Slip and Fall Accident Statistics

Eight million people visit the emergency room yearly following a fall [1]. Approximately three million of these emergency room visits are from older people [2]

Slip and fall accidents can lead to fatal and non-fatal injuries, with many of them being preventable. Slip and fall victims may suffer from broken bones, a hip fracture, or even a loss of life.

Many personal injury cases are based on seeking compensation for damages after someone’s negligence causes a person to slip and fall, suffering significant injury.

How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents?

Falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits each year. Slip and falls account for one million emergency room visits, making them a common occurrence [1]. In Illinois, 20% of adults over 65 will experience a fall with injuries. Of these, the death rate per 100,000 was 62 [3]. This means an average of approximately 399,000 falls in Illinois annually [4].

The Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Common causes of slip and fall accidents include the following:

• Slippery floors: Slippery floors or flooring material accounts for as many as two million fall accidents yearly [1].
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions can lead to falls and injuries, including lower body weakness and vitamin deficiency [2].
• Inclement weather: Local hospitals report that ice-related conditions are a leading cause of emergency room visits [5].
• Negligence: Some causes of slip and fall accidents are preventable. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends making certain changes to the home or workplace to reduce the risk of injury [6].

Risk Factors of Slip and Fall Accidents

Some age groups and populations are likelier to be injured in a slip and fall accident. Here are a few fall quick facts and risk factors.

Age

Age is one of the most significant risk factors and the primary cause of slip and fall accidents, with over 30% of those over 65 experiencing a severe fall [1]. Experiencing a fall also doubles the risk of another fall injury [2].

Less than 2,000 falls occur in most age ranges until the age group reaches 70 to 74, which significantly increases to 14,000 per year by age 84 [4].

Disability

Having a disability also increases the risk of falls. The age range least likely to experience fall-related injuries was those between 45 and 49 years old with no disability. Those aged 60 years or older without a disability were also less likely to suffer injuries than those of any age with a disability [3].

Location

The majority of falls resulting in visits to emergency rooms occur at home. Older adults living at home with multiple stories are likelier to suffer fall-related injuries [3]. In the home, most slip and fall accidents occur in the bedroom (25%), followed by on or near stairs (22.9%) [4].

Careers

Certain careers are also at an increased risk of being injured in a fall accident. Falls from elevation in the construction industry are one of the leading reasons for workers’ compensation claims [7].

Slip and Fall Injury Statistics

Slip and fall accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, with some of the most common including the following:

• Bone fractures: Bone fractures occur in approximately 5% of people who slip and fall [1].
• Hip fractures: Hip fractures are the leading cause of hospitalization following a slip and fall accident [2].
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A slip and fall is the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries [2]. Slips and falls could also lead to other head trauma.
• Foot injuries: Foot injuries are also common in slip and fall incidents.

Slip and Fall Fatalities

A slip and fall accident can lead to severe injuries that sometimes lead to a loss of life. In fact, over 50% of all accidental deaths that occur in the home are from a slip or fall accident [1]. Adults over the age of 60 years are more likely to suffer serious injury or death following falls [4].

In Illinois, the average number of fatal injuries related to slips and falls is 1,200 per year [4].

Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace

Men are more likely than women to experience a work-related slip and fall accident (11% for men compared to 5% for women) [1]. However, the rates of fall injuries leading to a loss of life are equal among men and women.

Slip and fall accidents are the most common reason for filing a workers’ compensation claim for those aged 55 years and older [1].

The occurrence of fatal occupational injuries involving a slip and fall accident has stayed consistent over the past few years, with an average of 1,000 per year [8].

The Cost of Fall Injuries

The injuries sustained from a slip and fall accident can be costly. Experts estimate the cost of slip and fall accidents for older adults will reach $101 billion by 2030 [9]. Each year, around $754 million is spent on medical care related to fall-related injuries in the United States [9].

Illinois expects to spend around $51.19 million annually on fall cases for all ages and around $47.15 million for those 60 years or older [4].

Most people will require medical care following a slip and fall. Additionally, medical expenses may extend beyond immediate care, including rehabilitation and an extended time off. The average slip and fall case cost accounts for lost days, lost time, and anticipated future medical and employment costs.

Recovering Damages

A slip and fall accident lawyer can help investigate your case if negligence leads to your injuries, ensuring you recover the compensation you need for recovery. Don’t let the medical costs and lost days from work put you in a difficult financial position. The legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help you navigate your case.

Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation.

Resources: [1] NFSI, [2] CDC, [3] MarketWatch, [4] Forbes Health, [5] 25 News, [6] Illinois Department of Public Health, [7] CDC NIOSH, [8] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, [9] The National Council on Aging

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.