Slip and fall accidents are a serious problem, leading to thousands of injuries and deaths each year. More than 17,000 people died from falls in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore, over 800,000 people were hospitalized due to slip and fall accidents in the same year.
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in adults aged 65 and older. In this age group, falls result in an average of 26,000 deaths each year. Additionally, falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries for all ages. In fact, more than 7 million non-fatal falls were reported in 2020.
A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere, but certain conditions increase the chances of a fall occurring. For example, slippery floors contribute to a significant number of falls every year . Other common causes of slip and fall accidents include poor lighting, inadequate handrails, and unsecured carpets or rugs.
To help reduce the risk of a slip and fall accident, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure to look for potential hazards and take steps to avoid them. Additionally, it is important to wear appropriate shoes in order to ensure good traction. Wearing non-skid shoes can help reduce the risk of slipping. The CDC also recommends using handrails when available, as well as making sure floors are kept dry and free of clutter.
By following these simple steps, you can help prevent slip and fall accidents from occurring. Taking the time to be aware of your environment and taking proper safety precautions can go a long way in preventing serious injury or even death.
1. Every year, more than 800,000 patients need to be hospitalized because of fall injuries.
2. Three million older adults seek medical attention in emergency departments each year for fall injuries.
3. Annually, a minimum of 300,000 older individuals require hospitalization for hip fractures.
4. People with mild hearing loss are nearly 3 times as likely to fall, with every 10 decibels of hearing loss increasing fall risk.
5. Slip-and-fall accidents are responsible for 50% of all accidental deaths that occur at home.
6. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 44,686 people died in falls either at home or at work in 2021.
7. On average, an older adult dies from a fall every 19 minutes.
8. In 2020, there were 805 fatalities and 211,640 injuries caused by falls among workers, resulting in the need for days off.
9. Each year, slip-and-fall accidents result in medical expenses surpassing $50 billion.
10. According to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls lead to around 700 workplace fatalities each year.
11. The construction industry has the highest number of fatal falls compared to other industries, accounting for 49% of all falls nationwide.
12. Unintentional falls are the second leading cause of fatalities related to traumatic brain injuries.
13. Around 80 percent of falls in the home take place in the bathroom.
14. According to OSHA, there were approximately 230,000 reports of non-fatal accidents related to falls in 2019.
15. Approximately 25% of employee slip-and-fall injuries on the job necessitated more than 31 days of recovery before returning to work.
16. The majority of workers’ compensation claims are attributed to employees slipping on slippery surfaces, with a percentage of over 85%.
17. Annually, 60% of nursing home residents experience falls.
18. In 2020, falls among adults aged 65 and older resulted in over 36,000 deaths, making it the leading cause of injury death for that age group.
19. The services, wholesale, and retail trade industries collectively contributed to more than 60% of injuries caused by same-level falls.
20. According to researchers, it is projected that by the year 2030, 59,000 older Americans, or approximately 162 per day, will die due to falls.
Annually, more than 800,000 patients necessitate hospitalization as a result of fall injuries.
Falls can cause serious injury, disability, and even death. They are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury in the United States. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of more than 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year due to fall injuries. [1]
The most common reasons for hospitalization are typically head injuries or hip fractures.
Every year, 3 million older individuals receive medical attention in emergency departments for fall-related injuries.
Falls can happen anywhere—in the home, around the workplace, or in public spaces. Falls are a major cause of injury among older individuals, and the statistics behind them can be shocking.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annually, 3 million older individuals seek medical attention in emergency departments for fall injuries. [1]
Statistics show that one in five falls can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, neck injuries, or head injuries. Falls, regardless of injury, can greatly impact a person’s quality of life.
An older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall every 11 seconds. [2]
A minimum of 300,000 older individuals require hospitalization yearly as a result of hip fractures related to falls.
Each year, thousands of people suffer slip-and-fall accidents that can result in serious injuries. While anyone can be affected by these kinds of accidents, seniors are especially vulnerable due to their weaker bones and declining balance.
The statistics show that annually a minimum of 300,000 older individuals require hospitalization emergency room visits for hip fractures as a result of slip-and-fall accidents. [1]
This number is particularly concerning as hip fractures can have devastating effects on an individual’s quality of life, including physical pain and psychological issues such as depression.
The risk of falls increases by three times for every 10 decibels of hearing loss.
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is often associated with communication difficulties and reduced quality of life, recent research has shed light on a surprising correlation between hearing loss and an increased risk of falls.
In fact, individuals with mild hearing loss are nearly three times as likely to experience a fall compared to those without hearing difficulties. [3] Balance and hearing are connected in the ear, as they share a common nerve pathway to the brain. [4]
What’s even more alarming is that the risk of falling further escalates with every 10 decibels of hearing loss.
Fifty percent of all accidental deaths that occur at home are due to slip-and-fall accidents.
Falls can be particularly dangerous if they take place at home. It may come as a shock, but slip-and-fall accidents are responsible for an alarming 50% of all accidental deaths that occur at home. slip-and-fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime – making them one of the most common causes of unintentional injury and death. [5]
In 2021, a total of 44,686 people died in falls, either at home or at work.
The statistic that 44,686 people died in falls either at home or at work in 2021 is a shocking one. Falls are one of the leading causes of death and disability among adults aged 65 and older, accounting for over 8 million visits to the emergency room each year. Even more alarming is the fact that over 78% of these fatalities occur in individuals over the age of sixty-five years. [6] [7]
Taking the time to secure rugs, inspect surfaces for any potential hazards, maintain good lighting in your home, and use products designed to reduce the risk of falls can all go a long way toward keeping you safe.
An older adult dies from a fall every 19 minutes.
Falls can be a dangerous occurrence for people of all ages, but they are especially devastating for senior citizens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an older adult dies from a fall every 19 minutes in the United States. [2]
Approximately 25% of older individuals experience a fall annually. Experiencing a fall once can increase the likelihood of falling again. [1]
In 2020, falls among workers caused 805 fatalities and 211,640 injuries, leading to time off from work.
Falls can be deadly, and they can also have serious financial implications. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 805 fatalities and 211,640 injuries caused by falls among workers in 2020. These falls resulted in the need for days off from work, resulting in lost wages and productivity. [8]
The second most common cause of workplace injury is a trip or slip hazard that results in a fall. Approximately 20-30% of workplace falls lead to moderate or severe injuries, such as deep bruising, broken bones, or concussions.
Slip-and-fall accidents result in medical costs of over $50 billion each year.
The economic impact of slip-and-fall accidents can be tremendous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the total cost of medical expenses related to these falls is estimated to be a staggering $50 billion every year for nonfatal injuries. [1]
This includes direct costs such as hospital visits, doctor’s office visits, and rehabilitation costs. It also includes indirect costs such as lost wages and productivity due to missed work.
Slips, trips, and falls result in approximately 700 workplace fatalities annually.
The grim statistics reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) point to a serious issue that is too often overlooked in the workplace. It may come as a shock to many, but falls are one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities each year.
According to OSHA, an estimated 700 workplace fatalities are caused by slips, trips, and falls annually. That accounts for 15% of all workplace deaths. [9]
Taking the time to implement effective safety measures, such as creating a safe work environment and training employees on how to prevent falls, can help save lives and reduce the frequency of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.
The construction industry has the highest number of fatal falls compared to other industries, accounting for 49% of all falls.
The construction industry accounts for the lion’s share of fatal falls nationally, making it the most dangerous industry for slip-and-falls.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips and falls account for 49% of all fatalities in the construction industry, more than any other type of fatal incident.
This is especially concerning given that construction employees often work on elevated surfaces or scaffolding, making them more vulnerable to slips and falls. [10]
Unintentional falls are the second leading cause of TBI-related deaths.
Unintentional falls are a major public health concern, claiming the lives of countless individuals each year. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they are the second leading cause of fatalities related to traumatic brain injuries. [11]
Approximately 80 percent of residential falls occur in the bathroom.
Falls are a serious problem, especially in the home. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults aged 65 years and older. Approximately 60 percent of injury-related emergency department visits and over 50 percent of injury-related deaths annually are attributed to falls.
Among all age groups, one of the most common places for falls is the bathroom. An astonishing 80 percent of falls that occur in the home take place in bathrooms. [12]
In 2019, there were around 230,000 reports of non-fatal accidents related to falls.
Slip-and-fall are some of the most common accidents that can happen, yet many people don’t realize the statistics behind them. According to OSHA, in 2019, there were a shocking 230,000 nonfatal slip and fall accidents reported. Of those reports, 64% resulted in days away from work due to injury or illness caused by the accident. [5]
A quarter of slip-and-fall injuries require more than a month of recovery before an employee can return to work.
According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, slip-and-fall accidents have been an increasing problem in workplaces across the country.
It’s estimated that around 25% of slip-and-fall injuries experienced by employees required more than 31 days of recovery before they could return to work. This statistic is particularly shocking when we consider the potentially devastating consequences for both workers and businesses alike. [5]
Over 85% of workers' compensation claims are attributed to employees slipping on slippery surfaces.
Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common workplace hazards, with potentially devastating consequences. Recent data from the Industrial Safety & Occupational Health Markets has revealed a shocking trend in slip and fall accidents: they account for more than 85% of all workers’ compensation claims. [5]
Every year, 60% of nursing home residents experience falls.
Every year, a shocking 60% of nursing home residents experience falls. This is an alarming statistic that points to the need for improved safety measures in senior care facilities. Falls are not only dangerous and potentially deadly, but they can also lead to long-term physical and mental health problems for those affected. [13]
Falls can lead to severe injuries, including fractures, lacerations, or head injuries, both fatal and nonfatal. Fall-related injuries, such as hip fractures, can lead to higher mortality rates within the first six months.
The occurrence of falls adds to the financial burden on the U.S. healthcare system, as around 30% of people who experience a fall need medical attention for hospitalization and ongoing care.
Falls among adults aged 65 and older accounted for over 36,000 deaths in 2020, making it the leading cause of injury death for that age group.
Falls are a serious and often deadly hazard for adults aged 65 and older. According to the National Safety Council, an alarming 36,000 people died in 2020 due to falls in this age group, making it the leading cause of injury death for that age group. [14]
This is a surprising statistic given that adults aged 65 and older make up only 15 percent of the population but account for over two-thirds of all fatal falls.
The services, wholesale, and retail trade sectors accounted for over 60% of injuries resulting from same-level falls.
Slip and fall accidents can occur in any workplace and can result in serious injury or even death. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slips, trips, and falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries.
The services, wholesale, and retail trade sectors accounted for over 60% of these injuries, which is unexpected given the vast range of industries in which employees can be injured. [15]
It is estimated that by 2030, there will be 59,000 elderly will die from falls yearly, which amounts to approximately 162 per day.
According to recent research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that by 2030, there will be 59,000 older Americans who will die from falls, which amounts to approximately 162 per day, almost 7 deaths an hour. [16]
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident & need an experienced personal injury lawyer, please contact us by calling 1-888-522-0335 or by filling out the form for a free consultation. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
Sources:
[1] Older Adult Falls Data | Fall Prevention | Injury Center | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data/index.html
[2] Fall Prevention Resources. (n.d.). https://www.aoascc.org/Services/Staying-Active-and-Healthy/Health-and-Wellness-Programs/fall-prevention-resources/
[3] The National Council on Aging. (n.d.). The National Council on Aging. https://ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-falls-prevention
[4] Why hearing loss increases your risk of falling and what to do about it. (2021, July 12). Healthy Hearing. https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53220-Hearing-loss-falls-balance-hearing-aids
[5] Slip and Fall Statistics. (n.d.). Walkway Management South Florida. https://www.wmgsouthfl.com/statistics
[6] FastStats. (n.d.). Accidents or Unintentional Injuries. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/accidental-injury.htm
[7] Deaths from Older Adult Falls | Fall Prevention | Injury Center | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data/fall-deaths.html
[8] Slips, Trips and Falls – National Safety Council. (n.d.). https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls
[9] Slips, Trips, and Falls: Preventing Workplace Trip Hazards. (n.d.). OSHA.com. https://www.osha.com/blog/slips-trips-falls-prevention
[10] National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction. (2024, April 18). Construction. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/construction/falls-prevention-campaign/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/construction/stopfallscampaign.html
[11] Peterson, A. B., & Kegler, S. R. (2020, March 6). Deaths from Fall-Related Traumatic Brain Injury — United States, 2008–2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6909a2
[12] Safety for seniors: Preventing falls in the bathroom :: Belvedere Health Services. (n.d.). https://belvederehealthservices.com/belvedere-home-care/blog/safety-seniors-preventing-falls-bathroom
[13] Datta, A., Datta, R., & Elkins, J. (2018, December 25). What Factors Predict Falls in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes: A Pilot Study. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology; Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk4010003
[14] Older Adult Falls | Fall Prevention | Injury Center | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html
[15] H. (2020, June 29). The Two Most Common Workplace Injury Types and How to Prevent Them. Helpside. https://www.helpside.com/two-most-common-workplace-injuries/
[16] Del Giudice Bloomberg Foster’s Daily Democrat, V. (2018, May 17). US deaths from falls projected to rise as baby boomers age. Fosters Daily Democrat. https://www.fosters.com/story/lifestyle/health-fitness/2018/05/20/us-deaths-from-falls-projected-to-rise-as-baby-boomers-age/12181619007/
