A Guide to Seasonal Injuries

Posted on 10/5/23

in Personal Injury

As seasons change, so do the activities we engage in and consequently, the types of injuries one might be at risk for. Most relevant at the moment are fall and winter injuries. The Savannah personal injury attorneys at Bowen Painter offer insights into potential hazards tied to seasonal changes that could lead to injury.

Leaf Pile Dangers and Yard Work Injuries

During autumn months when leaves drop off trees, you may face slipping hazards especially if paths are covered by wet leaves. Sliding on these can potentially result in painful falls or sprains.

Seasonal yard cleanup, though seemingly harmless, can also cause unexpected injuries such as strains from repetitive motions or accidents involving garden tools. Always approach fall debris clearance with safety measures including appropriate footwear for traction and careful handling of equipment used.

School Sports Injuries

The start of the school year sees a resurgence of sports activities. These fun activities, however, come with risks. Common injuries during school sports seasons include sprains, fractures, or concussions due to physical collisions or overexertion. The importance of wearing appropriate protective gear and maintaining regular health check-ups cannot be overlooked for reducing risk in young athletes.

Fall Festival and Halloween Safety

Activities like fall festivals or trick-or-treating, hold potential risks. Overeating on candies to trips and falls in unfamiliar environments are some of the hazards during these events.

Ensure kids’ costumes don’t inhibit their vision or movement – this helps minimize chances of stumbling over decor on potentially dimly lit paths. In addition, always do a candy check after trick-or-treating sessions to rule out sweets that may pose choking hazards or have been tampered with.

Remember safety is key while partaking in seasonal activities – all measures taken towards this contribute towards preventing injury.

Slips and Falls on Ice

Each year, thousands of individuals suffer from slip and fall accidents, many due to icy conditions. These falls can lead to serious personal injuries such as broken bones, sprains, and even head injuries. The key to preventing such accidents is to ensure proper footwear with good traction and to apply sand or ice melt to slippery surfaces. Also, try to avoid walking on icy paths when your visibility is limited due to dark or blizzard-like conditions.

Car Accidents on Black Ice

Car accidents due to black ice often result in serious injuries and even fatalities. Black ice is a thin layer of ice on a surface, appearing black because it blends with the pavement. It’s difficult to spot, making it particularly dangerous for motorists.

Drive at reduced speeds, maintain a significant distance from the vehicle ahead, and keep all windows clear of snow and ice in colder months. Equip your vehicle with winter tires for better traction and control.

Also, always familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s braking system, as sudden braking might lead a vehicle to skid on black ice.

Sometimes Accidents Are Just Accidents – But Sometimes, a Lawyer is Necessary

It’s crucial to understand that not all accidents are simply ‘accidents.’ While some incidents are unavoidable, others are clearly the result of another person’s negligence or failure to exercise reasonable care. These accidents could occur because of a property owner who neglected to de-ice their pedestrian walkway, a store that didn’t clean up a spill in a timely manner, or another motorist who disregarded the road conditions and drove recklessly.

If you’re injured in an accident that you suspect was due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial not to make any assumptions. What might seem like a simple, unfortunate occasion could actually be a legal matter where you’re entitled to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.