Winter Fun and Safety in Alton Illinois

Winter weather brings ample opportunities for outdoor fun. Sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, and hiking are just some of the activities that families might take part in as the temperature drops. However, these activities come with risks ranging from minor scrapes to serious injuries like concussions or broken bones. Taking certain precautions can reduce risks, but even if you’re careful, something could go wrong. If you find yourself or your loved ones in that position, and the injuries are related to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to understand your legal options.

Common winter activities and related injuries

Here are some of the common activities families enjoy during the cold winter months.

Sledding

At the first sight of snow, many families and children flock to local parks to sled. For many of us, sledding evokes fun memories from our own childhoods, especially during snow days. Unfortunately, it can be risky. Head injuries and fractures are possible injuries related to sledding accidents. Collisions with other people, sleds, trees or fences can be devastating. In fact, sledding injuries are responsible for around 20,000 ER visits every year in the US.

Ice skating

Some communities may create outdoor rinks as a way for families to get out and enjoy ice skating. Other times, open skating days may allow people to head to indoor rinks where they can try out their skills on the ice. Anyone who’s been on a pair of skates knows that falls can happen fast. Land the wrong way, and you can suffer fractures, sprains, and severe head injuries. Skating (including ice and roller skating and skateboarding) is the fifth leading cause of sports-related ER visits for people between the ages of five and 24. The risks are higher if rinks don’t take steps to reduce dangerous behaviors, fail to maintain the ice or rent out defective equipment. The right safety gear – including head protection and wrist guards – can minimize some of those dangers.

Snowmobiling

Many rural parts of Illinois have plenty of space for snowmobiling, which is a popular activity in the area. These vehicles can, however, travel at high rates of speed, which can lead to some pretty terrible accidents. Rollovers, crashes with other vehicles, and collisions with objects like trees can lead to life-altering injuries. About 14,000 people in the US experience these types of injuries each year. Many of the most serious accidents involve alcohol.

Negligence and liability in winter activity injuries

Not all winter activity injuries will be the result of negligence. Some, however, could easily have been prevented if not for some serious oversites, mismanagement, or carelessness. Here are a few examples of possible negligence:

• A reckless snowmobile driver causes a crash with another vehicle or person.
• Ice rink operators fail to address uneven ice or sharp edges around the rink.
• Defective sleds, snowmobiles, or other recreational equipment leads to accidents or injuries.

If you believe your injury was the result of negligence, speak to a personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights and whether you have a claim.

Legal options for victims of winter sports injuries

If you’ve suffered an injury while engaging in a winter sporting activity, you might have a valid claim for damages. Some of the possible grounds for these cases include:

Premises liability

Property owners are responsible for providing safe conditions on their property. If some known risk on the property leads to an injury, the injured person might have a claim. This is especially true when the injury occurs at a business property.

Product liability

Faulty equipment, like defective sleds or malfunctioning snowmobiles, can result in injuries. Manufacturers and sellers may be held responsible if their products are unreasonably dangerous because of defects.

Personal injury claims

If injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence – such as might be the case with a reckless person on a sledding hill or a drunk person operating a snowmobile – victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Safety tips for winter activities in Alton Illinois

Risks shouldn’t discourage you and your family from enjoying your favorite winter sports and activities. Fortunately, there are some ways you can reduce the danger of experiencing a serious injury, including the following:

• Sledding: Using helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries. Also, avoid overcrowded or especially steep hills.
• Ice skating: Wear protective gear and only use rinks that are well-maintained.
• Snowmobiling: Always wear a helmet and use marked trails. Never ride after consuming alcohol.

It’s also worth realizing your limits in any activity. Don’t push yourself to do something risky to show off or impress others.

Contact Glisson Law for winter activity injury claims in Alton Illinois

Suffering a serious injury can change the course of your life. If another person caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation that will allow you to reduce some of the stress and harm you’ve experienced. Glisson Law is dedicated to helping individuals in and around Alton, Illinois recover after preventable accidents. Contact us for a no-cost, confidential consultation today.