Safety for Older Adults to Avoid Slip and Falls

Monday, November 11, 2019

Safety for Older Adults to Avoid Slip and Falls

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Older adults can suffer extremely serious injuries, including broken hips when they fall to the ground. Falls can occur indoors and outdoors and depend upon various factors, including the weather. There are also certain steps that older adults can take to try and keep slip and fall accidents from occurring in the first place.

Nevertheless, slip and fall accidents can and sometimes still occur because a business fails to maintain its premises properly. When that happens, you or your loved one might be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the business owner. An experienced Chicago personal injury attorney at Malman Law could help you pursue a claim or lawsuit against a business and fight for your right to economic recovery. Call us today at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.

Steps Seniors Can Take to Avoid Slip and Falls

There are certain steps that senior citizens can take to protect against slip and fall accidents. First, seniors should wear proper footwear that has a thick tread. When the tread on a shoe becomes worn, it becomes easier for the wearer to slip — especially on a wet surface.

Moreover, seniors should make sure to only walk in well-lit areas. When walking uphill or downhill, holding onto someone else or using a railing can help to prevent a fall. Finally, seniors should allow themselves extra time to get where they are going so they are not in a hurry. Taking extra time can help avoid a slip-and-fall accident that could result in one or more serious injuries.

Pursuing Legal Action against a Premises Owner

Despite these extra precautions, serious slip and fall accidents can still occur on business premises. In some cases, these accidents occur because the premises owner or operator fails to keep the premises in a reasonably safe condition. 

Businesses, including stores and restaurants, must ensure that customer areas are free of debris at all times, including slippery substances. To demonstrate that the business violated its duty of care to customers, the accident victim must be able to demonstrate that the business owner knew about the defective or hazardous condition but failed to repair or warn about the condition within a reasonable period of time.

If the accident victim can prove that the business was at fault, then he or she could pursue damages. These damages might include compensation for all related medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, mental distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of use of a body part, and loss of spousal companionship.

Speak with a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident that occurred on business premises, the experienced attorneys at Malman Law might be able to assist. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer, please call us at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to learn more about how we could help.