Personal Injury Lawyers
Catastrophic injuries can happen anywhere, but they all have one thing in common: these injuries are caused due to someone else’s negligence. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations are just a few examples of lesiones catastroficas that someone might suffer. Our friends at Unidos Legales have put together some tips on how to stay safe and protect yourself from these types of injuries in the workplace and in your personal life.
Wear Protective Gear
If you are riding a bike, wear a helmet and corresponding elbow/knee pads. If you are at work, wear reflective gear and hard hats. It is very important to protect your head from impacts such as falling off a bike or heavy equipment crashing down. Many workplaces have procedures that should be followed with regards to regulated safety equipment — always make sure to follow all safety procedures set forth by companies. There are also countless resources online that explain what the best equipment is to wear for the selected physical activity a person will be performing.
Be Visible
It is a good habit to always wear reflective gear. Whether you are going for a jog at night or walking through a rail yard during the day, being as visible as possible can cut down on injuries. If others can clearly and distinctly see you, then you have a better chance of staying safe from someone else’s negligence.
Be Vigilant
Although catastrophic injuries are caused by someone else, staying vigilant can help you avoid such an injury. When driving, always make sure your mirrors are adjusted so you can see. Constantly check them and be aware of the other drivers on the road around you. The same goes for pedestrians. Always be aware of the vehicles around you, and understand that they might not easily see you.
Ask Questions
A common cause of life altering catastrophic injuries is medical malpractice. This can often happen from tired staff or just general confusion in an unorganized system. Never be afraid to ask questions. If something seems wrong or you are unsure of what the next step in a process is, always ask. Some medical malpractice cases have occurred because the wrong limb was amputated — if you notice the doctors and nurses examining your right arm when you are supposed to have surgery on your left, ask them why they are examining the other arm.
Get a Buddy
Many workplaces already institute buddy policies, but if your place of work does not have a buddy system, approach them about establishing one; the buddy system is where two people are always paired together to work. There is safety in numbers, and with another pair of eyes to watch your back, you lessen your chance for injuries. Having a buddy also keeps you accountable and alert because you have to watch out for your work partner.
While these general tips can help keep you safe, someone else’s mistakes can still cause injuries. Contact a catastrophic injury lawyer near you if you are injured for help immediately.