Falls can cause far more serious injuries in seniors than in younger people. Fractures are an especially common injury suffered in falls affecting older adults. That’s largely because human bones lose density as people age and break more easily as a result. This is often particularly true for women. Even a “same level” fall from a standing position can cause a fracture.
Fractures can also take longer to heal in older people. Hip fractures can be especially debilitating. One of the more shocking statistics about hip fractures is that one in three people over 50 who fracture a hip pass away within the following year. Why is that?
Hip fractures significantly impair a person’s mobility. A person may have to spend time in a rehabilitation facility. When returning home, they may have to use a wheelchair or other mobility aid. They may feel their age more than ever. This can all be highly depressing. Many victims of hip fractures curtail many of their usual activities. They’re often less likely to be less active and less social. This can lead to physical and mental decline.
A hip fracture or other serious injury doesn’t have to send a person into a downward spiral. Excellent treatment – often involving surgery – is key. Physical therapy may be necessary to help a patient regain strength and mobility. All of this can be very expensive, even with insurance. Yet, if an injurious fall was caused by a property owner’s negligence – such as failing to shovel a walkway or not keeping an entryway floor dry – it may be possible to hold them liable for neglecting an unsafe condition on their property.
If you’ve been hurt as a result of a fall, don’t let anyone try to persuade you that you were only hurt because you are older, and, therefore, you aren’t entitled to compensation. By seeking experienced legal guidance, you can significantly improve your chances of getting a fair settlement.
]]>But things do not always go this smoothly. In some cases, a brain injury can actually get worse over time. This is why it’s so important to speak with medical professionals after suffering injuries in a car accident or any other such event. Never assume that injuries are minor and do not need treatment.
As an example, consider the subdural hematoma. This is a condition where there is bleeding in the tissues surrounding the brain. This creates excessive pressure between the interior wall of the skull and the brain itself. Over time, as that pressure grows and the bleeding continues, this can lead to severe symptoms and even the death of brain cells.
In fact, this is why people sometimes say that you should not sleep after a brain injury. They used to believe that sleep itself made the injury worse. But it’s now clear that sleep is safe; the problem is just that a person won’t notice their symptoms progressively getting worse. Monitoring those symptoms is so important that it’s often wise to wake someone up to check on them periodically.
Once again, the chance for severe complications is the reason why it’s so important to talk to medical professionals after an injury. Those who have been hurt due to the negligence of others – such as when someone else caused the car accident – need to know how to seek financial compensation.
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