Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

July 15, 2011

Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney’s Update on Recalled Household Products

Ever year, consumers are exposed to a number of household items that, because of manufacturing defects, can cause serious injury. To help keep residents safe, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been working to ensure the safety of consumer products to reduce the risk of death and personal injury in Massachusetts and elsewhere throughout the United States for more than 30 years now.

The CPSC helps to protect consumers against possible fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazards or can injure children. Our Boston personal injury attorneys realize that many consumers in Massachusetts may have some of these products in their homes. We would like to give you an update on which products have been recalled by the CPSC to help ensure your safety.

–Hamilton Beach Recalls Toasters: More than 300,000 Hamilton Beach classic chrome 2-slice toasters have been recalled because of a fire hazard if the toaster is placed near flammable items. The company has already received nearly 20 reports of toasters that did not pop-up as intended. A number of these incidents reported minor damage to kitchen cabinets. These toasters were sold at mass merchandisers and department, grocery and home center stores nationwide and various online retailers from February 2008 through June 2011.

–Adventure Playsets Swing Sets: The wood in the posts of the fort sections on the swing sets of these playsets can weaken caused by weathering and rotting. The rotted posts create a potential fall hazard. The company has received more than 500 consumer complaints that reported concern over the weakened wood. The playsets were sold at Academy Sports, Toys-R-Us, Walmart, Mills and Menards from 2005 to 2007.

–Mizuno USA Inc. Baseball and Softball Gloves: An estimated 131,000 gloves have been recalled after molds were discovered that could cause respiratory or other infections in individuals with chronic health problems. These gloves were sold at Walmart and Target stores nationwide from April 2010 through May 2011.

–Dollar Tree Glass Votive Candle Holders: Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va. is recalling roughly 117,000 glass votive candle holders because of possible fire and laceration hazards. The glass votive candle holders can shatter while in use. This danger poses a fire and laceration hazard to consumers. The candle holders were sold at Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Deal$ and Dollar Tree Deal$ stores nationwide from December 2010 through April 2011.

–Mini Stars Building Sets Recalled: The company has received roughly 18,000 of these building sets because the plastic knobs can break from the center of the stars and can posing a choking hazard to children. These sets were sold at small retail stores nationwide, online at Toys R Us.com, Amazon.com and CSN on walmart.com from January 2007 through December 2009.

–Chanel Recalls Silk Scarves and Garments: Chanel is recalling about 120 scarves and 34 garments, including dresses, skirts and blouses. These garments do not meet the federal flammability standard for wearing apparel and they pose a fire hazard to consumers. The items were sold at Chanel Boutiques, Neiman Marcus and Maxfield stores in March and April 2010.

In addition to visiting to CPSC website, you can all call the agency’s toll-free hotline, 1-800-638-2772, for more recall information. To report product complaints or injuries, you can call their toll-free number between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Please check this information periodically to make sure that none on your household items are presenting any dangers to you or your family. You’re also urged to report any products that have presented any dangers of defects in your household.
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July 13, 2011

American Junior Welterweight Professional Boxer, Micky Ward, Hospitalized after Dog Bite Accident in Massachusetts

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Micky Ward, legendary boxer and the subject of the movie “The Fighter,” was hospitalized for a week last month after suffering an injury from a dog bite accident in Massachusetts. It happened while he was trying to separate a dog fight, according to Boston.com.

Ward’s agent reports that the boxer was walking his dog in Lowell when the other pup approached the two. He says Ward initially thought that the dogs would be friendly, but when they started to get rough with each other, he stuck his right hand between them to keep them from harming one another. That’s when one of the dogs sunk its teeth into Ward’s hand.

Dog bites happen all too often and sometimes when people least expect it. Our Boston dog bite injury lawyers urge everyone to be cautious around strange dogs as nearly 5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. It is estimated that one in five dog bites results in injury and the need for medical attention.

“They got his [right ring] finger pretty bad,” said agent Nick Cordasco.

The former junior welterweight champion was hospitalized and received stitches in his hand to heal up the wound. He wasn’t immediately released from the hospital because doctors wanted to conduct a number of tests to make sure there were no complications. Ward reportedly had no other medical issues other than the injured finger.

“He’s in good spirits,” Cordasco said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are nearly 1 million injuries that result from dog bites every year. More than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery because of dog bites in 2006.

Children age 5- to 9-years-old are the most likely to suffer a dog bite injury. They have a higher rate of dog bite-related injuries than any other age group. According to dog bite data, men are more likely to be bitten than women.

Residents who have a dog have a greater change of being bitten that those without. With more dogs in the home, your risks of being bitten increase. Residents with two or more dogs in the house are five times more likely to experience a dog bite incident.
Follow these safety tips to help prevent being bitten by a dog:

Before you bring home a pet dog:

-Talk with a veterinarian, animal behaviorist or responsible breeder to learn what breeds of dogs would be best for your household and your family members.

-Typically, dog breeds with a history of aggression are not suitable for households with young children.

-Keep an eye out for cues that show your child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog.

-Spend time with your potential dog before bringing it home.

If you decide to bring a dog into your home:

-Make sure that you spay or neuter your dog. This typically reduces aggression.

-Never leave young children alone with your new dog.

-Don’t play aggressive games with your dog.

-When training your dog, teach it submissive behaviors.

General safety tips for unfamiliar dogs:

-Never approach an unfamiliar dog.

-Don’t run from a dog.

-Don’t move when an unfamiliar dog is approaching.

-If you’re knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still.

-Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

-Don’t touch, pet or play with a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
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July 11, 2011

Woman Dead for Days after Massachusetts Swimming Pool Drowning

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Nearly 20 state pools were closed for review after a 36-year-old resident drowned in the Fall River Veteran’s Memorial Swimming Pool. The Massachusetts drowning accident wasn’t discovered until two days after it happened.

Residents are now being let back into these pools. They were temporarily shut down after that fatal safety lapse in Fall River. All pools had to pass precautionary inspections.

A number of agencies were on the case, conducting investigations into the deadly accident. The state Department of Conservation and Recreation started its review of the facility after receiving permission from the Bristol district attorney’s office and police.

Our Boston pool accident attorneys know that many residents and visitors jump into these pools during this time of year because the summer months provide such beautiful outdoor weather.

“We started our own investigation, having been given the green light by the DA last night to do so,” Edward M. Lambert Jr., the Department of Conservation and Recreation commissioner, said yesterday. “The team has been tasked with getting the facts around this disturbing incident.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10 people die every day from unintentional drownings. Two of these 10 deaths occur to children under the age of 15. As a matter of fact, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children in this age group. Drowning is the sixth leasing cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages.

In 2007 alone, there were nearly 3,500 deaths resulting from unintentional drownings in the United States. These figures do not include boating-related drownings. One-fifth of every drowning victim is a young child under the age of 15. For every one of these child deaths, four more are sent to emergency rooms for nonfatal submersion injuries.

More than half of all people who experience a drowning incident are treated in emergency departments and are required to stay in the hospital or are transferred to higher levels of care. These nonfatal drownings can cause brain damage. Oftentimes these injuries result in long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities and permanent loss of basic functioning.

To help prevent water-related injuries:

-Supervise all children when around water. Remain close enough to reach children at all times. Prohibit adults from being involved in any other distracting activity while supervising children.

-Swim with the buddy system. Never swim alone. Swim in areas that have lifeguards whenever possible.

-Learn to Swim. Formal swimming lessons can help to protect people from drowning.

-Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR can help to save someone’s life in the time it might take for paramedics to arrive.

-Don’t use air-filled or foam toys. These toys should not be used in place of life jackets or personal flotation devices. They’re not designed to keep swimmers safe.

-Don’t drink and swim. Don’t drink while supervising swimming children either.
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July 9, 2011

Marshfield Woman Burned in Household Explosion Accident in Massachusetts

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A fiery explosion caused from flammable mosquito repellent sent a Marshfield woman to the hospital after suffering from severe burn injuries in Massachusetts. She will need skin grafts to repair her arm, according to the Patriot Ledger.

The woman was at her friend’s house on Main Street in Hanover last Friday when the accident happened. To cool her burning skin, she jumped into a nearby pool. Her face and arms were burned. The owner of the house said that the explosion happened when the woman went to refill a pot of flammable bug repellent. The woman was sitting a few feet away from the pot of mosquito repellent that exploded.

Burn injuries in Boston can happen at any time to anybody. They’re most likely to cause injury to a person’s face, hands and arms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, burns are most likely to happen to children under the age of 20. Every day, nearly 450 people from this age group are sent to emergency rooms for burn-related injuries. Two of these children die every day because of these injuries.

It is important to take all of the proper safety precautions to help keep these young one’s safe and to protect them from potential burn injuries. Younger children are most likely to receive injuries from scald burns that are caused by hot liquids or steam. Older children are more likely to sustain injuries from flame burns. These burns are caused by direct contact with fire.

You may think a burn is just a burn, but actually there are a number of kinds that can occur:

-First Degree Burns: This is a burn that affects the epidermis — or the outer layer of skin. If you experience this type of burn, you can expect pain, swelling, tingling and hypersensitivity. The wound will typically look red and dry.

-Second Degree Burns: This type of burn affects both the epidermis and the dermis. This burn is often called partial thickness burns. If you experience this type of burn, you can expect extreme pain, redness, swelling and blistering. Weeping at the surface is also common. You can also expect some substantial scarring once the burn heals. These types of burns are usually caused by flash injuries (such as explosions), scalding liquids and flame injuries.

-Third Degree Burns: These are extreme burns that affect the entire thickness of skin and underlying muscle tissue. These burns destroy sweat glands and hair follicles. Nerve damage that these burns cause may lessen the pain. Treatment for these burns can be rather extensive and costly. These treatments can involve skin grafts and lengthy hospital stays.

-Fourth-Degree Burns: These are life-threatening burns. In this type of burn, the burning reaches all the way down to the bone and the skin is permanently lost. These incidents can sometimes be associated with lost limbs and amputations. These injuries are often caused by high-voltage electric and prolonged flame contact.

How can I prevent a serious burn?

-Be alarmed. It is important that you install and maintain smoke alarms in your home. Make sure they’re on every floor and near all rooms that people members sleep in. Test them at least once a month to make sure they are working properly.

-Have a plan. Create and practice a family fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in the house, especially kids, understand the plan. Also make sure that everyone knows at least two ways out of every room. Be sure to designate a central meeting place outside.

-Cook with care. Never leaving food unattended on the stove and supervise young children whenever they’re near cooking surfaces.
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July 8, 2011

The NTSB Releases Most Wanted Drivers List – Includes Boston Drunk Drivers

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A drunk driver, with a blood alcohol level of .22, was arrested by Boston Police after being detained by witnesses. He reportedly hit a street sign on Keystone Street and then tried to drive away, according to the West Roxybury Patch. Alcohol-impaired drivers not only pose threats to street signs, but to other motorists as well. For this reason, these motorists have been placed on the National Transportation Safety Board most wanted drivers list.

The most wanted drivers list launches a new program created to help keep residents safe from a car accident in Boston and elsewhere. The NTSB aims to increase the public’s awareness of, and support for, action to adopt a number of safety steps that can potentially save lives.

Our Massachusetts personal injury attorneys know everyone is vulnerable to accidents — but drunk drivers, teen drivers and motorcycle riders certainly top that list. Regardless of how safe your driving habits may be, you are always at risk for experiencing a car accident with an unsafe driver.

Teen drivers are the most dangerous drivers on our roadways. Car crashes are the number one cause of death for teens in our country. It is estimated that traffic accidents take the lives of nearly 10 teens every day. As a matter of fact, this death rate is higher than deaths related to cancer, gun violence, or drugs among the same age group. Teen drivers make up the age group that is most likely to die in a motor-vehicle accident on our roadways. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 2,500 drivers ages 15 to 20-years-old were killed in traffic accidents in 2009. Another 196,000 motorists were injured in these accidents Massachusetts experienced nearly 50 teen driver deaths during that year. A number of these deaths could have been prevented had these drivers been properly and thoroughly educated about roadways safety.

The NTSB recommends that all states conduct a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system to allow young drivers to learn how to drive through gradual and effective exposure:

-States should start off by allowing young drivers to drive in low-risk situations. As they gain more and more driving experience, driving restrictions should be lifted. This stage is known as the beginner licensing (learner’s permit) stage. During this time a teen driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver over the age of 21.

-These young drivers should be limited on the number of hours they can drive during the evening hours. This is common in many state’s intermediate stage. A driver can now drive without the supervision of an adult but still has a number of restrictions.

-During the intermediate stage, a driver should have a strict limit on how many teen passengers they can have in the car with them. Passengers serve as a major driver distraction and greatly increase the risk of a traffic accident.

-All drivers should be prohibited from using cell phones and from texting while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

-After all requirements are met in the learner’s permit and the intermediate stage of the driving program, a driver can then be granted a full license.

A recent study, conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, concluded that those states with a strong teen driver safety program experience 40 percent lower rates of injury crash involvement among 16-year-olds.

The next group of motorists on the NTSB’s most wanted list is alcohol-impaired drivers. These drivers take the lives of a number of motorists every day. As a matter of fact, someone dies in a traffic accident that involves an alcohol-impaired driver every 48 minutes. Nearly 11,000 people were killed in these accidents in 2009. Accidents that involved an impaired-driver made up a third of all highway deaths for that year. According to the NHTSA, Massachusetts experienced nearly 150 fatalities resulting from car accidents that involved an intoxicated driver in 2009.

The NTSB offers these suggestions to help states combat drinking and driving:

-Conduct frequent sobriety checkpoints.

-Administrative license revocation for those who fail these tests.

-Limit plea bargaining and diversion programs

-Jail alternatives should be expanded to include dedicated jail/treatment facilities, home detention with electronic monitoring or intensive supervision probation.

Last on the most wanted list are motorcyclists. This group of motorists may be the most vulnerable to injury and death in the event of an accident. From 1997 to 2009, the yearly number of motorcycle deaths doubled from 2,116 to 4,462. It is estimated that more than 10 motorcyclists were killed every day. Motorcycles account for nearly 15 percent of all highway deaths even though they only represent about 3 percent of all vehicles on our roadways. A motorcyclist that is involved in a traffic accident is most likely to die from a head injury. These injuries can be prevented with the proper protection.

For this reason, the NTSB recommends that motorists use a motorcycle helmet that complies with U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Using this type of helmet is quite possibly the single greatest measure a rider or passenger can take to reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. These types of helmets, that meet the federal standard, are designed with a hard outer shell, an impact-attenuating liner, and a retention system to protect the head, especially the brain. The NHTSA reports that helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing death to riders and more than 40 percent effective for motorcycle passengers.

With proactive state laws and programs, the number of traffic accident injuries and fatalities can be significantly reduced. All motorists are urged to do their part to make our roadways a safer place for everyone in the meantime.
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July 6, 2011

Beacon Hill Next to Use Controversial Red-Light Cameras to Decrease Risks of Intersection Car Accidents?

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

“This is just about public safety. It’s a no-brainer. Let’s get it done,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who has pushed for red-light cameras since 1993. “Other states have it. Why can’t we do it in Massachusetts? What’s the reluctency of the Legislature to pass this? This saves lives.”

Current Massachusetts law does not allow these red-light traffic cameras. Lawmakers have yet to authorize legislation stating otherwise, according to thenewspaper.com. Those opposing the red-lights say that they see them coming in the near future because of the areas budget deficits.

Beacon Hill is currently feeling the pressure as they’re running low on city cash and may be turning to these cameras to make up the difference. They may be next to install these intersection cameras, according to My Fox Boston. Lawmakers continue to argue that the main purpose of these cameras is to reduce your risk of a car accident in Massachusetts and not to make a quick buck.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that these red-light cameras have created a battle between politicians and residents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, big cities with red-light cameras have been fortunate enough to experience a decrease in fatal intersection accidents of nearly 25 percent. Residents argue that the only thing that is decreasing is their privacy.

Those who oppose these cameras claim that the eye in the sky is only an invasion of privacy and a money maker for a city that is caught in a budget bind. A number of previous bills have failed because officials are reluctant to change a law that requires traffic tickets to be hand delivered. Lawmakers defend the possible move by saying that these cameras will help to crack down on violators while helping out police forces that have faced severe cuts.

“Most drivers don’t buy the argument that it’s somehow wrong to enforce the law just because you’re using a camera to do it,” says Anne McCartt, the Institute’s senior vice president for research. “They understand that this technology is preventing crashes in their cities.”

A recent survey, conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, concluded that 93 percent of drivers said that it is unacceptable to go through a red light if it’s possible to stop safely. To almost no surprise, a third of these drivers admitted to running a red light in the past 30 days.

“Examining a large group of cities over several years allowed us to take a close look at the most serious crashes, the ones that claim people’s lives,” says McCartt, who is also a co-author of the study. “Our analysis shows that red light cameras are making intersections safer.”

Since the 1990s, a number of communities have used these red-light cameras as a low-cost way to reduce intersection accidents and as an alternative way to police these areas. In 2000, only 25 cities participated in such programs. Currently, there are more than 500 cities that are taking advantage of the technology. Still, many motorists view these cameras as nothing more than a scam operated by money-hungry cities.

“Somehow, the people who get tickets because they have broken the law have been cast as the victims,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “We rarely hear about the real victims — the people who are killed or injured by these lawbreakers.”
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July 4, 2011

Boston Student Injured in Chemistry Lab Explosion

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A student at Boston College was injured when a beaker exploded during an experiment, forcing the evacuation of the Merkert Chemistry Center, the Boston Globe reported.

The student was reportedly working alone in the lab with thionyl chloride — a substance used in organic chemistry experiments. A violent chemical reaction left her with cuts on her face and burns on her hands, according to a fire department spokesperson. The student, who recently completed her doctoral program, left the lab to get medical treatment while fellow students contact the Boston College police. The department summoned Boston firefighters.

Earlier this year our Boston injury attorneys reported on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog about the death of a Yale Student in a machine shop class.

In this case, fire crews and a hazmat team responded shortly before 11 a.m. and were on scene for several hours. The student underwent a decontamination shower in a mobile unit and was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.

After her injuries, she reportedly put a towel on her cuts and drove herself home, which complicated decontamination efforts. Crews were also called to decontaminate her car and apartment.

A chemistry professor responded to the lab and told emergency crews to dilute the thionyl chloride with large amounts of water. Boston College also brought in a cleanup company. Cause of the action remains unclear. The chemical can react strongly to moisture and can be dangerous to humans if inhaled. The report said it’s uncommon for students to work alone in the lab but that department guidelines do not forbid it. Still, another graduate student said researchers are warned not to work with dangerous or potentially explosive chemicals by themselves.

In the April incident, a Yale student was killed after being pulled into a piece of equipment in the machine shop by her long hair. In the wake of the incident, monitors and machine shop supervisors were required to take a safety course and to be trained on how to deal with emergency situations.
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July 1, 2011

Services Aim To Reduce Risks of Massachusetts Car Accidents over Holiday Weekend

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is encouraging safe travel to reduce the risk of Boston car accidents over the Fourth of July weekend and is reminding motorists of to check the state’s interactive traffic cameras webpage before setting out on a trip.

As we reported this week on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, travel is expected to dip slightly this weekend, compared to last year; still, more than 39 million motorists are expected to make trips of at least 50 miles from home.

The state remind motorists they may also call 511 for the traveler information service and to receive alerts via e-mail, text or phone. Of course, you are reminded to not do so while driving!

In an effort to help alleviate traffic congestion, the state is suspending roadwork over the holiday travel weekend — though the presence of construction zones could still cause delays and increase the risk of an accident. The suspension of construction — including the Medford I-93 “93Fast14” bridge project, will begin at noon Friday July 1 and run until Tuesday morning July 5.

The one major exception will be the Wellesley Cedar Street Bridge over Route 9, which will be replaced in its entirety over the holiday weekend. Detours will be in place.

Toll plazas are scheduled to be fully staffed and Massachusetts State Police will be out in force, looking for speeders, aggressive drivers and drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Please slow down, drive responsibly and obey speed limits on roads and at Fast Lane toll plazas.

MassDOT will also be offering free coffee at service plazas from 10 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday. Eleven plazas along I-90 will offer the service, as will plazas along Route 3 in Plymouth, Route 128 in Beverly, Route 128/I-95 in Newton and Lexington, Route 6 in Barnstable and Route 24 at the plazas northbound and southbound.

The MBTA will also be offering increased service and free fares from 10:30 p.m. Monday until end of service.

“As in past years, the MBTA will transport thousands of people into Boston for the July 4th festivities on the esplanade,” said MBTA Manager Rich Davey. “We encourage folks to take advantage of the extra service and let the T do the driving.”
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June 30, 2011

Boston Fireworks Law Proposal Could Lead to Personal Injury Risks

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Massachusetts politicians are exploring a proposal that would allow residents to sell and purchase fireworks. Currently, the Bay State is one of only four nationwide that bans the sale, The Boston Herald reports.

Boston Personal Injury Lawyers understand that fireworks can be a fun way to celebrate holidays, especially with Fourth of July upcoming. But while they may be fun, they can be dangerous. Boston Child Injuries, such as those created by the use of large-scale fireworks, can be tragic.

A state representative from Gardner has proposed a law change that would allow Massachusetts to break free from the minority of states, including New York, New Jersey and Delaware, that don’t allow the sale of fireworks. While residents can easily drive to surrounding New England states and purchase them, the proposal could be a cash cow for fireworks distributors.

The proposal would legalize fireworks statewide, but allow towns to issue local permits.The measure would make it legal to have fireworks, but require a permit to use them. One-day permits could be issued by local fire chiefs for no more than $25, similar to burn permits already issued by fire departments.

The bill would ban the sale of fireworks in roadside push carts or temporary stands in order to spark permanent jobs. The bill must next be reviewed by the Legislature’s Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

It’s not as if fireworks aren’t accessible to Massachusetts residents, but the bill would make them much easier to obtain. And with more access comes the possibility of more injuries, especially to children who don’t know how to operate them safely. Child injuries can lead to permanent disfigurement.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008 seven people died and 7,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. And more than 4 out of every 10 people injured with fireworks were children under 15. Nearly 60 percent of those injured were under 20. Hands and fingers (1,400), eyes (1,000) and legs (900) are the body parts most often injured by fireworks, the CDC reports.

While fireworks are sometimes seen as a fun activity, especially during holidays, they can be dangerous — sparklers, for instance, burn at more than 1,000 degrees. They can catch clothes on fire and bottle rockets can fly wild and strike people in the eyes.

While it’s possible that human error is to blame for many of these accidents and injuries, some fireworks companies manufacture defective products in Boston and can lead to severe injuries. Investigating the design, construction and other factors related to fireworks after an accident can be important in determining whether the product was at fault.
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June 21, 2011

Raising Awareness of Fall Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The National Safety Council uses the entire month of June to focus on a number of preventable injuries. This week, the Council focuses on slips, trips and falls.

Fall accidents in Massachusetts are one of the leading causes of these unintentional injuries. These accidents accounted for nearly 9 million visits to emergency rooms nationwide. Adults 55 and older are most likely to become a victim of one of these falls, while residents 65 and older are four times more likely to die from of a fall than people in any other age group.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand the severe consequences of these fall accidents at home or elsewhere. For this reason, safety precautions should be taken to avoid these incidents. Falls can result in serious injuries that can hinder an adult’s ability to lead an active and independent lifestyle. Property owners and businesses are required, by law, to make sure that their grounds are safe for everyone. Failure to eliminate potential hazards can result in legal repercussions.

In 2000 alone, falls for older adults cost the U.S. health care system more than $19 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the population continues to age, both the number of serious falls and the costs of treatment for these fall injuries will more than likely increase. These direct costs are what insurance companies and patients dish out for treating injuries caused by falls. The costs often include nursing home care, hospital fees, rehabilitation, the use of medical equipment, community-based services, changes made to the home, prescription drugs and insurance processing. Of the more than $19 billion, nearly $2 million went toward fatal falls, while $19 billion went to nonfatal falls. Fall-related injuries are one of the most expensive treated injuries among community-dwelling older adults.

In 2001, more than 18,000 adults died of injuries from unintentional falls.

About 30 percent of people who fall end up suffering from lacerations, hip fractures or head traumas. Falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injury. In 2000 alone, traumatic brain injury accounted for nearly 50 percent of all fatal falls among older adults.

How to help prevent falls:

-Make sure to exercise regularly. Be sure that when you exercise, you’re focusing on increasing balance and leg strength.

-Have your eyes checked at least once a year. Make sure that your prescription is up to date.

-Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medications. Does taking any of them together produce dizziness of drowsiness?

-Make your house a little bit safer by increasing the lighting, adding railings or grab bars and reducing tripping hazards.
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