What Are the Most Common Summer Injuries?
The summer season is right around the corner, bringing long days, hot weather, and a feeling of freedom and adventure. The dedicated staff at Malloy Law Offices are just as eager as you to get out and make the most of summer while it’s here. But we’re also invested in the safety of our community, and would hate to see summer plans derailed by injury. We’ve written this short survey of some types of accidents and injuries which become more common during the warmer months of the year. Read on for the full roundup of common summer injuries.
Aquatic Accidents
Summertime means heat. When the temperatures rise, humidity worsens, and the rays of the sun grow unbearable, it’s only natural to run to the nearest body of water. Our region is blessed with beaches, rivers, lakes, and a strong network of public pools and municipal water sports facilities. Given the inherent humidity rising from the DC area’s swampy surroundings, it seems like a good bet that many residents of the beltway region have some sort of go-to body of water for cooling down during the summer months.
However, this spike in aquatic activity also means a spike in aquatic injury. More boats lead to more boating accidents, more swimmers lead to more swimming accidents and so on. But there are measures that can be taken to counteract these trends at the individual level.
For Boaters
The most common cause of boating accidents is alcohol use and it is not close. This would suggest a logical course of action for anyone planning to spend time on the water this summer. If you wouldn’t drink and drive, why would you drink and sail?
The majority of other boating accidents can be attributed to operator irresponsibility. This may include:
- Reckless Speed
- Distracted or Inattentive Driving
- Inappropriate Lookout
- Breach of Navigational Rules
In general, a bare minimum of precaution on a boat can prevent catastrophe. Consider this: 86% of drowning fatalities were not wearing a life jacket, but less than 12% of boating adults wear a life preserver.
For Swimmers
Public pools present a variety of hazards, which are often documented through signage and explicit pool rules. Running on slippery poolside surfaces can result in injurious trips and falls. Diving in improper areas can lead to head or spinal injury. In addition, crowding can lead to increased risk of injury, especially for smaller and younger swimmers. In the case of children or adolescent swimmers, adult supervision is an absolute must.
Owners of private pools should take every precaution to ensure a safe environment for guests on their property. Failure to do so could result in injury and potentially open the property owner up to a premises liability lawsuit.
If swimming in a lake or the ocean, a life preserver can prevent drowning due to rough seas and minimize the risks presented by riptide.
Sporting Accidents
Warm weather means summertime is often ideal for outdoor recreation. Working up a good sweat strengthens the body and invigorates the mind. It may also mean unfortunate injury. While rolled ankles, bruised shins, and the occasional more serious injury are simply part of the risks we run in the name of recreation, there are two specific categories of common summer injuries to which we’d like to draw special attention: biking and skateboarding accidents.
Nobody has ever learned to ride a skateboard without falling down. Therefore we suggest all skaters, whether aspiring or experienced, invest in a proper helmet as well as a set of elbow and knee pads. However, it is more urgent to caution so-called “street style” skaters against the potential legal implications of their recreation. While we’ve long since left the days when skateboarding was seen as mischievous or criminal activity behind, it’s important to remember that riding in public means respecting the rights of people and their property. In short: a skater judged to be at fault for an injury to a pedestrian or the destruction of their property may find themselves facing a personal injury lawsuit. Riding responsibly protects both your health and your finances.
Dedicated cyclists are likely already aware of the potential dangers of riding in traffic. But just to summarize: cyclists should wear reflective or brightly colored clothing to make themselves easier to spot by drivers. It’s also wise to keep to designated bike lanes when available.
In addition: when riding on any of our region’s excellent public walking trails; cyclists should be sure to be mindful of pedestrians. A bell or a verbal warning can provide the necessary notice to prevent serious injury and potential liability.
Summer Injuries Lightning Round
To round up all the potential risks of injury brought on by warm weather could fill a book (and put a considerable damper on the festive nature of the season). Therefore, we’ll suggest some further summer injuries- related reading on the Malloy Law Offices Blog for anyone interested in a subject not covered in this post. These recommendations include:
- Heatstroke Injury
- Jobsite or Industrial Injury
- Amusement Park Injury
- Storm Damage
- Electric Scooter Accidents
- Fireworks Burns
How Malloy Law Can Help
If you or a loved one has had your summer derailed by an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. Malloy Law Offices is proud to employ a team of personal injury specialists. Our experienced team of attorneys and dedicated case management staff will pursue maximum compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Don’t wait, contact Malloy Law today and let’s win your case.