As we proceed through one of the coldest and snowiest months of the year, many people are engaging in winter sporting events like skiing and skating. Plenty of fun can be had during the winter, but outdoor winter activities often present a substantial risk for injury. Thoughtful preparation for any preferred activities is a must, but even with adequate planning, serious injuries can occur.
January is National Winter Sports Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. The cold and snowy winter climate presents those who want to engage in winter sports with a chance to have fun and experience the rush that comes with activities like snowboarding and snowmobiling.
One study in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine evaluated the rate of both head and neck injuries while people were engaged in the winter sports of skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Some of the trends uncovered by the study include the following:
- Over 4 million winter sports injuries were reported between 2000 to 2001
- Among these 4 million injuries, 11% were head and neck injuries
- Snowboarding and skiing represent 55% of the reported concussions
Take Adequate Steps to Protect Your Head
Some helpful tips that you can follow to avoid receiving head injuries while participating in winter sports include the following:
- Avoid too much time in temperatures that are below freezing.
- Before engaging in a winter activity, examine your gear to ensure that it is in good condition.
- Remain informed on the current and predicted weather conditions.
- Stay in bounds if you are using slopes.
- You should make sure to have plenty of water on hand while engaging in sports to avoid dehydration. The signs of dehydration often get overlooked in the winter.
- Wear a helmet if you participate in sports where the risk of hitting your head exists.
After watching winter sports on television, for example, you might think that winter sports are easy and fun and present little risk of harm. This is simply not true. Each day, countless people receive brain injuries while engaged in winter sports.
Not All Winter Sports Injuries are the Victim’s Fault
Winter sports accidents can occur in various ways due to the fault of parties other than the participant. For example, the company that owns a skiing hill might inadequately maintain its premises. Your safety helmet might have been negligently manufactured or designed. There are many ways in which the negligence of someone around you while you are participating in winter activities can end up causing your injuries.
Contact a Knowledgeable Brain Injury Accident Attorney
If you or a loved is injured in an accident this winter, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to best proceed. One of the most helpful steps that you can take in such a situation is to promptly obtain the help of an experienced brain accident attorney. Schedule a free case evaluation with House Law LLC today.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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