The High Cost of Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injury for Americans, resulting in average costs of $30,000 to $40,000 for medical expenses per accident.

Slip and Falls Are Common and Costly

Each year, approximately eight million Americans suffer slip and fall accidents, and at least one million victims suffer injuries serious enough to send them to the hospital emergency room. Whether falls happen in the workplace, in the home, or outdoors, costs related to medical treatments are significant. Average costs for slip and fall accidents range from $30,000 to $40,000 per fall. If injuries are severe, medical costs can rise to as much as $48,000 or more.

Slip and fall accidents are common among all age groups. Depending on the victim’s age, overall health, and severity of the fall, injuries can vary from mild to severe. Common injuries include:

  • Bruises and lacerations
  • Fractured and broken bones
  • Spinal and disc injuries
  • Head trauma
  • Concussions and brain injuries
  • Organ damage and internal bleeding

Falls among elderly adults over the age of 65 account for the largest number of severe injuries and deaths. In nursing homes and long-term care facilities, more than 60% of residents suffer at least one fall each year. Although falls among the elderly account for most fall-related deaths, most non-fatal falls are among workers and young people. Slip and fall accidents are the second-most common cause of non-fatal injuries for children, teenagers, and young adults.

Workplace Slip and Falls

Workplace slip and falls account for a large percentage of both non-fatal and fatal injuries. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports show that falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers, and the most frequent cause of non-fatal injuries for healthcare, retail, industrial, and factory workers. In the United States, medical expenses and workers’ compensation costs associated with occupational fall injuries amount to about $70 billion each year.

Pursuing Settlements and Claims

In many cases, slip and fall accidents outside of the workplace result in settlements. A slip and fall attorney often negotiates a settlement for damages with an insurance company, rather than filing a personal injury lawsuit in court. Depending on the severity of injuries, the average slip and fall settlement is between $15,000 and $45,000 and usually includes costs of medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost income.