What Are the Leading Causes of Accidental Deaths?

The death of a loved one is always a time of grief and sadness. When a family member dies due to an accident – especially one that was preventable – these emotions are often joined by anger, confusion, and frustration.

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that accidental injuries are increasing. Even more disturbing, fatal accidents increased 3.2 percent between 2011 and 2012. Cars accidents and slips and falls continue to account for the largest percentages of accidental deaths for adults of working age. For teenagers, car crashes remain the top cause of unintentional death.

Cell Phone Use Causing Jump in Fatal Car Crashes

The rise in the number of fatal motor vehicle crashes has been directly linked to driver distraction, especially among younger motorists. According to the NSC, cell phone use is a factor in 26 percent of all car crashes. The Pew Research Center reports that 75 percent of all teens between ages 12 and 17 own a cell phone, and a staggering half of teenagers between the ages of 16 and 17 admit to using a cell phone while driving.

Slips and Falls Highest Among Seniors

For the elderly, slips and falls pose the biggest injury hazard. NSC statistics show that people age 65 and over are at the highest risk of suffering an accidental death due to a slip and fall. These numbers also continue to increase, with falls among older adults rising 112 percent since 1999, something partly attributed to a growing senior population. Tragically, nursing home negligence has also played a role in the increase in senior slip and fall deaths.

Help for Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones

Families who lose loved ones due to another’s negligence deserve compassion, support, and compensation. Money can’t replace what you have lost, but it can ease the burden of medical bills, funeral expenses, and the hassles of dealing with insurance companies. If you have lost a loved one due to an accidental death, whether due to a distracted motorist or a negligent nursing home, we can help.

James “Jim” Nugent: Your Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyer

I’ve worked hard to build a reputation as one of Connecticut’s premier lawyers advocating for injury victims’ rights, getting results for my clients for over 30 years. If you have suffered a personal injury or catastrophic injury, call me today at (203) 795-1111 for a free consultation.