There’s no doubt that participating in winter sports is a great way to have fun and stay active during the cold season. Still, doing so heightens one’s risk of sustaining injuries such as concussions. After all, ice skating, skiing and ice hockey all involve traveling at high speeds on very slippery surfaces. So what can you do to avoid hurting your head while enjoying winter sports? Here are a few recommendations from our Bucks County concussion injury lawyer:
- Be on high alert – No matter what sport you’re taking part in, it’s essential to pay attention to your surroundings at all times so that you can spot obstacles and avoid colliding with them. For sledders, skiers and snowmobilers, this involves looking out for trees, other people and sudden drops or turns in the trail. By preparing yourself to deal with these hurdles ahead of time, you’ll have a much lower chance of being injured in the process.
- Invest in a high-quality, properly fitted helmet – To cushion your head in case of a fall, you’ll want to buy a helmet that is certified for recreational sports. For maximum protection, make sure the helmet is snug but not uncomfortably tight. When placed on your head, it should rest no more than an inch above your eyebrows, and it should stay in place when you shake your head. If you need help finding the appropriate helmet for you, visit any sporting goods store. And remember: you should always purchase a new one after a serious fall, as helmets aren’t made to withstand more than one major accident.
- Don’t push your limits – When participating in winter sports, it’s important not to take on anything you aren’t ready for. For instance, if you’re a beginner skier, don’t try to go down an advanced slope. Instead, take time to learn the basics of the sport and gain the skills needed to do more challenging activities safely.
- Know the symptoms of a concussion – Even when you follow safety precautions for winter sports, accidents can still happen. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a concussion, which include headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion and slurred speech. If you or a loved one begins to experience any of these symptoms after a fall, seek medical attention immediately.
Interested in learning about how to keep children safe when they participate in winter sports? Check out our Bucks County concussion injury attorney’s recent post!
Bring Your Concussion Injury Case to Us!
Concussions may be considered mild injuries, but that doesn’t mean they can’t lead to emotional, physical and financial damage. When one is concussed, he/she will likely be forced to take time off work and be prevented from participating in daily activities and hobbies. Furthermore, the injured party deserves compensation for decreased quality of life if the concussion was caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you find yourself in the situation we’ve just described, the Heslin Law Firm will be on your side. As the concussion injury lawyer Bucks County has relied on for more than 30 years, we’ll work relentlessly to win the compensation you are owed for your losses. To schedule a free consultation with our concussion injury attorney in Bucks County, call 215-332-0300 now. We look forward to helping you get your life back on track should you be the victim of an accident this winter.