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Lawn mowers are daily sights throughout the United States, but few people pay attention to the dangers these machines pose to anyone operating them, or even in the vicinity.
Between 1996 and 2004, there were over 663,000 people who needed emergency medical attention due to lawnmower injuries. In 2004 alone there were 80,000 cases of lawnmower accidents that required hospitalization, nearly half the rate of fire arm incidents. This astounding figure is even more remarkable when one considers the alleged “safety features” on most modern power and riding mowers.
Victims of Lawnmower Injuries:
Children under 19 and over 60 are the most common victims of lawnmower injuries, and people between 15 and 19 are the most likely to require hospitalization. The most common injuries involve debris such as rocks and branches thrown from the mower and striking unprotected skin, but foot fractures and toe amputations are also frequent accidents.
Unfortunately, most safety precautions fail to recognize the single greatest threat to the public at large; these large, heavy, and cumbersome machines are designed to cut and sometimes mulch large quantities of matter without regard to where the matter originates. Such was the case of a four year old Texas boy who died after he was backed over by a riding lawnmower. The lawyers for the family contended that if only the lawnmower had a feature that would stop the blades from turning while in reverse, their son would be alive today. The jury agreed, and awarded a settlement of $2 million to the grief-stricken family.
While children should not be allowed to operate heavy machinery such as lawnmowers, there are certain child safety tips that every parent should follow when operating their lawnmowers in order to set a good example. Long sleeve shirts, long pants, goggles, and sturdy gloves should be used when operating a lawnmower to reduce the likelihood of a piece of debris causing injury. Rocks and branches are the main culprit of lawnmower injury, and simple precautions can prevent blindness, eye injury, and skin trauma. The main thing to remember about lawnmowers is to never reach into the cutting area while the machine is on. Furthermore, powerful lawnmowers can have extremely hot cowlings that can burn even with the slightest touch.
Lawnmower accident attorney and lawnmover accident lawyers available:
Lawnmower injuries are no laughing matter. Manufacturers have an obligation to produce safe lawnmowers, and if they do not they should be held responsible for the injuries they cause. If you or someone you love was injured because of a lawnmower, you need to seek the counsel of a dedicated and experienced lawnmower accident attorney. You may be able to seek financial restitution for your injury or loss, but statute of limitation laws give you only so much time to act before you lose your right to pursue justice. Contact a lawnmower lawyer today.
