Minimizing the Risk of Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury and fatalities. According to The New York Times, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. One older person suffers fatal injuries in this country every 19 minutes from a fall. Over 25 percent of those aged 65 and over fall each year, and 20 percent of falls result in serious injury. Many of these fatal and non-fatal falls are preventable if the right measures are taken.

One of the best ways for any individual to reduce the odds of falling is by staying in good physical shape. Regular, low impact exercise, including practices such as Tai Chi, can help maintain balance and coordination and aid in leg strengthening. It is also important to have regular eye checkups to ensure any vision problems, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, are caught early. Cataracts are common in older people, and the blurred vision that ensues increases the risk of slipping and falling.

Medication Reviews

Have a doctor or pharmacist conduct an annual medication review, so you can see which medications, or combination thereof, may affect balance or cause drowsiness. Sometimes, lowering the amount of a medication may continue treating the condition, while lowering the risk of side effects. The most common medications, prescription and over-the-counter, that may cause a person to slip and fall include:

• Ambien
• Benadryl
• Elavil
• Flexeril
• Lunesta
• Metformin
• Prozac
• Valium
• Xanax
• Zoloft

The Right Footwear

No matter your age, it is important to wear the right footwear while shopping or performing other tasks. For best results, choose shoes or boots with low heels and well-gripped soles. Wear shoes appropriate for the weather and terrain you expect to encounter.

Pay Attention

In a world where people are glued to their smartphones and lack situational awareness, slip and falls happen more often. One of the best ways to avoid a slip and fall accident is by paying attention while walking and not allowing yourself to become distracted.

Camden Slip and Fall Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Represent Victims Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents

If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident due to negligence on the part of a property owner, you need the services of the experienced Camden slip and fall lawyers at DiTomaso Law. We can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at 856-414-0010 or contact us online. Our offices are in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Philadelphia, and we represent clients throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey, including Camden County and Mt. Holly.