{"id":355763,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/elder\/elder-care-law\/preventing-falls-in-the-home.html"},"modified":"2024-03-18T15:14:17","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T20:14:17","slug":"preventing-falls-in-the-home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-care-law\/preventing-falls-in-the-home.html","title":{"rendered":"Older Adults in Your Home: Preventing Falls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Older Adults in Your Home: Preventing Falls<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

We often think of our homes as a safe refuge from the world. However, as we age, the condition of our homes can be the cause of serious injuries.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/figure>

Nobody can escape the ravages of time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls in the home are the leading cause<\/a> of both non-fatal and fatal injuries among older people. It’s estimated that one out of three older adults experience a fall each year. Falls are also the leading cause of injury-related death in adults 65 or older.
\r\n<\/p>\r\n

This article explores the steps you can take to prevent falls in the home and the legal liability you may face if an older adult slips and falls in your home.<\/p>\r\n

Homeowners and Older Adults In The Home<\/h2>\r\n

Tripping hazards can be problematic for both homeowners and older adults residing in or visiting a home. Homeowners have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for everyone in their home by following basic home safety practices and addressing potential dangers. Failure to do so may result in costly personal injury or premises liability lawsuits.<\/p>\r\n

For older adults in your home, the "eggshell plaintiff doctrine" applies. This legal principle holds that a defendant is accountable for the harm they cause to another person, even if that individual is considered physically fragile.<\/p>\r\n

The underlying public policy supporting this legal doctrine aims to promote safety and prevent injuries within the home, regardless of one’s physical or mental condition.<\/p>\r\n

Legal Issues Related To Falling in Your Home<\/h2>\r\n

If you have older adults living in your home or visiting your home, it’s important to ensure that your home will be safe for them. Taking fall prevention steps can help you avoid expensive medical bills and legal liability.<\/p>\r\n

You may have a legal obligation to prevent injuries in your home, depending on the laws of your state.<\/p>\r\n

In many jurisdictions, you may have a duty to:<\/p>\r\n