Florida Accident Attorney Blog

Call them snowbirds, retirees, lifelong Floridians, or simply people who enjoy lots of sunshine, warm breezes, beaches and golf. South Florida is home to flocks of senior citizens who come here to retire or escape the northern winter. Some never leave at all. Why should they?

But even the healthiest, most active seniors in Florida are at risk for slip-and-fall injuries.

A 2008 report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that falls are the number-one cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for people age 65 and older. Women tend to fall more frequently than men, and the risk of falling increases with age. Frail seniors are also at greater risk for fall-related injuries than people who are active and engage in fall prevention fitness activities. The study also estimated that every year, fully one-third of older adults will suffer a fall.

Falls and fall-related injuries can seriously impact the quality of life for a senior. Falls can cause broken bones, muscle injuries, and put a further burden on an already taxed healthcare system. In some cases, falls can be fatal. A friend told us the sad story of her uncle, an active senior who enjoyed daily walks on the beach. While returning from his walk one day, he slipped and fell on the steps leading up to his residence and hit his head. He suffered a stroke and died a week later.

Florida laws that oversee premises liability state that businesses, residences, retirement homes and communities, and healthcare facilities must keep their properties safe and avoid circumstances (such as spills, floors or stairs in disrepair, broken or inadequate handrails, and obstacles) which can lead to falls. This also applies to nursing homes, where so many of our frailest seniors depend on others to keep them from harm.

Self-Reported Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Persons Aged >65 Years -- United States, 2006 CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 7, 2008