Many people are aware of the headaches that come with colder weather, but wintertime can also include some pretty bad body aches as well. Increased awareness and improving technology makes winter activities safer every year. However, accidents can happen in the best situations. Sometimes those accidents are the result of negligence or the willful act of other participants. In that instance, you may be entitled to compensation.

Most Common Winter Injuries

There are several types of injuries one might sustain while partaking in winter activities. Here are some of the most common.

ACL/MCL Injuries

Almost a third of all injuries during snow sports strike the ACL and MCL. In part, this stems from the type of stress placed on these ligaments in winter sports. The knees absorb a ton of shock when skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more. Improper landings, collisions with other athletes, sudden loss of stability, or an unseen obstacle all expose the knee to injury.

Upper Limb Injuries

Activities like shoveling and winter sports put more stress on your upper body, especially your wrists, shoulders, and heart. Injuries you could sustain include broken collarbones, concussion, elbow dislocation, heart attacks, and shoulder injuries.

Lumbosacral Pain

Skiing places a lot of pressure on the lumbosacral region or lower back. Improper posture or a muscle imbalance may cause your back to ache or feel stiff later. Insufficient rest can make this pain worse.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Tear

This tear, also knowns at Skier’s Thumb, happens people outstretch the thumb upon impact with something. The tendon, which connects the thumb back to the hand, is what allows you to pull the digit back against your hand. This most often occurs when a skier is holding the ski poles and falls, but can also occur from other activities.

Fractured Clavicle

This serious injury needs medical attention as soon as possible. It usually occurs after a bad fall onto your arm or shoulder.

Concussion

This injury causes temporary unconsciousness and usually results from a blow to the head. It may cause confusion or unsteadiness. It requires special examination by a doctor to ensure nothing worse happens.

How To Be Safe in the Winter

Practice safety at all times. Follow posted instructions and heed any warnings. If you are taking a course, listen to the instructor. Here are a few more tips:

  • Give yourself extra time for whatever activity you are participating in. This applies to hiking, walking, skiing, driving, and more.
  • Avoid walking on ice, however, if you can’t, do so slowly. Bend your knees and shorten your stride. Step on the balls of your feet and spread your toes to make yourself pay attention to each step.
  • If you do start to fall, try not to catch yourself entirely with your hands. This places an inordinate strain on your wrists, potentially causing a break or fracture.
  • If appropriate, where ice gripping equipment, like spikes.
  • As you would with running shoes, try on any special footgear you intend on using in the winter. Spend some time wearing them before you find yourself up on the mountain with aching feet.
  • Limit your carrying load if you are walking on ice or icy patches.

If you or a loved one suffers an injury while participating in a snow sport, you may be eligible for compensation for damages. Give our personal injury attorneys at Heenan and Cook PLLC. a call today to schedule a free consultation.