Slip-and-fall accidents can happen to anyone—but for older adults, they often become life-altering events. At Cogburn Davidson Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve represented countless seniors and families across Nevada whose lives were changed by preventable falls. Drawing on more than 50 years of combined experience and hundreds of millions recovered for injury victims, our team is publishing this guide to explain why seniors face higher risks, the real physical and financial costs of a fall, and how victims and their loved ones can protect their rights and recovery.
Falls Are Common, Preventable, and Costly
- Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in adults 65 years or older (CDC)
- Each year in the U.S., more than 14 million older adults report a fall; about 37% of those falls result in an injury requiring medical attention or restricting activity for at least one day
- The number of deaths from falls among older adults has been rising; between 2012 and 2021, the fall-related death rate increased from 55.3 to 78.0 per 100,000 older adults — an increase of about 41%
- Financially, the burden is massive. In 2020, healthcare spending for non-fatal falls in older adults was an estimated $80 billion, with Medicare covering a large share (Injury Prevention)
- Historically, nonfatal falls cost about $50 billion annually (with Medicare paying ~$29 billion, private/out-of-pocket $12 billion, Medicaid $9 billion), and fatal falls added ~$754 million in medical costs (CDC Stacks)
- These numbers make clear that falls among older adults are not trivial accidents — they are a major public health and economic challenge
Why Seniors Face Higher Risk
Age-Related Physical Declines
- Muscle weakness/sarcopenia: Aging often involves a loss of muscle mass, especially in the lower body, which reduces the ability to recover balance (National Institute on Aging).
- Balance, gait, and mobility changes: Poor coordination, slower reflexes, and altered walking patterns increase the risk of falls.
- Bone fragility/osteoporosis: Older bones are more brittle; a fall that might have been no big deal for a younger person can lead to fractures, especially hip fractures.
- Sensory decline: Vision, hearing, and proprioception (the sense of body position) all tend to deteriorate, making obstacle detection more challenging.
- Orthostatic hypotension/cardiovascular issues: Sudden drops in blood pressure when rising can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls.
Medical Conditions & Medications
- Many seniors take multiple medications (polypharmacy), some of which (sedatives, antidepressants, blood pressure meds) can cause dizziness, confusion, or balance issues (CDC)
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, neuropathy, or cognitive impairment (including dementia) further heighten fall risk
- Even after a fall, comorbidities can complicate recovery and raise the likelihood of complications such as infection, deep vein thrombosis, or long-term immobility
Environmental Hazards & Unsafe Conditions
- Many falls happen indoors or close to home
- Hazards like uneven flooring, loose rugs, poor lighting, clutter, lack of handrails, or wet surfaces become especially dangerous
- In public or commercial spaces, negligence in maintenance (wet floors, broken steps, missing guardrails, debris in walkways) increases risk — especially for seniors who may already be unsteady
- A previous fall can lead to a fear of falling, leading to reduced activity, which weakens muscles and balance further
The Real Consequences & Costs After a Fall
For seniors, the aftermath of a fall can extend far beyond the initial injury. Hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, imaging, lab tests, and prescription medications all add up quickly. Many older adults also require:
- Inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing care for weeks or months after discharge
- Home health aides to assist with daily tasks and mobility
- Assistive devices such as walkers, canes, or stair lifts
- Long-term care or assisted living if independence can’t be regained
According to MarketWatch, the average price per inpatient fall-related hospitalization can reach tens of thousands of dollars before accounting for follow-up care or rehabilitation.
Beyond hospital bills, the ripple effects of a fall can be financially and emotionally devastating:
Lost income or earning capacity: For seniors still working, a serious fall may render them unable to work or force early retirement.
- Home modifications: Families often need to add ramps, grab bars, and barrier-free showers, all of which can be costly.
- Caregiver needs: Many victims require family members or paid caregivers to assist with mobility, meals, and daily activities.
- Emotional harm: Loss of independence, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and fear of falling again can isolate seniors and diminish their quality of life.
- Reduced life expectancy: Severe injuries often accelerate physical decline and lead to long-term disability.
In short, what might seem like a simple “slip” can end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars over time, not just in medical expenses, but in lost independence, reduced mobility, and emotional hardship for both victims and their families.
Why Slip-and-Fall Liability Matters for Seniors
Because older adults are so vulnerable, a slip or fall on someone else’s property (public, commercial, or private) can have disproportionately severe consequences. That’s why liability and legal recourse become especially important in these cases.
For example:
- If a property owner fails in their duty to maintain safe premises (e.g., failing to fix hazards, warn of dangers, or conduct inspections), they may be legally responsible
- In slip-and-fall claims, demonstrating negligence often involves showing (1) a duty of care, (2) a breach of that duty, (3) causation, and (4) damages — a standard legal framework in many states
- For elderly plaintiffs, damages can be greater (because of higher medical and future care costs), so the legal stakes are higher
Protecting Nevada’s Seniors After a Slip-and-Fall Injury Starts With One Call
Because seniors face higher physiological risks, multiple medical conditions, and limited capacity for recovery, a single fall can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
At Cogburn Davidson Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, our award-winning team brings over 50 years of combined experience and a proven track record of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for injury victims across Nevada. We understand how devastating falls can be for aging adults and their families, and we know how to pursue compensation that covers not just today’s medical bills, but the long-term care and quality of life seniors deserve.
If your elderly loved one has been injured in a fall, seek medical attention immediately, and then contact our firm for experienced legal guidance. Time is critical for both recovery and protecting your right to full compensation.