All of the great things about summer: long days, warm weather, and (hopefully) time off of work or school, are also the very same reasons that summer in the San Fernando Valley can be the most accident-ridden time of year for many residents. Visits to the emergency room, resulting from serious auto accidents, off-roading accidents, pool accidents, and dog bites, are all too common. In fact, the CDC reports that between 23-29% of all emergency room visits are due to these types of injuries. It is important to make sure that you and your loved ones take the necessary safety precautions when heading outdoors this summer.
People, companies, and government agencies often fail to realize that many, if not most, personal injuries can – and should – be easily prevented. For example:
- Public park administrators have a duty to eliminate maintenance-related hazards (such as trash, rusty equipment, and damaged fall surfaces) that could lead to slip and falls, etc…
- Camps have a duty to provide safety equipment, hire trained and competent employees, maintain facilities and avoid high-risk activities (such as overdoing athletic activities during the hottest part of the day).
- Pool facilities should have lifeguards, fences or gates, signs posted warning users of the risks, and designate hazards (such as drains).
- Drivers need to be more cautious and defensive in the summer when road trips get longer, distractions increase, and more novice drivers and motorcyclists are on the road.
- Boaters need to avoid drinking alcohol before or while driving, pay attention while on the water, and all passengers should wear life jackets.
This list is non-exhaustive and if you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, your San Fernando Valley personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you may be able to recover financial damages. While there are certainly many cautionary steps you and others can take to reduce and prevent risk to yourself and your loved ones, in many cases, it is up to certain professionals and operators to competently perform their jobs. This means that if you or a loved one is injured by the negligence of another person or business or government entity, you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer for guidance on how to make that party take responsibility for the damages you suffered and to also prevent damage to others in the future.
For more information on how to file a personal injury claim, reach out to the injury law professionals and attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
