Avoiding Personal Injury Claims in the Summer Months

Summer is now in full swing, with cookouts, road trips, and spending time outside all on the itinerary. But did you know that accidents increase in the summer months? Correspondingly, so do personal injury lawsuits.

The best way to avoid a lawsuit is to avoid the accident in the first place. That means taking all of the requisite care to protect yourself, your family and loved ones, and even neighbors swinging through your backyard. Of course, it may also help to understand some of the most common causes of summertime accidents, and how you may be able to avoid them entirely.

Common Summertime Personal Injury Claims

Slips, Trips, and Falls

With warmer weather, it’s no secret that everyone from children to adults seem to be running around a lot more. However, summer also brings wet surfaces, concrete cracks, landscaping ladders, toys or equipment left in the yard, and other dangerous conditions. Homeowners can face lawsuits for failing to take simple measures like ensuring surfaces are dry and safe and their property is properly cared for. Watching out for these types of hazards can keep you out of the courtroom and in the pool.

Pet-related Injuries

In the summer months, Fido may be out on the lawn much more than usual. But some families forget that even the sweetest pooch can snap at a stranger or react unexpectedly at the presence of other animals. Home and pet owners can be held legally liable for injuries inflicted by their pets, especially in cases in which the animal was not properly restrained or had a history of aggressive behavior. Keeping your dog behind locked doors can minimize injuries, protect your pets from becoming stuck in a difficult situation, and prevent a legal problem down the line.

Burns (and More Burns)

Burns are far more common in the summer months, and not only due to the sun’s rays. Your outdoor grilling stations, whether charcoal or propane or even campfires or fire pits, cause hundreds of injuries, fires, and explosions every year. Proper care and maintenance of these apparati is your legal responsibility as a homeowner, so check, clean, and maintain them regularly. Aside from grills, don’t forget fireworks as a source of burns and potential personal injury claims; over ten thousand Americans are injured every year by fireworks explosions or by fires caused by the ignition. The safest substitute is to enjoy a display conducted by a professional.

Could You Be Affected This Summer?

With cookouts, beach trips, and sunshine here for the season, litigating a personal injury claim may be the last thing on your mind. But if you’re affected by someone else’s misconduct, consider seeking out legal counsel. At Barbas, Nunez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian, we have experiencing advising in all manner of personal injury issues. If you’ve been injured and believe you may have a claim, learn about your options for receiving recovery and relief by contacting Barbas, Nunez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian, Lawyers and Counselors at Law in Florida. Call toll-free at 1 (800) 227-2275 for a consultation today.