the probability of a slip and fall accident rises considerably.

• Less Mobility: It is not unusual that an elderly person suffers reduced mobility, coordination and balance. These limitations can make it much easier to fall.

• Lack of Physical Exercise: Many elderly exercise less or do not engage regularly in physical activity. This lack of activity means a decrease in muscle tone and strength making it harder to prevent falls when one stumbles or is tripped.

Not only are slip and fall accidents more prevalent amongst the elderly, but these accidents also tend to result in more serious injuries. An elderly person has less bone density which creates a particular vulnerability to dangerous falls. Broken hips amongst the elderly are common and are particularly common in women who tend to suffer more serious slip and fall injuries than elderly men. The presumption behind this difference is that women have more serious bone density issues as they age.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or suffered wrongful death in a slip and fall accident, contact Montlick and Associates to discuss your legal rights. We know that a slip and fall can result in catastrophic injuries, which may permanently limit your mobility and quality of life. We will work hard to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Our dedicated legal team will work hard to get the best results for our clients as part of our constant goal to be the top personal injury law firm in Georgia. Our experienced Atlanta slip and fall injury attorneys will strive to get the best results possible in your case. Montlick and Associates is available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.