Participating in winter sports can be an exhilarating experience, however, those who don’t take extra precautions to learn how to stay safe when doing so are at risk for turning a fun experience into a potentially fatal one.

Fortunately, Parachute Canada has shared some top winter sport-related safety tips:

“Ice skating

Skates should give firm ankle support and fit snugly. For youngsters whose feet are growing, softer boots are better than hard, unyielding ones.

All skaters should wear CSA-approved helmets when skating because they are tested for falls on ice. Replace helmets every five years.

Check that skate blades aren’t dull or rusted.

Teach children to skate only in places you know are safe. Check that the ice surface is in good shape without bumps, melting or slushy ice. Check for skating hazards such as pebbles, rocks and branches.

Ice on frozen ponds, rivers, lakes or canals should be at least 15 cm (6 inches) thick and 20 cm (8 inches) for skating parties or games. Beware of quick thaws, which can weaken the ice surface.

Teach children to skate with friends – never alone – and always in safe areas, away from traffic and free of obstacles.

Ice hockey

Hockey players should wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet with a compatible full-face mask. This is mandatory in organized hockey.

Helmets should be replaced every five years. They are designed to withstand falls on ice and the multiple impacts expected during hockey play, but they have this recommended limit.

Other recommended protective gear includes gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, mouth guards and for boys, an athletic support.

Ensure all protective equipment is in good condition and fits properly.

Inspect helmets regularly. Do not use a helmet with a cracked or severely scratched shell or worn liner.

Never alter a helmet. It may affect its ability to prevent injury.

No amount of equipment can prevent all injuries. Children need to play by the rules.

Stretching and warm-ups prior to each practice and game, as well as a cool-down routine, will help to prevent injuries.

Teach children to skate heads-up when approaching the boards to prevent neck injuries.

Take head injuries seriously. To prevent brain damage, organized amateur hockey in Canada requires that any player get a physician’s permission to return to play after suffering a concussion.

Body checking at the Pee Wee level is not recommended by medical experts.

Downhill skiing

Beginners should take lessons from a certified instructor.

A ski helmet is recommended for children to prevent head injury. (Helmets are also recommended for racers and high-risk environments such as back-country skiing). In 2014 the CSA released a new standard for a multi-impact ski and snowboard helmet.

Skiers should follow the buddy system. Never ski alone.

Always check your child’s ski equipment to make sure it is in good condition and fits properly. Bindings should be checked at least once a year by a qualified technician or ski shop. Bindings, boots and skis which do not fit properly or are not properly adjusted are a significant risk factor for young skiers.

Do warm up exercises and stretches before each day’s skiing.

Skiers need to stay on marked trails and follow other rules of the slopes.

Skiers should be especially careful on the first and last few runs of the day, when injuries are most common.

Skiers should choose runs or trails that best suit their ability. Before they start out, skiers should understand the signs used to indicate level of difficulty.

Skiers should stay alert to hazards (such as rocks, trees, ice patches) and changes in weather and visibility.

Skiers should dress against frostbite, be sure boots are not too tight, and wear sunglasses or goggles with UV protection to guard against the reflection of the sun off the snow. They should also wear sunscreen to protect against sunburns.

Skiers should quit before they get tired and before it gets dark. Fatigue and poor visibility both lead to injuries.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding requires its own set of skills. Beginners should take lessons from a certified snowboard instructor. In 2014 the CSA released a new standard for a multi-impact ski and snowboard helmet.

Snowboarders should follow all the safety tips for downhill skiers.

Helmets are widely recommended for snowboarding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than seven should not try snowboarding.

Snowboarders should dress against frostbite and wear sunglasses or goggles with UV protection to guard against the reflection of the sun off the snow. They should also wear sunscreen to protect against sunburns.

Snowboarders should only use boards with full-length steel edges and stiff secure bindings. The board leash should be securely attached. Children should use short boards (no more than chest high).

Snowboarders should be especially careful on the first and last few runs of the day, when injuries are most common.

Snowboarders should quit before they get tired or it gets too dark. Fatigue and poor visibility can both lead to injuries.

Snowboarders should be aware that high speeds and aerial maneuvers carry a high risk for injury.

Snowboarders should keep inside designated areas and follow other rules of the slopes.”

By adhering to these tried and tested safety rules, you can ensure you’ll have a wonderful time participating in winter sports this year.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

Although winter driving can feel like a perilous task, those who educate themselves on how to handle the roads safely can be confident in their skills as the season hits.

Readers Digest has put together a list of precautions that all drivers should take note of if they are planning to hit the roads during the winter months:

“1. Avoid the winter slip ‘n’ slide.

To ensure your vehicle is ready for Canada’s changing winter weather, switch your all-season tires to winter ones before the temperature drops below 7°C. Winter tires optimize the performance and safety of winter driving. The braking distance of a winter tire could be up to two vehicle lengths shorter than the braking distance of an all-season tire rolling at 24 km/h, on a dry or wet roadway, and this distance could increase significantly in the case of an emergency brake.

2. Defrost your windows well.
   Neglecting to defrost your windows might get you to your destination faster, but it’s a dangerous habit. Plan for a few extra minutes to clean all your car’s windows well. And don’t forget the top of your vehicle-snow could slide down the windshield and obstruct your view while the vehicle is in motion.
3. Winterize your trunk.
   Keeping aroadside safety kit in your trunk year-round is a good idea, but winter driving conditions require extra safety equipment. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with items like a scraper for the windshield, a small shovel, a sandbag, candles, and warm clothing like gloves and a hat. You always have to be ready for whatever bad weather Old Man Winter throws at you this season.
4. Replace worn tires.
   It’s important to check your tires each winter season because worn or bald tires can be dangerous. Tires have tread wear indicator bars molded into them. A solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread means it’s time to replace the tire. Contact your nearest tire dealership if you have any questions or concerns about the wear on your tires.
5. Don’t mix and match tires.
   Mixing tires with different tread patterns, different internal constructions and/or different sizes compromises the stability of the vehicle. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with four identical winter tires.
6. Top up your fluids.
   Make sure you always keep your gas tank at least half full. On very cold days, the condensation in the tank can freeze and cause problems. Also, don’t forget about your windshield-washer fluid!
7. Pump up your car tires.
   For every 5°C drop in temperature, tires lose one pound of air pressure. To ensure optimum fuel efficiency and prevent irregular or premature wear, tire inflation should be checked monthly.
8. Don’t rely on your car’s four wheel drive or electronic systems.
   Advanced systems like four-wheel drive, electronic stability control and anti-lock braking provide vehicle stability and power transmission but are not substitutes for winter tires. Winter tires offer optimized traction during braking, acceleration and handling. Remember, your brakes stop the wheels, but it’s the tires that are in contact with the road and that ultimately stop the vehicle.
9. Take a cellphone.
   For long trips, don’t forget to take a cellphone in case you need to call for help. Pull over to the side of the road and stop your vehicle before making the call.
   
   10.Buckle up and adjust your driving to road conditions!”

By adhering to the aforementioned rules of winter driving, you can be sure that you’ve sufficiently prepared yourself for the onslaught of snowy driving conditions that are to come.

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Chronic pain is an invisible ailment, and long after the accident wounds have healed, it persists in negatively affecting those suffering from it.

According to Web MD,

“Chronic pain lasts longer than acute pain and is generally somewhat resistant to medical treatment. It’s usually associated with a long-term illness, such as osteoarthritis. In some cases, such as with fibromyalgia, it’s one of the defining characteristic of the disease. Chronic pain can be the result of damaged tissue, but very often is attributable to nerve damage.

Both acute and chronic pain can be debilitating, and both can affect and be affected by a person’s state of mind. But the nature of chronic pain — the fact that it’s ongoing and in some cases seems almost constant — makes the person who has it more susceptible to psychological consequences such as depression and anxiety. At the same time, psychological distress can amplify the pain.

About 70% of people with chronic pain treated with pain medication experience episodes of what’s called breakthrough pain. Breakthrough pain refers to flares of pain that occur even when pain medication is being used regularly. Sometimes it can be spontaneous or set off by a seemingly insignificant event such as rolling over in bed. And sometimes it may be the result of pain medication wearing off before it’s time for the next dose.”

However, there are many coping mechanisms that sufferers can employ to reduce their discomfort and pain, such as:

“

• Learn deep breathing or meditation to help you relax.
• Reduce stress in your life. Stress intensifies chronic pain.
• Boost chronic pain relief with the natural endorphins from exercise.
• Cut back on alcohol, which can worsen sleep problems.
• Join a support group. Meet others living with chronic pain.
• Don’t smoke. It can worsen chronic pain.
• Track your pain level and activities every day.
• Learn biofeedback to decrease migraine and tension headache pain.
• Get a massage for chronic pain relief.
• Eat a healthy diet if you’re living with chronic pain.
• Find ways to distract yourself from pain so you enjoy life more.”

If you or a loved one is having difficulty managing chronic pain that was triggered by an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your pain and suffering.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

Injuries caused by faulty products happen every single day, and companies need to be held responsible.

The following is vital information surrounding product liability, according to findlaw.com:

“Product liability refers to a manufacturer or seller being held liable for placing a defective product into the hands of a consumer. Responsibility for a product defect that causes injury lies with all sellers of the product who are in the distribution chain. In general terms, the law requires that a product meet the ordinary expectations of the consumer. When a product has an unexpected defect or danger, the product cannot be said to meet the ordinary expectations of the consumer.”

“Liability for a product defect could rest with any party in the product’s chain of distribution, such as:

• The product manufacturer;
• A manufacturer of component parts;
• A party that assembles or installs the product;
• The wholesaler; and
• The retail store that sold the product to the consumer.

For strict liability to apply, the sale of a product must be made in the regular course of the supplier’s business. Thus, someone who sells a product at a garage sale would probably not be liable in a product liability action.

Types of Product Defects

Under any theory of liability, a plaintiff in a product liability case must prove that the product that caused injury was defective, and that the defect made the product unreasonably dangerous.  There are three types of defects that might cause injury and give rise to manufacturer or supplier liability:

1. Design Defects- Present in a product from the beginning, even before it is manufactured, in that something in the design of the product is inherently unsafe.
2. Manufacturing Defects- Those that occur in the course of a product’s manufacture or assembly.
3. Marketing Defects- Flaws in the way a product is marketed, such as improper labeling, insufficient instructions, or inadequate safety warnings.”

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Hit and run accidents are a particularly unconscious act on the part of the driver who caused the collision. The urge to flee the scene may be caused by a variety of reasons; however, it is never the courageous or decent move to make.

According to dmv.org, if you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident, here is the information you need to know:

“What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident is any accident in which a driver intentionally leaves the scene without providing contact information.

Examples of hit and run accidents include:

• A car hits you and speeds off.
• A driver hits your unattended parked car and leaves no contact information or way of collecting damages.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

While you’ll likely be feeling immense stress if you’re a victim of a hit and run, it will help to stay as calm as possible and gather as much information as you can.

Having more information:

• Increases the chances that the police will catch the driver who hit you.
• Helps your car insurance company make decisions about your claim.

First, get as much information as you can about the car that hit you, such as:

• Model.
• Make.
• License plate number.

Also, look around for any possible witnesses to the accident, and ask for their names and contact information.

Finally, take the following steps before leaving the scene:

• Write down the time and location of the accident.
• Take pictures of the accident scene.
• Take pictures of your car, especially if another car’s paint is visible on it.
• This will help you prove that you are not attempting to defraud your insurance company.

If the hit and run occurred when you were away from your parked car, jot down as much information as you can, such as:

• Time.
• Location.
• Damage. ”

Following the aforementioned steps will ensure that your claim is taken seriously should you go to the police.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

When an individual passes away due to the negligence of another party, compensation for surviving loved ones can be sought out should they choose to take legal action.

Fortunately if you’re interested in the concept of wrongful death suits, the experts at nolo.com have compiled everything you need to know:

“What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim exists when a person dies due to the legal fault of another person. “

“Wrongful death claims involve all types of fatal accidents from simple car accidents to complicated medical malpractice or product liability cases. Persons, companies, and governmental agencies can be legally at fault for acting negligently (failing to act as a reasonable person would have acted) and for acting intentionally.

Who May Sue for Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death claim must be filed by a representative on behalf of the survivors who suffer damage from the decedent’s death (they are called the “real parties in interest”). The representative is usually the executor of the decedent’s estate. “

“Who May Be Sued for a Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death lawsuits can be brought against a wide variety of persons, companies, government agencies, and employees. For example, in a car accident involving a faulty roadway and a drunk driver, a wrongful death action might include defendants such as:

• The driver or employer at fault in the automobile accident
• The designer or builder of the faulty roadway
• A government agent who failed to provide adequate warnings regarding a road hazard that caused the accident
• The manufacturer, distributor, or installer of a faulty or dangerous part of the vehicle
• The persons who sold, served, or gave alcohol to the impaired driver, or
• The owner of the premises where the alcohol was served.”

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With winter on the horizon, drivers would be wise to prepare their vehicles for the onslaught of weather conditions that are going to undoubtedly affect their car trips both near and far. Creating a kit to keep in your car provides a safety net for you and your family in the event of an emergency.

The Government of Canada has shared these useful tips to help make sure your emergency car kit is fully stocked:

“

Always have winter safety and emergency equipment in your car. A basic car kit should contain the following:

• Food that won’t spoil, such as energy bars
• Water—plastic bottles that won’t break if the water freezes (replace them every six months)
• Blanket
• Extra clothing and shoes or boots
• First aid kit with seatbelt cutter
• Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
• Candle in a deep can and matches
• Wind‑up flashlight
• Whistle—in case you need to attract attention
• Roadmaps
• Copy of your emergency plan

Items to keep in your trunk:

• Sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)
• Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
• Tow rope
• Jumper cables
• Fire extinguisher
• Warning light or road flares                                                 “

When it comes to road safety, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Although everyone hopes for the best when navigating winter driving conditions, by preparing an emergency car kit, you can prepare yourself for the worst.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

While dogs are often praised for being “Man’s Best Friend”, it’s not uncommon for our furry friends to go rogue. In fact, when canines bite or attack, especially unprovoked, it can be extremely traumatizing for the victim.

Here’s what the experts at the Canadian Kennel Club had to share surrounding how those who have been wounded by a dog attack can proceed legally:

“

For serious bites, go to a doctor and/or veterinarian as quickly as you can or call 911. If you have the opportunity, before you leave, follow these steps:

• Write down information about the dog and the owner. If this is not possible because the dog is a stray, or the person with the dog has run away, try to remember information such as what the dog looks like, or maybe even the dog’s name. This may seem strange in the heat of the moment but often an owner will call its’ dog’s name before s/he runs away.
• Take pictures of the wound/s and document the situation by writing down as many details as possible.
• Talk to witnesses and ask for their contact information.

 Legal Liability

In Ontario there is a Dog Owner’s Liability Act, which states that the person who suffered the damage does not have to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent or that the dog’s behaviour was in any way caused by the owner. Nor does the owner have to have any knowledge of the dog’s propensity for biting people, which he or she required under the previous “one bite” rule (a dog was allowed one bite before an owner could be accused of negligence in preventing their dog from biting). The only thing that must be proven under this new legislation is that the dog bit or attacked someone, and the owner is automatically liable for the dog’s actions. The amount of the “liability” (i.e., damages paid) may be determined by a number of factors, one of which would be whether or not the dog was provoked. The judge may lower the damages paid if s/he deems that the victim teased or irritated the dog to the point that it became aggressive.”

Suffering from a dog bite can be psychologically and physically painful.

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Anyone who has suffered a personal injury can tell you that the road to healing can be lined with potholes. High medical expenses, missed work, emotional trauma, chronic pain, you name it – the fact of the matter is that personal injury victims battle every day to keep moving forward while facing a multitude of setbacks.

Fortunately, personal injury litigators are dedicated to easing the stresses of sufferers by assisting them in seeking the financial compensation necessary for the recovery process. There is no specific formula for determining the damages a sufferer has faced, but there are many factors that contribute to the final settlement that most injury victims receive.

Here’s how damages are measured in a personal injury case:

Medical Expenses

If a victim has suffered an injury that involves medical treatment, including future expenses such as any rehabilitation sessions, the costs will be included in their compensation. Furthermore, doctors’ notes and invoices work towards helping a patient’s case, as they prove the severity of the injury.

Loss of Income

Many injury sufferers are forced by their symptoms to take a leave from work to recover properly. However, in the face of medical bills, that loss of income can hit an already vulnerable individual very hard. Therefore, loss of income is also factored into the compensation equation.

Disability

Unfortunately, for many people that have been involved in an accident, living with a disability becomes their everyday reality. This dramatic life change has a long list of expenses attached to it that personal injury lawyers seek to have covered by compensatory damages.

Pain and Suffering

This umbrella term covers everything from physical to emotional duress. For instance, if a plaintiff was paralyzed in a car accident and became depressed due to the life-altering disability they went on to face as a result of that accident, they can claim emotional distress.

Permanent Disfigurement

If a sufferer is faced with the reality of permanent disfigurement after an accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, they can likely receive compensation for such disfigurement.

Personal injury compensation is an extremely complex and detailed subject. While the above are simply a few examples of how damages are measured, they are the most common issues that sufferers face.

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As convenient and environmentally friendly as the option is, nobody loves the idea of riding on public transit. Feeling akin to a sardine is far from exciting, and frequent delays can be immensely frustrating. Regardless, public transit is a helpful service, even if riders are at the mercy of it.

While streetcar, bus, and subway rides are typically very smooth, occasionally an individual is injured during their post-work commute. In the event that you are injured while riding in a public transit vehicle, this valuable information can assist you on the road to seeking compensation for your injuries:

Speak to the Driver

Nobody on public transit wants any trouble, and everyone on it is willing to do his or her part to avoid it. While commuters simply wish to arrive home safely, vehicle operators just want to complete their workday without unnecessary headaches. In the event that you are injured on a public transit vehicle, it is imperative that if possible, you immediately report the injury to the driver so that he or she can report it to their senior. Furthermore, focus on obtaining as much information as you can about the vehicle you have been injured on so that you have something concrete to bring to the courts instead of simply claiming you were injured on “a bus”.

Difficulties in Collecting Compensation

After you’ve suffered your injury, there is potential that you can collect Statutory Accident Benefits from the public transit company you were relying on to get you home safely. Unfortunately, problems have been known to arise for those seeking compensation for this type of injury if the vehicle they were riding in didn’t crash into another motor vehicle.

This is challenging for some, as most whiplash or slip and fall public transit injuries are catalyzed by the event of the driver slamming on the breaks to avoid colliding with another vehicle.

While some public transit accident victims do experience issues in receiving compensation for their pain and suffering, our personal injury lawyers are here to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. As with any legal issue, all it takes is a strong team of litigators dedicated to proving your case. If you’ve been injured on a public transit vehicle, it’s vital that you don’t waste time deciding if you wish to seek compensation. This is due to the fact that there can be limitation periods after an accident in which the sufferer must report their injuries if they hope to receive the justice they deserve.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.