With the warm weather approaching, summer is almost here. While this is an exciting and relaxing time, it can also be dangerous. Individuals are at risk for a different set of injuries during this season if proper precautions are not taken.
Poor choices and lapses in judgment can be life-altering. Our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys have seen it all and prepared the below to assist.
Water-Related Accidents
Water activities are more prominent during the summer. Whether it is jet-skiing, tubing, or even floating in your neighbor’s backyard pool, it is important to be mindful of your safety and that of those around you.
Boating Accidents
One primary type of personal injury accident that is prevalent during summer months is those involving boats. Like cars, boats need to follow proper safety regulations to ensure the safety of all passengers. Reckless driving can be a cause for a personal injury lawsuit, which can result in a hefty payout. If you are operating a boat, be sure to abide by California law to avoid any legal consequences.
Drownings
Similarly, drownings are another cause of wrongful death cases. Many individuals and municipalities are opening their pools in the coming weeks which increases the risk of drowning accidents. Pool owners can be held legally liable in wrongful death lawsuits if they fail to properly protect their premises.
If you have lost a loved one in a pool drowning, a Los Angeles wrongful death law firm can help. Contact one of our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys within the two-year statute of limitations to file a claim.
Fire Hazards
Warmer weather and low humidity can be deadly fire hazards. It is important for individuals to be well-prepared in the event that one does occur. This includes:
- being mindful of exits
- having an evacuation plan
- ensuring indoor units have fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers
Precaution is always the best policy.
Bonfires
Bonfires are a prime summer pastime, but they can be extremely harmful if they are not properly contained. Those starting bonfires must comply with any local regulations. Further, they should be mindful of the weather, land conditions, and nearby objects to avoid untameable flames.
California law also prohibits household trash or garbage from being burned outdoors at residences. It also outlines the hours of 10 am – 3 pm where smoke dispersion is best.
California takes wildfire prevention very seriously. The state can conduct investigations, fine individuals, and even arrest those who put others at risk.
Individuals concerned about injuries caused by bonfires should contact Los Angeles personal injury lawyers. They can provide guidance on whether you can contact an insurance company for a claim.
Electrical Fires
On a similar note, electrical fires can also be a cause for personal injury claims. Fans, air conditioning, and other appliances can easily start fires.
In multi-family units, these can be especially dangerous. Be sure to unplug electronic devices when not in use. Also, review your safety protocols to make sure you are protected in case one does occur.
By law, your landlord has obligations to protect you from foreseeable hazards. However, this is not always the case. A Los Angeles personal injury law firm will work with you to file any claims surrounding another’s negligence.
Summer Sports
Beach volleyball, baseball, and other seasonal sports teams may be beginning their seasons. Traumatic brain injuries are a serious issue now and all other times of the year for athletes. Coaches, organizations, and even athletes themselves are responsible for creating a safe environment.
Sports carry an inherent risk, meaning participants accept the possibility of injury or death when engaging. However, there is no excuse for negligence. Ensuring equipment and training reflect best practices is a great way to kick off the season.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are dangerous at all times of the year but can be a bigger issue in the summer. This is due to the rise in motorcycle and bicycle usage in warmer weather. Not to mention, the summer has increasingly more pedestrians. This can be the perfect storm for car and motorcycle accidents.
Some general safety tips include:
- following the speed limit
- limiting distractions while driving
- wearing a seatbelt, or, in the case of motorcycles, a helmet
- keeping a distance from the car in front of you
Pedestrians should also be mindful of their surroundings. When possible, use crosswalks and avoid lingering near the road.
Those with children should be sure to reiterate road safety. No roads, even residential areas, are completely safe for children to play outside on. If your child is riding a bike, ensure they are wearing a helmet and during the evening, bright colors or lights.
While motorists are advised to follow road safety, accidents will happen. When they do, it is best to contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer. John and his team will help you hold the negligent parties responsible in personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Animal Safety
Warm weather and summer schedules make dog parks a hot spot. Whether you are at a dog-friendly location, or just taking a stroll in your neighborhood. It is important to take proper measures to ensure your dog does not attack those around you.
In Los Angeles, dogs are required to be “restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding six feet and be in the control of a competent person when off property.” Dogs are also prohibited from running “at large on any public street, park or other public areas or upon private property other than that of the dog owner.”
It is critical to be mindful of your jurisdiction’s regulations. If you are a victim of a dog-biting incident, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. To learn more about your legal rights, reach out to personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Even if your dog seems harmless, animals can be unpredictable. If your dog unexpectedly injures another individual due to your negligence, you can be held liable.
Work-Related Risks
Depending on the profession, warm weather can be a nightmare for outdoor workers. The heat coupled with dehydration can easily result in workplace injuries. Employers are responsible for providing breaks without consequence and a safe environment. Failure to comply can hold them liable in personal injury cases.
Work injuries can also include:
- slip and falls
- motor or truck accidents
- burn injuries
- fallen objects
Those who have suffered at their place of employment should contact a Los Angeles injury attorney.
Festivals and Gatherings
Concerts and other festivals are already popping up. Attendees deserve to feel safe and protected, but that is not always the case. Security, performers, premise owners, and others involved in an event have the duty to protect the attendees from:
- crowd surges
- slip and falls
- fallen objects
- other foreseeable hazards
To discuss any potential event-related injuries or deaths contact a Los Angeles personal injury law firm.
What To Do in the Event of an Accident?
Regardless of the time of year or type of accident, the main priority is receiving proper medical attention for all involved. Once everyone is in proper care, you should contact legal authorities to ensure the incident is in their records.
Victims or families of victims should try to document anything they can in correlation to the accident. This includes:
- photos or videos
- eyewitness statements
- medical bills
- police statements
Because events are often traumatic, our memory can be hazy in the aftermath. Documenting everything you can will provide Los Angeles injury lawyers with what they need to help you win your case.
With this evidence, you should go forth in discussing your accident with a Los Angeles personal injury law firm. Their attorneys are experts in these types of cases and can provide you with the best approach to filing a claim.
Similar steps are also important in wrongful death accidents. While we can not bring back your loved one, we will form a strong case on your behalf to receive justice.
Personal Injury Lawyers– Los Angeles and Orange County
While no season is incident-free, summer carries its own set of inherent risks that individuals should pay close attention to. When all else fails, the Law Offices of John J. Perlstein will be by your side.
Recognized among the best personal injury law firms in Los Angeles, John has truly seen it all. He has a successful track record in all types of wrongful death and personal injury accident cases. John is prepared to do everything it takes to secure maximum financial compensation and to get the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a consultation with a Los Angeles injury attorney, free of charge.