Heatstroke Injury and You
Temperature records all over the world are being smashed this summer as the world sweats through an historic heat wave. Malloy Law Offices wants to take this time to remind all our fellow residents of the DMV to exercise caution. Stay hydrated, avoid overexerting yourself, and take regular breaks from the sun to protect your health and the health of those around you. However, with persistent extreme heat it is inevitable that people will fall victim to heatstroke injuries. This week’s blog post walks through a handful of common heatstroke injury scenarios, and will hopefully give you some idea of where to start seeking justice if you’ve been the victim of a heatstroke injury.
Heatstroke Signs and Symptoms
A person can be said to be suffering from heatstroke once their body reaches an internal temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). A heatstroke injury should be treated with the utmost seriousness. Emergency treatment will be necessary to avoid damage to vital organs, including the brain and heart.
Common symptoms of heatstroke include:
- High body temperature
- Confusion and delirium
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Throbbing headache
- Heightened breathing/heart rate.
If you encounter a possible victim of heatstroke, your first priority should be cooling the afflicted party down. This can be done by relocating them to a shady spot, removing any excess clothing, and cooling them with water. A garden hose, swimming pool, bath, or even a spray bottle can help. Anything from submerging them in water to simply misting it over them can be critical.
Heatstroke and Workers Compensation
Outdoor job sites are a particular danger area for heatstroke injuries. Safety equipment can leave workers overdressed for the weather and prone to overheating. But employers are legally required to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Therefore climate control is a vital part of that equation in warmer months.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at work due to heatstroke, you can likely file a worker’s compensation claim. However, you must be able to prove that your injury was caused or aggravated by the heat and not any pre-existing condition leaving you with increased temperature sensitivity. These conditions can include (but are not limited to) obesity, poor vascular health, or certain medications that may increase your heat sensitivity.
Heatstroke and Young Children
Supervision of children is always imperative but extreme weather conditions mean parents and caretakers must exercise even more vigilance than usual. Luckily kids can be kept safe from the heat with regular hydration and a little sunscreen. Therefore, organizations operating day camps or other youth programs may want to move activities indoors on days where heat and humidity are a serious concern.
It cannot be stated strongly enough that parents should never leave children or pets in a locked car unattended. It’s dangerous enough in reasonable weather. But with direct sunlight and heat your car can quickly become an oven. In addition, you risk criminal neglect charges by failing to properly care for your child or animal.
Seeking Help
The summer months are some of the most active of the year. But sometimes slowing down for a break in the shade is best. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a heatstroke injury it’s important to conduct a rigorous review of the facts of your accident. If it can be determined someone else was at fault or should have taken steps to protect you or your loved one, you may have a case. Whether you’re seeking to file worker’s compensation, hold an irresponsible caretaker responsible, or just seeking advice and an honest evaluation of your case, Malloy Law Offices, LLC is here for you. Our attorneys will provide their expertise to point you in the right direction. Call today for your free consultation.