Balancing Act

Many people slip and fall down, and many of those accidents are avoidable.  In public and private settings, slippery floors, poorly lit walkways and uneven floor surfaces trip up victims each day.

Falling down is no joke.  From broken bones to traumatic brain injury, falls are a leading cause of serious and deadly injury. The National Institute on Aging reports over one million emergency room visits each year are due to falls.  While poor property maintenance leads to falls, so do balance disorders.

In addition to safe walking conditions, good balance is required to keep people of any age upright.  In 2008, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimated over 33 million American adults suffered a balance disorder.  Like most human abilities, balance is possible through coordinated sensory, visual and motor input.

Characterized by lightheadedness, disorientation or spinning sensations, balance disorders have numerous causes, including the following:

• Head injury
• Visual problems
• Joint disorders like arthritis
• Cardiac or circulatory system difficulties
• Bacterial or viral infection
• Anxiety disorders
• Poor diet or dehydration
• Adverse drug affects or interactions

A balance disorder requires treatment and puts vulnerable people at a disadvantage simply walking from place to place. When negligence leads to a slippery floor or poorly maintained parking lot, the risk of a serious fall increases exponentially. So if you slip and fall due to the negligence of a property owner, call our injury law firm for help getting back on your feet.