Falls are a leading cause of serious injury in New Jersey and across the country, often causing broken bones and head trauma. The WHO reports that falls rank second as the top causes of unintentional and preventable injury worldwide. While public falls have slightly dropped, they continue to be a problem as indicated by statistics.
Facts and stats about falls
Deaths from preventable falls in public places increased to 4.7% in 2019 and increased by 4.5% per 100,000 population from 2017. The increase in preventable deaths for personal injury in general since 1912 has been attributed to advances in transportation and increased travel.
Falls are commonly the cause of most traumatic brain injuries, which occur from hitting the skull on a hard surface. Stats report that about 84% of falls in the workplace are because of overexertion, slips, trips and falls. Occupational transportation accidents accounted for 40% of worker deaths in 2019, which is up 2% from 2018.
At-risk groups
People over the age of 65 have an increased risk of falling, and around 3 million each year seek emergency treatment for falls. Children are also at a higher risk of falls because of their normal development phases, curiosity and quest for independence.
Employee falls accounted for 36.5% of fatal accidents in the workplace in 2019, with the protective service industry at high risk. Falls represent one-third of deaths for construction workers overall and represented 32% of nonfatal injuries in 2019. Other risk factors for falling include foot pain, substance abuse, socioeconomic status, certain medications, alcohol and clutter.
Sometimes, falls aren’t the fault of the injured party; the incidents are caused by negligence from hazards. Injured victims may be able to sue the at-fault party for damages to pay for medical costs and lost wages.