Why Have Death Rates From Accidental Falls Tripled — And How California Families Can Seek Justice

Death rates from accidental falls have tripled since 2000 because Americans are living longer, falls are more severe, and unsafe conditions in homes, businesses, and public spaces have not kept pace with an aging population.

While deaths from heart disease and cancer have declined over the past two decades, accidental falls have moved sharply in the opposite direction — quietly becoming one of the deadliest threats in the United States.

In 2023 alone:

• 47,026 Americans died from accidental falls

• 44,762 Americans died from motor vehicle accidents

For the first time, falls killed more people than car crashes.

At The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus, we see the real human cost behind these numbers — families who never imagined a fall could take the life of someone they love.

The Silent Shift: Why Falls Are Now Deadlier Than Ever

Public safety improvements have reduced deaths from:

• Heart disease

• Cancer

• Motor vehicle accidents

But fall-related deaths surged — largely unnoticed.

Today, accidental falls:

• Are one of the fastest-growing causes of death

• Kill more Americans than car accidents

• Disproportionately affect older adults, but increasingly impact people of all ages

This is not inevitable. It is the result of preventable risks and unsafe conditions.

Why Accidental Fall Deaths Have Tripled Since 2000

1. Americans Are Living Longer Without Adequate Safety Protections

As people age:

• Balance declines

• Reflexes slow

• Bone density weakens

• Recovery from trauma becomes harder

Longer life expectancy without proper safeguards means falls that were once survivable are now often fatal.

2. Falls Are More Severe and Medically Complicated

Modern fall injuries often involve:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Hip fractures followed by rapid decline

• Internal bleeding

• Surgical and post-hospital complications

A single fall can start a chain reaction that leads to death days, weeks, or months later.

3. Chronic Conditions and Medications Increase Risk

Many fall victims live with:

• Heart disease

• Neurological disorders

• Diabetes

• Vision impairment

• Medication side effects

These conditions increase both the likelihood of falling and the severity of injuries.

4. Unsafe Properties and Poor Maintenance

Many fatal falls occur in places that should be safe:

• Apartment buildings

• Nursing homes

• Grocery stores and retail locations

• Sidewalks and parking lots

• Private homes with unsafe stairs or flooring

Common hazards include:

• Wet or slippery floors

• Broken handrails

• Uneven walkways

• Poor lighting

• Building code violations

These are not unavoidable accidents — they are failures of responsibility.

5. Falls Are Underreported and Minimized

Unlike car crashes, falls often:

• Have no police investigation

• Are not immediately reported

• Are dismissed as “just accidents”

This lack of scrutiny allows unsafe conditions to persist — and families to suffer.

The Numbers That Demand Accountability

• Fall deaths have tripled since 2000

• In 2023, falls killed more Americans than car accidents

• Falls are now a leading cause of wrongful death among seniors

Behind every statistic is a family facing sudden loss.

When a Fall Leads to Death, Families Have Legal Rights in California

Many families are shocked to learn that fatal falls are often legally preventable.

Under California law, property owners, businesses, landlords, nursing homes, employers, and public entities can be held accountable when unsafe conditions lead to a loved one’s death.

These cases are known as wrongful death claims.

Who Is Liable for a Fatal Fall in California?

Liability depends on where the fall occurred, what caused it, and who had a duty to keep the area safe. One or multiple parties may be responsible.

Property Owners and Landlords

They may be liable for:

• Broken or missing handrails

• Unsafe stairs or flooring

• Poor lighting in common areas

• Uneven walkways or sidewalks

• Failure to repair known hazards

This applies to apartment buildings, rentals, and commercial properties.

Businesses and Retail Stores

Businesses can be liable for fatal falls caused by:

• Wet floors or spills

• Unsafe entrances or exits

• Defective flooring or mats

• Lack of warning signs

Public safety is a legal responsibility — not optional.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

These facilities have heightened duties of care and may be liable for:

• Inadequate supervision

• Unsafe rooms or bathrooms

• Failure to assist high-risk residents

• Understaffing or poor training

Many fatal falls in these settings involve systemic negligence.

Homeowners and Private Property Owners

Homeowners may be responsible when guests are killed due to:

• Broken steps

• Loose railings

• Slippery surfaces

• Unmarked hazards

Government Entities

Cities and public agencies may be liable for:

• Dangerous sidewalks

• Poorly maintained public buildings

• Unsafe stairways or ramps

⚠️ Claims against government entities have very short deadlines, making immediate legal action critical.

Employers and Contractors

Fatal workplace falls may involve:

• Employer negligence

• Unsafe job sites

• Construction or safety code violations

• Contractor errors

Multiple parties are often involved.

Who Is Liable for a Fall Injury in California?

If a fall does not result in death but causes serious injury, liability is analyzed in a similar way: Who created the dangerous condition, who knew (or should have known) about it, and who failed to fix it or warn about it?

In many California fall injury cases, liability may fall on one or more of the following:

1. Property Owners (Premises Liability)

Property owners must keep premises reasonably safe. They may be liable for injuries caused by:

• Wet floors without warnings

• Cracked or uneven pavement

• Broken steps

• Missing or loose handrails

• Poor lighting

• Loose rugs, cords, or trip hazards in common areas

2. Businesses and Retail Stores

Stores, restaurants, and shopping centers may be liable when they fail to:

• Clean spills in a reasonable time

• Post warning signs

• Fix hazards in aisles, entryways, or bathrooms

• Maintain floors, mats, and walkways safely

3. Landlords and Property Management Companies

In apartment buildings and rentals, landlords/management may be responsible for unsafe:

• Stairwells

• Walkways and sidewalks

• Parking lots

• Common-area lighting

• Handrails and guardrails

If they ignored complaints or delayed repairs, that can be strong evidence of negligence.

4. Homeowners (Guest Injuries)

Homeowners can be liable when guests are injured due to:

• Unrepaired hazards

• Unsafe steps or railings

• Slippery surfaces

• Dangerous conditions not warned about

5. Government Entities (Public Sidewalks and Buildings)

If a fall injury happens due to dangerous public property—like broken sidewalks, defective ramps, or poorly maintained public buildings—government agencies may be liable.

⚠️ These cases often require quick action and strict notice deadlines.

6. Employers and Contractors (Workplace Falls)

Work-related falls may involve:

• Workers’ compensation

• Third-party liability (contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers)

• Safety code violations

A thorough investigation often reveals multiple responsible parties.

What Must Be Proven in Many California Fall Injury Claims

While every case is unique, strong claims often involve proof of:

• A dangerous condition existed

• The responsible party knew or should have known

• They failed to repair, prevent, or warn

• The hazard caused the injury

• The injury resulted in measurable damages (medical bills, lost income, disability)

Insurance companies fight these cases hard. Evidence and timing matter.

How The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus Helps Families After a Fatal Fall

When a loved one dies after a fall, families are grieving — not preparing for a legal battle. That’s where we step in.

At The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus, we help families by:

• Conducting a full investigation into how the fall occurred

• Preserving critical evidence before it disappears

• Identifying all liable parties

• Working with medical and safety experts

• Handling insurance companies and corporate defendants

• Pursuing full wrongful death compensation under California law

Our mission is accountability, justice, and financial security for surviving families.

Compensation Available in California Fatal Fall Cases

Depending on the case, families may recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Medical bills related to the fall

• Loss of financial support

• Loss of companionship and care

• Emotional suffering

Every case is unique. Early legal guidance matters.

Why Families Choose The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus

Families across California trust our firm because we offer:

• Decades of experience in serious injury and wrongful death cases

• Proven results in high-stakes litigation

• Trial-ready representation

• Plaintiff-only focus — never insurance companies

• Compassionate, direct communication

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fatal falls considered wrongful death in California?

They can be if unsafe conditions or negligence caused the fall.

Where do most fatal falls occur?

Homes, apartment buildings, stores, nursing homes, sidewalks, and parking areas.

How long do families have to file a claim?

Generally two years, but much shorter deadlines apply in some cases.

Are there upfront legal fees?

No. You pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.

The Bottom Line

Accidental falls are no longer rare tragedies — they are one of the leading causes of death in America.

When a loved one’s life is taken by a preventable fall, families deserve answers, accountability, and justice.

Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus Now

If your loved one died after a fall in California — or suffered a serious fall injury — do not wait. Evidence disappears and deadlines apply.

📞 Call 818-784-8544 right now for a free, confidential consultation

• No upfront fees

• Compassionate guidance

• Aggressive pursuit of justice

You focus on your family. We’ll handle the fight.