As people get older, they often develop mobility and balance issues. Combined with poorer eyesight, medications that may affect their alertness and more, they’re more likely to fall than they were when they were young. These falls are also more likely to result in serious injuries like fractures. Bones are more easily breakable because they lose density and become frailer with age.
One of the most serious types of injuries that can occur in a fall is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In fact, over 80% of people over 65 who fall suffer a TBI. These can be fatal – particularly if someone falls backward and their head strikes a hard surface like a sidewalk or even a floor or wall.
Why TBIs can be especially serious for seniors
One reason that TBIs can be more serious in older people than younger ones is that the human brain physically shrinks as we age. That means there is more space between the brain and skull that protects it.
In a fall where the head strikes something, the brain has more room to move. This can lead to a subdural hematoma (bleeding in the brain) and other serious damage. That bleeding can be exacerbated by blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications that many seniors take regularly.
Property owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment
This time of year is particularly dangerous for seniors in parts of the country that get considerable ice and snow. While those elements of winter aren’t as prevalent here in Georgia, there are plenty of other dangers that property owners may fail to mitigate that can lead to falls.
These can include unrepaired cracks and holes in walkways, parking lots and other exterior surfaces. Poor lighting (or burned-out lights) can also make areas unnecessarily dangerous. So can loose railings and carpets.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a fall that you believe could and should have been prevented if the property owner hadn’t been negligent about maintaining a safe environment, you may be able to seek compensation. Don’t let anyone tell you that a younger, fitter person wouldn’t have fallen. The property owner was either negligent or they weren’t. It’s smart to get legal guidance before agreeing to any kind of settlement.