Slip/Trip and Falls Cause Serious Injury and Death

Some people, including some Michigan Supreme Court Justices, might have the impression that serious injuries cannot result from someone slipping/tripping and falling. Such a belief however casts a blind eye to a very significant problem in our country.

The Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health have documented an astounding amount of severe injuries and deaths caused by trip and falls.

For instance:

• In 1999, over one million people suffered a slip, trip or falling injury and over 17,000 americans died as a result;
  

• On average, the direct cost for one injury associated with such a slip and fall is $28,000.00;
  

• More than a third of adults aged 65 or older fall each year;
  

• Of those who fall, 20-30% suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death;
  

• The total cost of all fall injuries for persons over 65 in 1994 was $27.3 billion;
  

• By 2020, the cost of all fall injuries is expected to reach $43.8 billion;
  

• The most common fall-related injuries are fractures of the hip, spine and forearm and injuries to the back; and
  

• Fall-related hip fractures lead to the greatest number of health problems and deaths.

Slip/Trip and falls often occur when a business owner or landowner fails to properly maintain their property or even warn of unreasonably dangerous conditions such as "black ice," spills in aisleways, negligently stacked shelves, etc. When business owners fail to get rid of these hazards or warn their patrons about them, you can see what disastrous consequences may result. Keep this in mind the next time some judge, legislator or political pundit starts spouting off about the alleged need for tort reform.