Skip to content

Slip-and-Fall Accidents Among Senior Citizens

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Over 8000+ consumer rights cases settled.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.


Falling, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is “the leading cause of all fatal and non-fatal injuries among adults aged 65 and older.” These accidents can occur anywhere – in your home or driveway, or in a theater, store, restaurant, or swimming pool – and are often caused by wet pavement, debris, and other obstacles. Senior citizens are particularly prone to slip-and-falls due to imbalance, gradual loss of eyesight and/or depth perception, and similar effects of aging.

While hip fractures often come to mind when we think of falling accidents, fractures in the legs, arms, hands, feet, and ankles, as well as general bruises and lacerations, are also common. Spinal injuries or head trauma may occur in more serious accidents; according to a recent article from the Journal of Neurotrauma, spinal injuries in falling accidents may be on the rise among senior citizens.

These injuries often require significant hospital stays, as well as medical bills and the financial stress they bring, and even those who are still able to work may suffer a loss in income. Some senior citizens may have fear instilled in them after a fall and consider living under professional supervision in an assisted-care facility. Fortunately, however, there are plenty of precautions and ways to prevent slip-and-fall accidents, not the least of which is to check-up regularly with your doctor and inform him of any near-falls or unpleasant side-effects from medications, such as dizziness or imbalance.

Weight-management can also be of great importance, and safe forms of exercise may be highly beneficial for flexibility, balance, and overall strength; many group-exercise programs are available for senior citizens which are tailored to their general capabilities. Practical mobility aids are also recommended, such as low-heeled shoes with Velcro or tight laces, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and the use of grab-bars and handrails. Those who live alone are also encouraged to check-in with a friend, relative, or neighbor on a daily basis.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a fall due to someone else’s negligence, contact Mike Agruss Law for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, Mike Agruss Law is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

Submitted Comments

No Comments submitted yet. Sharing your story will help others!

We are listening

We will respond to you at lightning speed. All of your information will be kept confidential.

Form successfully submitted!