Hernando County Premises Liability Lawyer :: Why Senior Citizens are at Increased Risk for Fractured Hip Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

October 9, 2013

While slip, trip and fall accidents can result in a vast array of injuries, one of the most serious is a fractured hip. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a fractured hip injury is particularly prevalent in senior citizens who are involved in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident.

The most common cause of a hip fracture among those 65 years of age and older is an accident resulting in a fall, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Additionally, hip fractures are found to occur much more often amongst women since they are more likely to develop Osteoporosis, a common condition that results in bone weakness. Unfortunately, a person with weaker bones is at an increased risk of suffering a broken bone or fracture following a fall accident. Hip fractures are very serious injuries that generally require lengthy hospital stays, surgery and physical therapy. These injuries can often lead to permanent disability.

A hip fracture is defined as a crack in the thigh bone beneath the hip socket. The two most common hip fractures are known as:

1. Intertrochanteric fracture – This type break occurs under the top ball-like section of the thigh bone. This fracture usually requires surgery that entails inserting a plate and screws.

2. Femoral neck fracture – This break occurs at the bottom of the femur neck itself, causing it to separate from the thigh bone. Complicated surgeries can arise from this type of injury depending on the degree of the break as well as the patient’s age.

Property owners are obligated to keep their premises reasonably safe. An elderly person that suffers a fractured hip due to a dangerous preexisting condition on a property can still recover financial compensation for their suffering, despite the fact that they may have a weakened physical condition such as Osteoporosis. If a property owner’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident, the injured party is still entitled to full and fair compensation for damages regardless of whether or not a more healthy person may have not suffered an injury.

Anytime someone suffers a serious injury in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, important medical decisions must be made. The cost of medical treatment can add up quickly, so you must make sure your legal rights are protected as well. A Hernando County Slip, Trip & Fall Accident Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton can make sure the negligent party responsible for your injury is held accountable for their carelessness.

If you or someone close to you has suffered a hip fracture, or any other type of injury, in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in Spring Hill, Brooksville or the surrounding area, contact us today online or call 352-666-2121 to receive a free consultation regarding your injury matter.

Photo credit: Old Shoe Woman / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA