Recent News: Nancy’s Fall in Germany
Getting a hip replacement after a slip & fall isn’t the greatest outcome, and I don’t wish that on anyone, but it happens quite so often. In recent news, the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, had the same unfortunate experience during her trip to Germany. Reports show that it happened while she was traveling and was a complete accident. The details of the fall aren’t disclosed to the public.
However, such an incident highlights the danger and potential long-term problems of slip & fall accidents. Pelosi’s accident is a reminder that even public figures are no different to the risks of slipping and falling. While many may think of falls as a minor matter, the reality is that it can lead to serious injuries. This is especially in older adults or the elderly. One of the most common and severe consequences of such falls is a hip fracture, which often requires surgical resolution.
The Seriousness of the Matter
Falls are the leading cause of injury in the United States. According to the CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Each year, there are about 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults.” This increased their chances of falling, fracturing their hip, and having no choice but to get a hip replacement. A fracture of that caliber is one of the most serious consequences of a fall and can affect an individual’s mobility, or the lack thereof, and quality of life. For older adults, a slip-and-fall accident can be more devastating because bones tend to become more brittle and less dense with age. This makes them prone to fractures, especially in the hip, more likely to occur if an older person or elder falls and results in getting a hip replacement.
Hip Replacement: The Goal to Recovery
Hip replacement surgery, also called hip arthroplasty, is a common procedure performed after a hip fracture, especially in older adults. The surgery replaces a damaged hip joint with a prosthetic one. The procedure is the last option after other treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, aren’t as effective in resolving the pain and or mobility. The recovery process post-surgery can be very lengthy, and it takes a few days in the hospital to recover through rehabilitation. It can last from a few days to a couple of weeks to regain strength and mobility. It is not uncommon for patients to use walkers or crutches during their recovery or ever afterward, based on their circumstances.
Psychological Aspect
On top of the physical toll that a broken hip and surgery can have on a person, there can also be a psychological effect that is onto them as well. The fear of falling again is a common thought to bear among those who have experienced a traumatic event of a fall, and it can lead to decreased confidence in physical activities. This fear can sometimes result in a reduced quality of life. Individuals will likely avoid certain everyday habits and or chores they would normally do around the house or somewhere outdoors. In addition, someone recovering from sugaring is emotionally taxing. Patients would normally feel frustrated, anxious, or depressed as they struggle with limitations during their recovery. These are serious factors in someone’s mental health.
Preventing This Moment!
Here’s the thing: accidents are there for a reason: they happen unintentionally! However, there are steps to take in order to reduce the risks of falling, slipping, tripping, and or eventually getting a hip replacement due to it. Here are some key points from allowing it to not happen:
- Home Safety Equipment: Loose rugs, electrical cords, or clutter from walkways is an important step in preventing these accidents from occurring. Grab bar installations near the bed or bathrooms is a great way to reduce the risk of accidents. Establishing a well lit staircase is also just as important.
- Regular Exercise: Try to stretch and work out to the best of your ability! Yoga, swimming lessons, Tai Chi, or resistance training are quite beneficial for older adults and elders.
- Footwear: Proper shoes go a long way in preventing slip & falls from happening! Consider buying non-slip shoes and avoid wearing high heels or sandals as best as you can.
- Glasses and hearing aids: If someone with impaired vision or hearing, this can increase their chances of being at risk of an accident! Make sure to get the proper subscription for either of the two, or both. Getting a hearing or eye examination on a regular basis is a great way to correct your balance.
Contact Us
While Nancy Pelosi has great access to treatment and we wish her a speedy recovery, this may not apply to you. Allow this to be a reminder that slip & fall accidents are a serious issue. If you believe that your accident was due to someone else’s negligence or believe that your treatment was mishandled, KAASS LAW is here to help!
Please reach out to us for any further assistance or potential legal representation.