Accidental deaths in the U.S. are increasing at an alarming rate according to data recently released by the National Safety Council (NSC). Over the last 10 years, the rate of accidental death has jumped by more than 20%. In fact, accidents are the number one cause of death for people between the ages of 1 and 41, with approximately one death occuring every 5 minutes. The top-ranking causes of accidental death are as follows:
The NSC report has calculated the annual expense of accidents in the U.S. to be approximately $625.5 billion — or about $5,500 per household. More than half of all fatal injuries, and 75% of all disabling ones, occur very near the home.
Accidental deaths, of course, are largely preventable. One of the first steps in preventing them is increasing the awareness of dangers. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has identified the following areas of many homes to pose fall hazards, and offers this advice for preventing personal injuries:
“Stairs:
Bathroom:
Kitchen:
Living Area:
Bedroom:
Footwear:
Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
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