Personal Injury Risks at the Beach This Summer
As the days get longer and school lets out, local beaches start to fill up. Between locals and tourists coming from out of state, the South Carolina beaches see a lot of action between May and September. However, nature is inherently dangerous, especially for people who aren’t accustomed to it. Before you hit the beach this summer, it’s important to know about the risks you face and plan ahead.
If you suffer a beach injury because of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. Learn more now by calling Peake & Fowler at 803-788-4370.
Drowning or Near-Drowning Accidents
One of the biggest risks that beachgoers face is drowning. This is true for non-swimmers and strong swimmers alike. While non-swimmers should stay in shallow water and use appropriate safety gear, even strong swimmers can be endangered by sudden changes in weather. Rip currents can strike along shorelines, pulling swimmers out to sea before they can call for help.
This is why it’s important to be aware of water conditions before getting in. Many beaches use a flag system to indicate the risk level and allow swimmers to decide whether or not it’s worth the risk.
If a swimmer is in danger, a lifeguard may have to save them. This is one source of personal injury claims. Negligent lifeguards or those who are inattentive to swimmers can lead to tragedy.
Water Sport Injuries
Water sport injuries are another issue. Waterskiing and windsurfing can put participants at risk of drowning, broken bones, and lacerations. On top of that, water sport accidents can cause participants to suffer traumatic brain injuries. A serious traumatic brain injury could leave a victim comatose, unable to walk, or unable to communicate verbally. It’s important that people who participate in these sports to take proper precautions, only go out on the water when it’s safe to do so, and to avoid pushing their limits without safeguards in place.
Cuts and Lacerations
It’s hard to see what’s in the sand, especially when you’re talking about beaches that see as many people as South Carolina beaches do. Broken bottles, discarded beach toys, and sharp shells can hide just under the surface. A walk on the beach can lead to deep cuts and lacerations that cause damage to tendons and ligaments. Additionally, this type of cut allows tons of bacteria from sand and other debris to get into the body. This puts victims at risk of infection.
It’s always recommended that you wear flip flops when walking around the beach. If you need to feel the sand between your toes, do so in a place where you have already checked for broken glass and other dangers. You don’t want one person’s discarded bottle to put an end to your beach trip.
Poor Weather
Dangerous weather is always a possibility when you’re on the beach. No matter how beautiful it looks when you first hit the beach, you never know when storm clouds are just waiting to come over the horizon.
It’s crucial to keep up with the weather forecast as it changes throughout the day. On top of that, you should listen to warnings and announcements made by lifeguards. If storms are anticipated, they may clear the water and the beach to avoid lightning strikes and other dangers.
Liability depends largely on the specifics of your situation. For example, if you are staying at a hotel with a private section of the beach marked off for hotel guests, they may be liable for warning you of potential weather threats. Unmanned stretches of the beach generally require you to swim at your own risk.
No matter how careful you are this summer, accidents happen. If you suffer injuries because of someone else’s negligence, you may need legal counsel to fight for the compensation you are owed.
Call Peake & Fowler to Discuss Your Legal Options
When summertime fun leads to a broken bone, infected foot, or near-drowning incident, it’s important to connect with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can look at the specifics of your case and determine whether or not you have a valid claim. The team at Peake & Fowler is committed to helping every client fight for a full and fair settlement. Take the first step now by contacting us online or calling us at 803-788-4370.
