Often, when we think of brain injury and sports, football, soccer, and baseball come to mind. However, winter sports also come with head injury risks, making both awareness and safety precautions necessary.
January is National Winter Sports TBI Awareness Month, an effort to raise awareness of the risks winter sports pose for traumatic brain injury. This year, take time to review your behaviors and make adjustments to help keep yourself safer.
What Are the Most Dangerous Winter Sports?
Snowboarding, skiing, and snowmobiling are the three winter sports that pose the most significant risk for brain injury. In fact, a recent study in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that snowboarding and skiing combined account for 55 percent of all sports-related TBIs, even when summer sports, such as skateboarding, mountain biking, and motocross were included.
Many Texans love to hit the slopes. If you are among them, it is essential that you take steps to protect yourself. This includes:
- Wearing a Helmet
- Staying on Designated Trails
- Being Honest About Your Skill Level
- Knowing When You’ve Hit Your Limit
It is also best to ski, snowmobile, or snowboard with at least one other person. Remember to stay within bounds, carry appropriate gear, and notify loved ones of your plans. If you sustain an injury, having a third party who knows where you might be increases your chances of being rescued.
What Are My Rights When Injured?
When you sustain a head injury while skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. However, most states Texans visit to ski have passed regulations that prevent accident victims from seeking compensation when injury results from an inherent risk of the sport. This makes your use of safety gear all the more critical.
Of course, some winter sports accidents occur due to poor maintenance, inadequate oversight, or other factors beyond the victim’s control. The best way to learn if your accident might qualify for legal action is through a private and free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. During this meeting, we can review your claim, discuss your options, and help you decide on the best path forward.
Please call Shaw Cowart LLP at 512-499-8900 to schedule a consultation today. We serve victims of serious injury living throughout Texas from our offices in San Antonio and Austin.