Chicago winters can be brutal, with average temperatures below freezing and snow and ice blanketing the city. These conditions can increase the risk of injuries, both indoors and outdoors. Unfortunately, common Chicago winter injuries can quickly turn your season upside down and ruin your winter. In this blog, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe review some common Chicago winter injuries and offer some ways on how to prevent them.
Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents are common in the winter months due to icy and wet surfaces. These accidents can result in a variety of injuries, like broken bones, soft tissue injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and more. Chicago winter slip and fall injuries pose a risk for all ages but are particularly dangerous for older adults.
To help prevent a slip and fall injury this winter:
- Wear appropriate shoes with good grips on the bottoms
- Use handrails on stairs and ramps
- Remove snow and salt sidewalks and walkways on your property, including your home and business
- Take smaller steps
- Avoid walking on snowy and icy surfaces
Car Accidents
Many Chicago winter injuries can be attributed to collisions on the road. Besides ice and snow-covered roads, other factors like drivers making risky maneuvers, distracted drivers, and not knowing how to drive in the snow can all make for a risky commute in the colder months. While preventing a car accident is often out of your control, there are some things you can do to stay safe driving in Chicago winter.
To help prevent a car crash this winter:
- Remove ice and snow from your vehicle
- Keep your windshield clear
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread depth
- Leave extra space between you and other vehicles, especially trucks
- Always drive the speed limit
- Use your headlights
Winter Sports Injuries
This time of year is a favorite for those who enjoy winter sports. Pastimes like sledding, skiing, and snowboarding are a great way to exercise in the winter months and make fun memories with family and friends. Skiing and snowboarding, in particular, can be dangerous, especially if you are inexperienced or haven’t hit the slopes for a few years. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were more than 66,000 skiing and snowboarding injuries in 2022. With some precautions, you can avoid becoming a statistic and stay injury-free.
To help prevent winter sports injuries:
- Take lessons from a qualified instructor to learn proper skiing and snowboarding techniques
- Wear protective gear
- Warm up your muscles prior to each activity
- Take breaks to avoid fatigue
- Be aware of your skill level and don’t push yourself too hard
- Follow all safety guidelines
Burns
We normally associate winter with the cold. However, burns are one of the most common Chicago winter injuries. On the coldest days, cozying up by the fireplace or cranking up the space heater might make you more comfortable, but staying extra warm can come with some risks.
To prevent winter burn injuries:
- Keep portable heaters a safe distance from curtains and furniture
- Never leave heaters or an active fireplace unattended
- Turn off heaters before going to sleep
- Use a double-walled mug when drinking hot beverages
- Check the batteries in your smoke detectors
- Use a fireplace screen to catch sparks and embers
- Never use flammable liquids like gasoline or accelerants to light fires
Hypothermia and Frostbite
Hypothermia and frostbite might seem far-fetched, but these Chicago winter injuries can happen quickly. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate, causing your core temperature to plummet. This can happen even in mild temperatures, especially if you’re wet or are exposed to wind for extended periods. Frostbite is a localized injury that occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze. Toes, fingers, ears, and cheeks are most often affected.
To help prevent hypothermia and frostbite:
- Dress in layers starting with a moisture-wicking base layer
- Cover your extremities by wearing a hat, gloves, and warm socks
- Check the windchill factor before heading out
- Come indoors regularly to warm up, especially if you’re feeling cold or tired
- Pay attention to early warning signs like shivering or numbness
- If you get wet, change into dry clothes as soon as possible
After Suffering Chicago Winter Injuries, Contact Lerner and Rowe
The cold, dark days of winter in Chicago can be uncomfortable, especially if you don’t like the cold weather and all that comes with it. By following these tips, you can prevent Chicago winter injuries and stay safe until Spring. If you or a loved one are injured this winter due to the negligence or recklessness of another, Lerner and Rowe can help. We have a proven track record of results and have won billions of dollars for our clients.
For your free case consultation, contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers by dialing 708-222-2222. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, yet we are happy to take your call 24/7. If you prefer to contact us online, click the LiveChat feature on our website. You can also fill out this Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. Consultations are completely free and we do not charge any fees unless we win your case.