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Falling is one of the most common reasons why elderly people suffer hip fractures. While anyone—young or old—can suffer a hip fracture in a slip and fall accident, elderly individuals are more prone to broken hips due to their thinning bones.
Unfortunately, even a low-energy fall in Florida can result in a hip fracture for a senior. In fact, older people suffer more hip fractures than younger individuals, and hip injuries continue to be serious fall injuries impacting seniors. Here are some facts about hip fractures, according to the CDC:
- Women incur three-quarters of all hip fractures in the U.S.
- Older, Caucasian women are more at risk for hip fractures
- Over 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling onto the hip
- 258,000 people age 65 and older were admitted to hospitals for hip fractures in 2010
- Treatment typically requires hospitalization, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation
- One in three adults live in a nursing home for at least one year after their hip fracture
- One in five people with hip fractures die within one year of their injury
- Hip fractures increase with age
Because it is common knowledge that seniors have thinner, weaker bones, insurance companies don’t want to pay seniors what their injury claims are worth. For example, if a senior fell at Walmart in Sarasota due to a hazard on the floor, the insurance company for the store will be looking to diminish the value of a hip fracture claim. They will do this by finding out if the elderly person has Osteoporosis or has had previous hip injuries. Additionally, they will use information about seniors’ bones being less dense in attempts to limiting their liability.
Holding the Store Liable for Fall Injuries
If you or your elderly loved one suffered a hip injury or femoral neck fracture because a store failed to correct a hazardous condition, the store may be liable for such damages—regardless of a person’s age. Don’t let the store or their insurer blame your old age or bone health for your injuries. You may still have a valid claim for your medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
Sadly, many elderly victims who have suffered hip fractures cannot live on their own anymore due to mobility limitations and weakness the injury produced. In many cases, seniors were able to walk around on their own before the accident, but require walkers or wheelchairs after their hip injuries. At Mallard Perez, we believe that elderly victims of slip and fall accidents deserve to be compensated not only for their medical bills related to the fall, but for their diminished quality of life and life changes the accident has caused them.
Call us to find out about your rights and how to hold the store liable in order to get the compensation you or your loved one deserves. You can reach us at 888-409-3805 for a free consultation. Also, don’t forget to ask about getting a free copy of our slip and fall handbook for more information.
