In 2021 alone, the US recorded approximately 62 million injuries resulting in over 200,000 deaths. The causes of these injuries varied widely. But some causes have shown high prevalence rates over the years.
This guide highlights the most prevalent causes of personal injuries and applicable preventative measures for each.
Slip and Fall Accidents
You may not have considered slips and falls a significant cause of injuries. Surprisingly, it accounted for approximately 72 percent of all injuries treated in 2021. While the majority of slip-and-fall accidents do not result in significant injuries, there are situations where the outcomes can be life-changing. Preventative measures for slip and fall accidents include wearing appropriate footwear, proper lighting, maintaining staircases, and walking carefully.
Property owners and business people are responsible for ensuring that the risks of slip and fall are minimal and can be held liable for accidents at their premises.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the second leading cause of accidents in America. According to the NSC, approximately 5.4 million Americans sought treatment for motor vehicle-related injuries in 2021.
Sadly most accidents are avoidable and result from poor driving habits such as speeding, which was a factor in 29 percent of all fatal accidents, and drunk driving at 28 percent.
Other factors included distracted driving, weather conditions, and medical conditions. Preventing traffic accidents is pretty straightforward; following traffic rules, avoiding distractions, and avoiding alcohol if you are to drive.
Dog Bites
Dogs are man’s best friend, and ownership rates in America testify to this fact. According to Statista, over 65 million households in America own at least one dog. While it is man’s favorite pet, they are responsible for over 4.5 million injuries each year, but only around 800,000 victims of dog bites seek medical treatment.
Dog owners or walkers are responsible for ensuring their dogs do not harm others by always keeping them on a leash in public. Some states have muzzle requirements for dogs in specific locations to minimize the risk of bites.
“You also have a responsibility to ensure that you do not conduct yourself in a manner that puts you at risk of a dog bite. For example, avoid approaching or petting unfamiliar dogs. Familiar dogs can also bite when under duress or startled, so avoid it,” says Attorney Roberts Markland of Roberts Markland LLP.
Recreational Activities
Recreational activities are fun, but they can also become a source of pain when they result in an accident. According to the NSC, recreational activities account for approximately 8 million yearly injuries.
Common recreational activity-related injuries include traumatic brain injuries, sprains, bruises, and broken bones. Different recreational activities differ in terms of safety requirements.
It is important to ensure you abide by the requirements to avoid suffering an accident, for example, by wearing helmets, warming up before an activity, and being aware of situations that could lead to an accident.
What to Do After an Injury
Getting medical help should always be the priority after an injury. Sometimes an injury may not be apparent immediately after an accident. So if you are in a high-impact accident, seek medical attention whether your injuries are obvious or not.
If another person is responsible for your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation requiring you to initiate a claims process. While the claims process is straightforward by design, it can be challenging, and it is never a good idea to approach it without the help of a lawyer.
