Some occupations are considered to have an increased risk of head injuries, such as athletes or construction workers. However, anyone can suffer a head injury if they fall and hit their head or if they are hit by a piece of equipment. In Illinois, all companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This is in the event a worker gets hurt on the job. In certain cases, a person may sustain life-altering complications that may require extensive rehabilitation or even a career change. Due to the complex nature of head injuries, symptoms may not appear until days or weeks after an accident. That is why it is imperative to know your rights regarding filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Athletes, as well as their parents and coaches, are more cognizant of the risk of concussions these days, which has led to an increased awareness of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). According to researchers at Mayo Clinic, TBI results from a blow or jolt to the head or body. It can also be caused by an object that penetrates the brain tissue.

This type of injury can also occur in the workplace, regardless of the type of occupation. Falls from a ladder or down a flight of stairs are the most common cause of TBI overall, which can occur in different work environments.

There is no denying that the Midwest has some of the most extreme weather, from hot and humid summers to bitter cold winters with a rainy season in between. Illinois winters have a reputation for exhibiting some of the worst conditions. Snow and ice can wreak havoc on traffic and cause serious problems for motorists. Truck drivers need to be extra cautious due to the size and volume of their vehicles. It is a proven fact that it takes longer for a truck to come to a complete stop than a car. In blizzard-like conditions, a truck accident can result in serious to severe injuries for the truck driver as well as the occupants of a car after a collision.

Safety Measures for All Drivers

When the seasons change, Illinois motorists need to change their driving habits. Regardless if you are operating a semi-truck or a compact car, precipitation of any kind warrants slowing down and taking other measures. Here are a few safety precautions to keep in mind when traveling in hazardous weather on the highway:

• Stay calm: If you feel yourself panicking behind the wheel, try to relax and take deep breaths to calm yourself down.
• Slow down: Drive only as fast as your abilities and the capabilities of the vehicle permit for the road conditions.
• Control your actions: Your behavior on the roadway needs to be controlled and deliberate. Maintain a consistent speed, create more space between you and the car ahead in case that vehicle stops unexpectedly. Do not slam on the brakes, and steer gently.
• Turn on your headlights: Make sure to turn on your headlights even during the daytime if the weather is bad so other motorists can see you better.
• Use your turn signals: Do not make lane changes without alerting other drivers of your upcoming movements by signaling first. When getting off at an exit, for example, put on your turn signal before you start slowing down.
• Be aware of tire spray: Be aware of water spraying from a truck’s tires. A significant amount of spray means the roads are wet. If the pavement appears wet, but there is not a lot of spray, the precipitation is turning to ice. If the road looks wet but there is minimal to no spray, that could mean black ice.
• Watch other drivers: Pay attention to what the truck drivers are doing and if they are slowing down, you should too. This will help avoid a pileup in the event you have to brake suddenly.
• Do not stop: If visibility is poor, do not stop in the middle of the road because you will be hit from behind since the driver behind you cannot see either. Proceed along slowly until you can safely move your car off to the shoulder. Wait out the storm until you can see clearly ahead of you.

Even when the above safety tips are followed, accidents involving a truck can and still do happen. In some cases, another driver may have been distracted or intoxicated, which led to the crash. It is important to contact an experienced attorney to determine who is at fault in order to seek compensation for damages.

When a person falls or is struck by an object, the resulting injury can range from minor to severe. Shoulder injuries are very common regardless of an individual’s age. This type of injury can occur if someone slips and falls and lands on his or her shoulder, causing a fracture, broken bones, or torn ligaments. Damage to the arm and shoulder can also be the result of an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle accident. This is especially common in cases where another driver or rider was distracted or operating his or her vehicle recklessly. It is imperative to know your rights to compensation if your shoulder injury was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another person.

Damage to the Rotator Cuff

Torn rotator cuffs are some of the most common shoulder injuries. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the top of your upper arm bone secured in the socket of the shoulder. Torn rotator cuffs can begin with a dull ache, but if they do not heal properly, they can require surgery to repair and significant rehabilitation.

A tear in the shoulder’s rotator cuff can be caused by repetitive motion, or it can result from a sudden and unexpected impact or trauma.

With fall upon us and winter approaching, parts of the country are already experiencing inclement weather. Heavy rains and winter storms can wreak havoc on driving conditions and pose a real danger to Illinois motorists. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) statistics, more than 5.8 million vehicle crashes occur every year. Approximately 21 percent of those involved hazardous weather. Slippery or icy roads can lead to a driver losing control of his or her vehicle, resulting in car accidents with serious injuries or even fatalities. That is why it is even more important for everyone on the road to be extra alert during bad weather and drive responsibly in order to avoid a potential collision.

Weather Factors That Can Lead to Crashes

There are various conditions that bad weather causes, and it often depends on the temperature outside. Based on how warm or cold the air is, precipitation can result in fog, rain, sleet, hail, or snow. If the air temperature drops, water on pavement can turn to ice, a significant driving hazard. Below are some of the major weather conditions that occur in Illinois, which can increase the chances of an auto accident:

• Rain and flooding: The average automobile can be swept off the road in one foot of moving water. In addition, streets covered by water can collapse. Attempting to drive through water can also stall a car’s engine, possibly leaving you stranded.
• Snow and ice: Icy pavement lacks friction and vehicle maneuverability, increasing crash risk. It can take up to 10 times longer to stop on an icy road as it does on a dry one. Experts suggest allowing 20 seconds of time behind the car in front of you.
• Low visibility: Foggy conditions reduce the distance a driver can see ahead of the car.
• Strong winds: Higher vehicles are most affected by high winds, but sudden gusts can blow any automobile off course. Also, striking any type of debris that is blowing in the wind at a high speed could be fatal, so it is imperative to travel at a slower speed.

Driver Behaviors That Can Cause Collisions

Today’s traffic enforcement patrols promote safe driving techniques in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents. From posted speed limits to DUI checkpoints to electronic signage alerting drivers of slow-downs ahead, they are all meant to keep our highways safer.

People in all different lines of work have the right to a safe environment while performing their jobs. According to Illinois employment law, all employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission is the government agency that handles workers’ compensation claims between employees and employers. If a worker is injured on the job, he or she is entitled to benefits for any damages as a result of the accident, such as medical bills or lost wages. However, the process of seeking compensation can be complicated if an employee aggravates a pre-existing health condition because of a workplace incident.

Types of Pre-Existing Conditions

There are many different kinds of health conditions that a person could have because of a previous accident or disease, whether it be from a car crash, a sports injury, or if it is hereditary. A medical illness or injury that someone has before he or she is injured or diagnosed with another health issue may be considered a “pre-existing condition.” Diabetes, emphysema, and cancer may be examples of pre-existing health conditions, which tend to be chronic or long-term.

A fine line exists between proving that a brand-new injury occurred and a new accident caused a previous injury to become worse. In some cases, falling or exposure to toxic substances can re-injure or re-aggravate the same body part, and therefore cause further damage. For example, an employee who had knee replacement surgery for a non-work-related injury could aggravate it by slipping and falling at work due to unsafe work conditions. Another instance may be an employee suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who works at a factory and is exposed to airborne chemicals and then suffers a recurrence of the emphysema.

Some people may think walking is a safe way of getting to and from places. However, a pedestrian traveling down the street or in a designated crosswalk can be at risk of being struck by a vehicle, motorcycle, or even a bicycle. The sheer force of the impact in any type of pedestrian accident can result in serious injuries or possibly death. The majority of pedestrian deaths take place on local streets at night, suggesting the need for safer road crossings, signage, lighting, in addition to distracted driving prevention measures. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, nighttime collisions made up more than 90 percent of the total increase in pedestrian fatalities in the last 10 years.

Types of Pedestrian Injuries

Pedestrian accidents can occur when someone is going for a run, taking a stroll, or simply standing on a sidewalk. Regardless if a pedestrian is struck by an automobile, motorcycle, bus or truck, injuries suffered are likely to be much more severe than if the person was a passenger in a car. For a pedestrian, there is no protection between the body and the vehicle to soften the blow. In some cases, a victim may need surgery, extensive rehabilitation, or even amputation. A person is often unable to return to work because of chronic pain or brain damage, which results in hardship due to lost wages. The most common types of injuries a pedestrian can suffer after being struck by any type of vehicle or cycle include:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Neck injuries resulting in whiplash or fractured vertebrae
• Back/spinal cord damage or paralysis
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to joints, shoulders, or knees

Causes of Pedestrian Injuries

The risk of a pedestrian accident is heightened at night compared to daytime. The increase in nighttime pedestrian fatalities may be attributed to poor street lighting or a lack of traffic enforcement patrols. There are many dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding or distracted/impaired driving that can also put pedestrians in harm’s way.

Traffic laws, such as maintaining an appropriate speed, wearing seat belts, and not operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol are more likely to be followed by elderly drivers compared to younger motorists. Furthermore, elderly drivers often avoid difficult driving conditions, like rush hour, driving at night, or driving in poor weather conditions.

According to statistics from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 2016 recorded 41.7 million licensed drivers over the age of 65. Breaking that down, out of the 221.7 million licensed drivers in the United States, almost one in five drivers are 65 years or older. While elderly motorists are considered to be safer drivers, they are at a much higher risk of car accident injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, an experienced lawyer could advise you on the best course of legal action.

Why Are Car Accident Injuries More Common for Elderly Drivers?

As our bodies continue to age, certain vulnerabilities start to become more prevalent and noticeable. The act of operating a motor vehicle requires quick reflexes, increased awareness of your surroundings, good vision and hearing, and the ability to make immediate decisions. As the aging process continues, several factors can contribute to an increased risk of car accident injuries:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States. Victims of car accidents often injure themselves by hitting the windshield or dashboard of the vehicle. They can also be thrown from the vehicle if they are not properly restrained. Today’s automobiles feature much more advanced safety features compared to cars in the past. In addition to seat belts, airbag restraint systems are placed throughout the vehicle. These devices can protect occupants by “cushioning” the impact or force when jolted in a crash.

Common Types of Car Crash Injuries

Injuries are not just sustained in high-speed car accidents. Even a collision at a lower speed can cause a driver’s or passenger’s head to hit the windshield, a side window, or the steering wheel. Unsecured objects in the car can also become airborne and hit occupants. A few of the typical injuries passengers suffer in a vehicle crash include:

• Head and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Whiplash
• Cracked ribs
• Broken/fractured bones
• Lacerations
• Internal bleeding

Seat Belts

Seat belts have been around for a long time, but they are still the most basic and important restraint device. When they were first put in cars, seat belts only went across a person’s lap. Now, seat belts have two parts: A lap belt that goes over the individual’s pelvis, and the shoulder belt, which extends over one shoulder and across the chest.

Sometimes a person falls and sustains only minor scrapes and bruises. However, some falls can cause significant personal injury. More than 800,000 people are hospitalized every year in the United States due to a serious fall accident. A slip and fall can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spine or neck injury, internal organ damage, and more. When a slip and fall accident is the result of negligence, the injured party may bring a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party or parties. The damages available in a slip and fall case will vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.

Costs Associated with Slip and Fall Accidents

You may not think that simply falling could incur substantial financial damage, but many fall accidents leave the injured person in momentous debt. If you have experienced a serious fall, you may have needed emergency room treatment, an extended hospital stay, diagnostic tests, surgery, expensive prescription medication or medical equipment, physical therapy, rehabilitation or nursing home care, and more. Medical treatments such as these can easily cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Even worse, your injuries may have left you unable to work. If so, you not only incur the costs of your treatment but you also experience financial harm due to missed work. Some fall accidents can even leave a person permanently disabled and unable to continue working in their preferred profession. Injuries from a serious fall can also prevent a person from performing non-work activities such as caring for children or maintaining a home.

Any type of accident, whether it involves a vehicle, sports, workplace equipment, etc. can cause serious personal injuries. Depending on the situation, victims may be able to recover within days or months after surgery or rehabilitation if a bone was broken, for instance. However, there are other kinds of injuries that are considered more severe. A catastrophic injury is legally defined as an injury with “direct and proximate consequences” that “permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work.”

This type of injury can have life-altering effects and in many cases causes the victim permanent damage. This can range from paralysis to brain damage to third-degree burns. Regardless of the specific injury, it alters the victim’s life in a way that usually requires compensation to cover medical costs or long-term care.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are unique, but they not only impact the survivor in a significant way, but typically his or her family, too. It may require a family member to quit his or her job or take a leave of absence to care for his or her injured loved one. This can be emotionally and financially draining, especially if the victim requires 24/7 assistance. Even if a family member does not stay home, the family will likely have to hire a caretaker, which is a huge expense. A catastrophic injury can result in a limited future for survivors and their families.

Reporting a wound or ailment that occurred while either at your company or acting on their behalf is a scenario that thousands of Americans have to face every year. There are numerous ways in which an employee could be harmed on a daily basis. Workers’ compensation (workers’ comp) is a form of insurance provided to staff members who can justify an injury or illness while at the workplace or representing their organization at a different location. How do you go about filing for these benefits, and what does this process entail? Steps must be taken to meet the state-regulated requirements.

Workers’ Comp Benefits

If you were to sustain a work-related injury, workers’ compensation is an insurance-like process that would pay for your medical expenses and provide you with wage-loss benefits until you are able to return to employment. In reference to workers’ comp, here are a few key details that should be noted:

• Employees’ earnings will not be deducted to cover workers’ comp.
• Commonly speaking, most claims are paid for despite fault.
• Employers are required to pay for these costs, although it is common practice for employers to purchase workers’ comp insurance.
• Not every employee is covered by workers’ comp; some are under the jurisdiction of compensation laws administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

Filing for Workers’ Comp

Varying from state to state, there are different courses of action that must be achieved in order to receive reparations. In Illinois, all of the following must be addressed first in order to file for workers comp:

Traveling by car has become a way of life for a majority of U.S. citizens; millions of people hit the road every day either as a driver or a passenger. However, how many of these motor vehicle occupants are involved in car accidents? Based on recent statistical trends, it is estimated that there are roughly 4.5 million people injured from car accidents in the United States per year, including about 40,000 deaths. These accidents can be physically and emotionally draining on all parties involved.

If you or a loved one is hurt in a vehicle crash, you might be entitled to compensation if the accident was due to another driver’s reckless behavior. Taking certain actions immediately following the accident can help with seeking damages.

Potential Injuries From a Vehicle Crash

The aftermath of an auto accident can produce lasting effects for every party involved, including serious injuries. Depending on the circumstances, some of the most common consequences of car crashes include:

It is not uncommon for many people to travel for their jobs, regardless of the industry or line of work they are in. Employees often have to meet with business partners or clients face-to-face, even if they live in different states or countries. Depending on the work that needs to be done, a business trip can last a day, weeks, or even months. The potential for a workplace accident still exists, even if an employee is not on company grounds. If a worker is injured while on a business trip, he or she may still be entitled to workers’ comp benefits. However, the process of seeking workers’ compensation for a traveling employee can be slightly more complicated, so it is best to talk to a legal professional before filing any insurance claims.

Seeking Workers’ Compensation Benefits

It is important to distinguish the fine line between work-related and non-work-related injuries, especially while traveling for business. Injuries suffered while attending a dinner meeting with clients are usually covered. However, any injuries sustained while going out to eat when you are “off the clock” with a friend or family member who is in that town are probably not covered. Injuries sustained while sightseeing on your own are most likely not covered under worker’s comp insurance. Injuries that occur while you are on an airplane, in a car, on a train or staying in a hotel for work-related duties are typically covered. Regardless of the type of injury an employee sustains while on a business trip, he or she should take the following steps to protect his or her rights to compensation:

• Report the accident: Regardless if you are injured at an office, a restaurant, or a hotel while out of town on business, report the incident to management personnel of the establishment.
• Record information: Ask witnesses for their account of the incident, take pictures, and document what happened immediately. Relying on memory after an accident is not reliable, and workers’ compensation cases take time to resolve.
• Seek medical attention: Seek professional medical care after an injury. Let your doctor know you were working at the time of the accident. Keep records of every medical visit.
• Inform your supervisor: Let your supervisor or HR department know about your injury. They should send you a workers’ compensation claim form electronically or in person once you are back in the office.
• Talk to a lawyer: If you are concerned about liability for your claim, it is best to speak to an attorney. You may have a valid workers’ comp claim in addition to a third-party claim against the negligent party responsible for causing your injury.

Contact a Wheaton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace injuries can happen in offices or factories or even when an employee is traveling for his or her job. Even if an accident does not take place on a company’s property, a worker may be eligible for compensation if he or she was hurt while working at an offsite or out-of-state location. A skilled DuPage County workplace injury attorney at the Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. can assist you in recovering damages for your pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 630-665-5678.

A popular mode of transportation these days are electric bicycles or “e-bikes.” Two basic types of e-bikes exist, throttle and pedal-assist, although many e-bikes have both. Pedal-assist e-bikes use a battery in addition to the power created by pedaling. E-bikes can reach speeds up to 27 miles per hour. Electric bikes are fairly inexpensive and many commuters see it as a convenient way to get to and from work without exerting much effort. However, there are unique dangers to riding this type of motorized bicycle. The higher speeds of an e-bike along with reckless driving behaviors of both cyclists and motorists can lead to significant injuries.

Common Types of E-Bike Injuries

The majority of e-bicycle accidents are due to negligence or recklessness. A variety of parties can be at fault, including other bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, or the manufacturers of the bike. There have been reported cases of serious injuries suffered while riding pedal-assist e-bikes due to faulty brakes, lithium battery, and fork failure. A slight tap of the brakes can cause them to lock up and send riders flying over the handlebars. Other causes of e-bike accidents can include reckless drivers who are intoxicated or looking at their phones or pedestrians who do not pay attention to where they are going and crash into the cyclist.

The types of injuries suffered by falling off an electric bicycle or being hit by a pedestrian, another cyclist, or a driver can include the following:

Summer is typically the time for construction on America’s streets and roads because of the nice weather. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Organization (NHTSA), work zones on U.S. roadways have become increasingly dangerous for both workers and motorists. A work zone is a designated area or stretch of highway or road where work takes place, typically to improve the pavement or roadway conditions. This may involve lane closures, detours, and tractors or equipment. Car accidents can happen at any time and anywhere, especially if there is a change in the normal flow of traffic. It is important to be even more aware when driving in work zones in order to avoid an accident. Unfortunately, you cannot control other drivers on the road who may not be paying attention.

Drive with Caution

There are steps a driver can take to be better prepared for traveling in work zones. Practicing safe driving tactics, such as slowing down, can help reduce the risk of being involved in a car accident. Here are a few other safety precautions every motorist should take during road construction season:

• Expect the unexpected in designated road construction zones.
• Be alert and pay attention to the signs.
• Comply with the directions given by the flagger or electronic signage.
• Be patient in road construction zones.
• Use the “Take 10” technique to change lanes.
• Slow down; do not drive too fast for conditions.
• Drive defensively; other drivers can be reckless.
• Do not follow the vehicle ahead of you too closely.
• Obey the posted signs until you leave the work zone.
• Plan ahead and leave early for your destination in anticipation of delays.

Most of the above safety tips are common sense, such as driving slower in work zones. The “Take 10” method to change lanes involves putting on your turn signal at least three seconds before beginning to change lanes and allowing at least seven seconds to complete the lane change while checking your side and rearview mirrors during the maneuver.

Learning to drive is a rite of passage for young adults. In Illinois, new drivers must complete a required driver’s education class and accumulate a certain number of hours behind the wheel before they are issued a valid driver’s license, regardless if they are 16 years old or not. During the learning or practice phase, the student motorists carry a learner’s permit and are subject to restrictions such as who can be in the vehicle with them, curfew hours, etc. As with learning how to do any activity that is new, student drivers often make mistakes that can lead to car accidents. Even seasoned drivers can be involved in car accidents due to inclement weather or other reckless motorists, but what are the consequences if someone is injured in an auto collision that involves another driver who is on a learner’s permit?

Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Crash

It is normal to feel shocked or panic when you are in a car accident. You may also be in a significant amount of pain. Try to remain calm so you can think clearly. Taking a few simple steps can increase the chances of a favorable settlement from a potential personal injury lawsuit. These steps include:

• Pull over to the side of the road.
• Call 911 if your injuries are severe and require immediate medical attention.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• Write down the other motorist’s license plate number.
• Take pictures with your phone of the damage to your vehicle.
• Obtain any eyewitness testimonies if applicable.
• File an official accident report with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Illinois Driving and Insurance Laws

Under Illinois law, every driver is required to have auto insurance coverage up to a specific amount. This applies to those motorists driving with a learner’s permit as well as those who have been driving for many years. Generally, student drivers are covered through their parents’ auto insurance policy. A driver with a learner’s permit is not required to carry his or her own insurance policy as long as he or she is a minor. This is usually because the student driver is typically accompanied by his or her parent or another adult who is an insured driver.

A lot of people who suffer an injury while on the job can collect workers’ compensation benefits. Under Illinois law, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees in the event they are injured on the job. In certain industries, a worker may develop an ailment over time due to repeated exposure to toxic substances. A person can suffer permanent physical and/or neurological damage from contact with chemicals, dust, fumes, mold, or radiation. Those employees are also entitled to compensation if the occupational disease or illness was due to continuous employment in that profession. The Illinois Occupational Diseases Act assures fair compensation for workers who are temporarily or permanently disabled by such illnesses or diseases.

Illinois Occupational Diseases Act

The Illinois Occupational Diseases Act states that an occupational disease is an illness or damaging condition that is a direct result of employment or which could be aggravated by hazardous workplace conditions. These unsafe conditions must not be “common to the general public.” Common colds and other contagious ailments are not generally considered to be directly work-related. Many jobs involve exposure to dangerous chemicals, radiation, loud noise, and other hazards. These occupations can include but are not limited to the following:

• Miners
• Construction workers
• Welders
• Farmworkers
• Tunnel or railroad workers
• Diesel mechanics
• Aerospace workers

The following occupational diseases are common among long-term industry employees and can ultimately be life-threatening for the employee:

Many people like to travel by plane because they can reach their destinations so much faster than by car or train. Statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board show it is actually a safer means of transportation than vehicles. However, injuries can still occur in the air. They may be as minor as a sprained shoulder while trying to reach the overhead bin, or as severe as head trauma during turbulence. In some cases, a plane crash can result in a catastrophic injury or death. Anyone who has been injured while an airplane passenger has rights to compensation for medical bills or lost wages if the injury prevents him or her from working. Depending on the circumstances, the airline and/or its employees can be held responsible.

Common Types of In-Flight Injuries

A number of in-flight injuries are the result of luggage falling out of the overhead bins. According to estimates, approximately 4,500 passengers are hurt each year from falling baggage. Many people use carry-on suitcases and they are packed full and can weigh a lot. If a person is struck by luggage, it can cause fractures to the face, head, or arms and also lacerations.

Weather can be unpredictable, and severe turbulence can turn a smooth flight into a bumpy ride. The sudden drop in altitude can thrust unbelted passengers to the ceiling of the plane, leading to concussions or broken bones. If the captain or flight crew did not adequately warn or instruct passengers to remain seated and fasten their seat belts before the turbulence occurred, that can be considered negligence.

Jumping on a trampoline can be fun for people of all ages, not just kids. It is a great form of exercise and can help users develop core muscle strength as well as strengthen their balance. Trampolines can be enjoyed outside in someone’s yard or inside at a facility. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured on trampolines every year in the United States. Injuries can range from minor to major, such as small cuts to broken legs to fractures of the spine, head, ribs and more. The number of injuries continues to rise, despite efforts to make trampolines safer with enclosures or nets and padding. Children younger than 6 years old are at the greatest risk of injury, but adults can be hurt, too. Accidents happen, but in some cases, a trampoline injury might occur due to negligence by the trampoline’s owner.

Types of Injuries

The majority of trampoline injuries occur on home trampolines, although they can happen on indoor trampolines, too. Indoor trampoline “parks” have gained popularity in recent years since people can visit them in the winter months when the weather is bad outside. Common injuries sustained on any trampoline can include:

• Broken bones
• Concussions and other head trauma
• Sprains/strains
• Bruises, scrapes, and cuts
• Head and neck injuries

How Injuries Occur

As with any type of physical activity or sport, there are inherent risks. Guests of indoor parks are typically required to watch a safety video and sign a waiver before entering the jump zones. Although these indoor facilities often have pads surrounding the jumping areas, people can still get hurt. Many injuries take place when there is more than one person jumping or flipping on a trampoline. In addition, any objects such as balls or toys on the trampoline surface can also pose significant risks by tripping or slipping and falling. A person can also get hurt when he or she:

Summertime is when a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts take to the roads since the weather is warmer. Motorcyclists are also sharing the road with cars and trucks, and the potential for accidents can be high due to increased speeds. Statistics show approximately 5,000 people are killed in motorcycle crashes in the United States each year. A motorcycle accident can cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), fractures, paralysis, just to name a few. These injuries can have devastating consequences that impact someone’s day-to-day life, so it is important to take safety precautions whenever possible.

Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries

A traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death when it comes to motorcycle accidents. Since a person driving or riding on a motorcycle is not as protected as a passenger in a car or truck, the potential for significant injury is more likely. Other kinds of injuries include but are not limited to the following:

• Facial injuries
• Burn injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Thoracic injuries
• Skin abrasions
• Broken bones
• Emotional trauma

Safety First on a Motorcycle

One of the easiest ways for a motorcyclist to prevent a head injury is to wear a helmet. Wearing bright or reflective clothing increases a motorcyclist’s visibility to other motorists on the road. It is also important to make sure all turn signals, headlights, and brake lights are in working order. Below are some of the precautions that should always be taken before getting on a motorcycle: