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This article was published on May 13th, 2021
With staycations likely to be on the cards this year, summer personal injuries are likely to increase within the UK particularly in parks and gardens, which will be full of people looking to make the most of the summer sun. Whilst the sunny weather can be the perfect time to relax and unwind, for some, it can spell disaster.
Below we’ve put together some of the common personal injuries that can occur during the summer months and we also explain how our team can help you make a claim for compensation if the accident that caused your injury wasn’t your fault.
There aren’t many things that evoke the feeling of summer quite like the scent of marinated meats being flame grilled on a barbecue. However, whilst the majority of people will enjoy their food unscathed, barbecues can cause some nasty personal injuries.
Those who choose to cook on their barbecues run the risk of suffering burns from the open flames or from sauces and juices from their ingredients splashing back because of the high temperatures.
In order to avoid any wayward liquid from the barbecue you can purchase a splash guard which can lie on top of the ingredients whilst they cook, allowing you to enjoy cooking and the irresistible smells without having to worry about rogue flames or marinades, but most of all staying injury free.
With the sun beating down, one of the first ports of call for many is water. Taking a dip to cool off, whether it be in the sea, river, lake or public pool, the welcome relief is something most people crave during hot weather.
But, water can be one of the biggest causes of personal injuries during the summer. Whilst natural water sources such as the sea and rivers carry a host of potential natural dangers that cannot be controlled, indoor or public swimming pools also carry their own risks and could give rise to a potential personal injury claim.
Both the owners and the staff of any public pool have a duty of care to ensure the safety of those who use the facility and as such, if an accident occurs that isn’t your fault, they may be liable for any injuries sustained and damage caused.
If for example you cut yourself on an upturned floor tile in the pool or injure yourself due to the fact you weren’t properly warned about the depth of the pool etc, you may be able to make a claim for compensation as your injury would not have happened but for the negligence of someone else.
The wind in your hair and breeze on your face is one of the perks of the summer months. The warm weather tends to mean more trips to the beach or adventures further afield. Hopping in the car and enjoying a midsummer cruise on the roads is a popular pastime for people across the UK, with the Telegraph reporting that the average driver will clock up almost 20 per cent more miles during the summer months compared to colder periods of the year.
Research by vehicle recovery specialists Green Flag highlights that increased mileage, an increased number of vehicles on the road as a result of the summer holidays and more people making social trips in the car, it’s logical to expect a rise in accidents.
If you’re worried about being involved in a road traffic accident there are a few measures you can take to improve your in-car safety and help yourself avoid a collision.
The heat can cause a host of problems, including dehydration and tiredness whilst you’re behind the wheel. Try your best to keep your car as cool as possible, this will help you stay focused on your driving for longer and potentially stop you from being involved in an accident.
Have you ever been blinded by the sun whilst in your car? Sunglasses are a summertime essential if you’re heading out in the car. If you’re prone to forgetting things, purchase a pair and leave them in your car, you’ll be glad you did when the sun starts to hit your windscreen.
Whether you’re heading out for an evening drive or you plan on taking a long journey in your car, keeping an eye on the quality of your tyres in hot weather is a good safety precaution to take. Hot weather means hot tarmac and this results in higher tyre degradation.
The AA highlights that worn tyres which are under inflated are at a much higher risk of bursting in hot weather than those which are kept in good condition. Speak to your mechanic to get the best advice on the state of your tyres.
Better weather means more time for activities and you should remain are of more than just the vehicles that you may be sharing the road with.
During the summer months, you can expect to face the prospect of more pedestrians, cyclists and even animals. If your journey involves country lanes, allow yourself more time to get to your destination and if you’re unsure of the roads take your time.
It goes without saying that hot weather can be dangerous. Keeping in the shade should be a priority, but what about those whose job requires them to spend extended periods of time outside?
It can be difficult for an employer to gauge, given that the heat can affect different people in different ways, however, the first priority of any employer should be to ensure the safety of their workforce. Forcing staff to work outside without a break, adequate clothing or means of hydration could result in a personal injury and the employer may face a workplace injury claim.
Knowing who to turn to if you suffer a personal injury during the summer months can be difficult. If you believe you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence then our team here at Thorneycroft is here to help.
Our team of personal injury solicitors are experts in their field and have been providing an unrivalled service and high-quality client care and support to individuals and their families for over 20 years.
From slips and trips and work-related injuries to product liability and road traffic accident claims, our team has one of the widest skill sets in the North West, allowing us to cater for any potential personal injury claim.
The Thorneycroft Personal Injury team also works on a no win no fee basis, removing the financial worries that a claim can pose allowing you and your loved ones to focus on your recovery.
To speak to a member of our team about summer personal injuries, please call us for free today on 0800 1979 345 or complete our online enquiry form and we’ll be in touch at a time that better suits you.
