How to Prevent Common Winter Injuries

Now that winter is here, many of the activities you do every day become more dangerous due to the cold weather. This is why it is crucial to make sure you are prepared for winter activities so you don’t end up suffering a serious injury. Common winter injuries and accidents include:

1. Slips and falls on ice and snow
2. Muscle strain from shoveling snow

Here are a few helpful tips that you can use to prevent accidents:

Slips & Falls

Ice can be hard to see on the ground during the day and at night, which is why you need to be cautious when you are walking on the pavement or using outdoor steps or stairs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CRC), American seniors are particularly at risk of sustaining serious injuries caused by slips or falls on ice.

The following are common injuries caused by slips and falls during the winter:

1. Head injury
2. Traumatic brain injury
3. Bruising
4. Muscle sprains and ligament strains
5. Spinal cord injury
6. Broken bones and fractures

To prevent slips and falls this winter, do the following:

1. Always wear the right footwear for icy and snowy conditions
2. Take short strides
3. Don’t rush if you are walking outdoors

Shoveling Snow

Shoveling snow from your walkway and driveway is not only an undesirable chore but also a potential injury risk due to the amount of physical exertion it requires. Repetitive actions, such as lifting the snow and twisting your body can create a major strain on your body, which can result in muscle damage in your back, neck, or shoulders.

If you have to shovel snow during the winter, you should take the following steps to avoid injury:

1. Warm-up and stretch
2. Use an ergonomic shovel
3. Push the snow, don’t lift too much
4. When lifting, bend your knees and use your legs
5. Don’t twist your body or throw snow over your shoulder
6. Take a break and walk around every 15 minutes or so

Speak to Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Waterbury

It is important to remember that some people aren’t even aware that they have a severe injury after being involved in a winter accident. Some injury symptoms and effects take time to become apparent. If you notice pain or swelling after sustaining an injury, make sure you seek treatment from a medical professional.

At Fitzpatrick Santos Sousa Perugini P.C., we are committed to helping clients recover maximum compensation for their personal injuries. We have more than four decades of legal experience, and we are prepared to use our extensive resources to represent your best interests.

To set up a case consultation with our legal team, call (203) 583-8299 today.