In the aftermath of active duty, veterans of the U.S. military struggle enormously with physical and mental health problems. Many veterans were exposed to combat and potentially toxic chemicals while in the service; others suffered serious injuries as a result of the training and physical exertion necessary to serve in the military.
Hundreds of thousands of military veterans live with chronic, permanent injuries or illnesses long after their service has ended. Unfortunately, these same conditions could even put them at a higher risk of falling which can further compromise a person’s health.
According to a section in this article in The Hearing Journal, there are many people who are at risk of suffering a fall-related injury. An assessment can identify factors like the four below which can increase the risk that a person will fall.
- Brain injury or decreasing cognitive functions: People who have damaged their brain or are experiencing a decline in their cognitive capabilities may be taking a number of medications which can increase the chances of a negative drug interaction. They may also suffer from mood disorders or depression which can lead to dangerous lifestyle choices, jeopardizing their overall safety.
- Age: As people get older, they may get weaker and experience a decline in coordination which can increase a person’s chances of falling and getting seriously hurt.
- Hearing problems: People with hearing difficulties can be at risk of falling because their balance may be off. They may also miss out on audible clues that would otherwise prevent a fall, like warnings or instructions.
- Environmental hazards: If a person lives or works in an environment where there are stairs without handrails, poorly light walkways or unstable flooring, he or she can certainly be at risk of tripping, slipping or falling.
Veterans in particular may find themselves dealing with these conditions. Even if they alone are not enough to make a person disabled, a serious fall could certainly lead to further physical damage that makes it impossible for a person to continue doing the day-to-day activities he or she once enjoyed.
If you have suffered a fall stemming from a service-related injury or illness, you may qualify for one or more types of disability benefits. Discussing your options with an attorney in this situation can be crucial in your efforts to maximize the compensation you may receive.