Cognitive And Physical Disabilities And Trip And Fall Accidents
The potential of falling from a trip or slip can be more significant for those with cognitive or physical disabilities, especially as they get older. If a fall occurs, it’s often legally defined as a premises liability. Get assistance from a trip and fall lawyer at Philly Slip and Fall Guys if compensation is owed.
Risk Factors Of Falls
Many falls occur while performing daily activities, and there are both physical and emotional repercussions from these falls. Physical injuries range from mild cuts or scrapes to more severe complications such as broken bones or brain injuries. Emotional injuries include depression from being immobilized and anxiety from the fear of falling again. Both impact someone’s overall health and can reduce the ability to remain independent.
High-risk factors for a potential fall include uneven sidewalks, potholes, snow and ice, uneven stairs, moving walkways, and wet floors. For those with impairments, fall risk factors are often magnified due to:
- muscle weakness from a physical disability
- poor balance, coordination, or walking issues
- cognitive limitations that affect focus or attention
- use/misuse of mobility aids
- medication side effects
- vertigo
- hearing or vision loss issues
- poor diet or not enough fluids
- medical malpractice or negligence
If a disabled person lives alone or has a smaller social circle, their access to help may be limited. This affects their medical recovery and possible compensation. The personal injury attorneys at Philly Slip and Fall Guys can be a legal support to help secure compensation after an accident.
Fall Prevention Measures
Those with disabilities can do regular balance and strength exercises to help minimize the chance of tripping and falling. A strength training program, possibly with a physical therapist trained in disability assistance, may help to increase overall muscle and core strength. Balance and coordination practices help boost a body’s ability to react quickly if one starts to slip or trip. Physical therapists are often able to create and assist with disability-specific exercises. They also may be able to suggest aids or devices to help with certain conditions.
Because falls are common and can be devastating to someone’s health, many community resources are available to provide support and education. For those with disabilities, getting support and safety training can provide preventative strategies to reduce the risks of falling. Practice positive risk-taking with disabled loved ones as often as possible. Positive risk-taking is when a person does something that may not be beneficial but has a possible positive outcome. For fall prevention, this includes managing daily risks through discussion and practice to understand the consequences of some risks. An individual’s care plan should include a fall risk assessment and prevention plan that is supported by loved ones or a care team.
Responsibilities Of Property Owners
Property owners and businesses are legally required to maintain and address their properties to create a space with minimal fall risks. This includes nursing homes and care facilities. Obstacles or tripping hazards should be removed or repaired quickly, handrails need to be easily accessible on stairs, and all surfaces should be even and dry. When these factors are not addressed, it is often considered negligence on behalf of the property owner. If you fall on a commercial property or on private property, you may be eligible for some compensation for your damages or injuries. Our trip and fall lawyers can help you pursue fair compensation for short- or long-term medical needs and other damages.
Get Help With A Trip And Fall Lawyer
Injuries from falls are more likely and more serious for those with disabilities. It’s estimated that people with learning disabilities are twice as likely to experience an injury from a fall as compared to the general population. They are also at higher risk of severe injury or death from these falls. Prevention measures should be a consistent topic for care teams and property owners, but falls may still occur.
Attorneys at Philly Slip and Fall Guys assess causes of accidents to determine an approach for securing compensation. Details of the accident will be reviewed to determine the amount and type of compensation someone may be entitled to. Compensation includes two primary forms: quantifiable economic damages (medical expenses or lost wages) and non-economic damages (loss of enjoyment of life or pain and suffering). Non-economic damages are trickier to determine, but our team explores every detail to make sure we secure what is deserved.
Claims With Results
If you need a quality and experienced trip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia or South Jersey, contact Philly Slip and Fall Guys to pursue the claim and get fair results. Many property owners may carry a liability insurance policy, but they may not always compensate adequately. If you or a disabled loved one has suffered a trip and fall accident, contact Philly Slip and Fall Guys before accepting an insurance carrier’s offer.
