Bone Fractures in the Elderly
I’m Ed Smith, a El Dorado Hills Personal Injury Lawyer. It’s no secret that bodies start to become fragile with age. Those who are in their later years do not recover as quickly as their younger counterparts. This can lead to severe problems down the road. As people age, their bone density starts to drop, making them more prone to suffering traumatic injuries, such as bone fractures in an accident. Examples of possible sources of trauma in the elderly include:
- Car Accidents: While anyone can suffer serious injuries in an auto accident, these are even more severe for the elderly because of not only weaker bones but also slower reaction times to changing road conditions. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, there are close to 9 million fractures annually from osteoporosis.
- Slip and Fall Injuries: As people’s muscles start to deteriorate, they begin to have trouble balancing, which will make them more prone to suffering injuries due to falls. Based on statistics from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, the majority of bone fractures will be in the hip and forearm.
- Pedestrian Hazards: The older population takes longer to cross the street, and it is vital for them to have help available to minimize hazards. Should they fall over, they may not be seen by drivers, making them prone to suffering pedestrian injuries. Worldwide, about one in four seniors will sustain a fracture of some sort.
Examples of Possible Injuries
There are many different types of injuries that an older person can suffer in an accident. Some of the common injuries include:
- Broken arm, including radius, ulna, and humerus fractures.
- Broken leg, such as the tibia, fibula, and femur fractures.
- Head injuries can occur from slip and fall accidents.
- Trauma to the hands from trying to break their fall.
- Rib injuries are possible in a car accident.
Without a doubt, these injuries can be seen in connection with one another, and it is essential to make sure that one injury is not overlooked while trying to treat another. Proper management is vital to ensure that patients have the best opportunity for a full recovery.
Help From a Lawyer
Traumatic events in the elderly can be severe and may lead to catastrophic personal injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, or even wrongful death. During a hospital stay, numerous issues can arise that might complicate the recovery process. These include:
Lack of Clarity: Whenever a senior citizen suffers a traumatic event, there can be a sense of uncertainty about the future.
Possible Financial Issues: When a senior is placed in a hospital, it is possible that insurance companies will refuse to honor the claims that people file.
Logistical Problems: There is also the issue of caring for a loved one once they leave the hospital after a traumatic event. Who is going to take care of a loved one who is recovering from an accident? Are they going to be healthy enough to go home or do they need to go to a long-term care facility?
These are all issues that can add stress to the recovery process. For this reason, it is a good idea to talk with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
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I’m Ed Smith, a El Dorado Hills Personal Injury Lawyer. If you or someone you love has sustained a bone fracture in an accident, please call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I will be happy to share friendly, free advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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