Increased Injuries in Colder Weather

Winter’s not over yet, and while here in Kentucky we aren’t pummeled with 6 months of snow and ice like our neighbors to the north, the mountain areas can get brutal. We are no strangers to closed roadways, icy roads and sidewalks, and overall dangerous winter conditions. Throughout the winter months, slippery conditions make it increasingly likely for people of all ages to fall at work, in their neighborhoods, and in parking lots. We all know what it’s like to twist an ankle, bruise a shin, or sprain something. We also know how easy it is to convince ourselves that the injury isn’t bad enough to go to the hospital. Cold weather can cause people to rush, making them less likely to be on the lookout for dangerous conditions such as black ice and putting them at a greater risk for falling. Stress fractures in the foot are common injuries that go untreated because people don’t connect foot pain with a recent accident. Failure to seek medical attention can lead to a total break in the bone. Surgery isn’t usually needed to treat a hairline fracture, but rest is vital to recovery so the bone can get a chance to fuse back together. Be aware of the signs of a stress fracture, especially if you have recently fallen:

• Swelling and redness
• Bruising
• Pain on the top of the foot
• Sudden pain that subsides at rest but resumes with activity
• Deep, aching pain.

Another silent winter weather rascal is the temperature itself. While it’s not customary for temps here to drop below 25 degrees even at night, when the mercury hovers around freezing, a person still gets cold if not properly dressed. Many people work outside for hours on end or in indoor places with little heat or open warehouse doors. When the body is forced to work harder to maintain its temperature, it can result in “cold stress.” This is a real phenomenon that drives the skin temperature down and eventually the internal body temperature, resulting in serious health problems. Frostbite and hypothermia are the most common injuries caused by cold stress. Exposure to the cold can freeze skin and layers of tissue, causing frostbite that can be severe enough to require amputation. Hypothermia happens when a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees and body heat is lost faster than the body can replace, which makes the heart, lungs, and other organs struggle to function. Employers whose workers are exposed to the cold are responsible for the well-being of their employees. The proper protective gear is essential, as is regular training on how to recognize the symptoms and apply first aid. Employees should be constantly monitored for cold stress symptoms. Be careful out there. If you have any questions about this topic, you can find out more by discussing it with one of the personal injury attorneys at the Johnson Law Firm. We have years of experience helping people, and we can help you. Our knowledgeable legal team will work closely with you every step of the way and will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Based in Pikeville, KY, we proudly serve communities throughout the Bluegrass State. Contact us by calling 1-855-433-7534 or filling out our online form.