Slip And Fall Accidents In Monterey Pose Serious Personal Injury Risks To Older Adults

Slips and falls in Monterey are among the most common causes of personal injuries. While they can happen to people of all ages, older adults are most at risk. In addition to being more likely to be involved in a slip-and-fall accident, they are also more likely to suffer severe and potentially life-threatening harm. Find out more about the risks and your rights in filing a claim.

How Older Adult Slip And Fall Accidents Happen

People over the age of 65 tend to live more healthy and active lifestyles than past generations, but there are still certain risks associated with aging. Unfortunately, impaired vision, decreased coordination and mobility, and being on certain types of medications can all work to increase the likelihood of slip and fall accidents in Monterey.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every four older adults in the U.S. reports some type of slip and fall accident each year. This rate is even higher in California, where nearly a third of people over 65 suffer slip and fall injuries. They can happen at home, at their doctor’s office, in hospitals or long-term care facilities, shopping centers, or any public place. Common hazards that can make older adult falls more likely to occur include:

• Wet, slippery floors;
• Damaged flooring materials;
• Uneven walkways;
• Cluttered aisles and halls;
• Dim lighting;
• Lack of handrails, particularly on stairs;
• Lack of outdoor landscaping.

Protecting Older Adults Against Slip and Fall Injuries

In addition to being more at risk for slip and fall accidents in Monterey, older adults are more likely to suffer serious personal injuries. Broken bones, such as hip fractures, and head or back injuries are common. These can lead to decreased mobility, chronic pain, and the need for long-term care. In some cases, they can even hasten an early death.

When these accidents happen, negligent property owners and managers can be held accountable. Under the California Civil Code, you may be entitled to file a premises liability claim against them, seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages. Take these steps to protect yourself and your rights in filing a claim:

• Notify the police, onsite security, or the property owner any time a slip and fall accident in Monterey happens;
• Make sure an accident report is filed, detailing when and where it happened;
• Get the names of any witnesses at the scene and take photos, if possible;
• Seek medical care immediately, regardless of the severity of your symptoms. 

Consult With Our Monterey Slip And Fall Lawyers

At the Allen Law Firm, we protect the rights of older adults and their families, helping them get the compensation they are entitled to when slip and fall accidents in Monterey happen. To discuss the options available for filing a premises liability claim, call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Monterey slip and fall lawyers.

Sources:

cdc.gov/falls/data/falls-by-state.html

leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=846