Every year across the United States, millions of individuals aged 65 and older fall. More than one in four of those individuals fall each year, but many fail to report their falls to their doctor. While a fall might not seem like a very big deal, it can result in both serious and costly injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of every five falls results in a serious injury, such as a broken bone, and emergency rooms end up treating more than 2.8 million older individuals for fall-related injuries each year, with about 800,000 of those individuals being hospitalized.
The most common types of injuries that older Americans sustain from falls are hip fractures and head injuries, by far. In fact, at least 300,000 older individuals are admitted to hospitals each year after suffering hip fractures. The direct medical costs of all of these fall-related injuries amount to $31 billion each year. Two-thirds of these costs are from hospital care costs.
Some falls simply are not preventable, but other falls are definitely preventable, simply by addressing some of the major risk factors. Nursing homes and other healthcare facilities should encourage residents to keep active, work on walking and balancing activities, and avoid becoming weaker, which can lead to more falls. Similarly, facilities should provide wide, unobstructed hallways with handrails, which also can help prevent falls. Finally, ensuring that all residents have proper footwear and glasses to help with vision can go a long way toward preventing falls.
At Boller & Vaughan, we know firsthand just how dangerous falls can be, particularly with respect to the most vulnerable patients who are frail and residing in healthcare facilities. If your family member has suffered neglect that has led to injuries from a fall, we are here to protect your rights and represent your interests, no matter what issues the case may involve. Our law firm has the experience that you need in a case such as this, so that you can explore all of the options that are available to you, and decide what legal avenue to pursue. Call the Wisconsin nursing home neglect attorneys today at (608) 268-0268 and schedule a free appointment.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
