From accidental gunshot wounds to falls from trees and tree stands, hunting injuries are serious. Carrying a firearm is an obvious danger, but many people don’t think about hypothermia, overexertion, and other hazards.
If you are organizing a hunting trip, be sure to keep safety in mind. You should also be aware of the fact that other hunting parties may not be as careful as you are. Sometimes, a hunter hears or sees movement and mistakes other hunters for game. This can lead to injury or death.
We discuss some of the most common types of hunting accidents below:
FIREARM ACCIDENTS
Gun safety is a crucial part of hunting, but not every hunter knows or observes it. Children are especially vulnerable to firearm accidents while hunting.
Whether guns go off while being transported, or hunters trip and fall, shoot while their target is not plainly visible, or fail to maintain a safe zone-of fire; the results can be devastating.
In the best-case scenario, someone in your party could end up with pellet wounds, and in the worst-case scenario, someone in your party could be accidentally shot and killed.
If someone fails to maintain gun safety and you are injured as a result, Richardson Richardson Boudreaux PLLC may be able to help.
You should also be wary of weapon malfunctions, which can be unexpected and dangerous or be the result of improper cleaning and maintenance.
TREESTAND ACCIDENTS
When deer hunting, many hunters use treestands to gain a vantage point and stay hidden. Unfortunately, treestand accidents cause 5,000 to 6,400 injuries each year, many of which are serious. In fact, 81% of victims require surgery, 59% suffer spinal fractures, and 8.2% suffer permanent neurological problems.
Many treestand accidents are caused by structural failures, which means the manufacturers may be to blame. Other times, the devices are installed incorrectly or used without safety harnesses.
If you’re using a treestand, use a safety harness, as well, and try not to get in and out of the stand when it’s dark out.
If you did everything perfectly and your treestand broke, it may be time to call a defective productattorney.
ATV ACCIDENTS (AND OTHER TRANSPORTATION INCIDENTS)
When you are traveling down roads and trails, you run the risk of transportation accidents. Careless and inexperienced ATV drivers can create hazardous conditions, as can poorly maintained roads. Even if you’re not in an ATV or around these vehicles, you can still be in an auto accident as you get from point A to point B.
OTHER ACCIDENTS
Knifes and arrows are other common hazards while hunting, accounting for 25% of accidents. Hunters must also know their physical limits or risk overexertion, hypothermia, or cardiac events.
Any time you are in the woods, you also risk encounters and injuries related to animals.
While we cannot help you move forward from every type of hunting-related accident or injury, we can help you in every case that involves someone else’s negligence.
If you are injured by a defective weapon or treestand, a careless driver, or someone who just doesn’t understand gun safety, please call us.
You can discuss your case with us for free at 918-492-7674 or online – call or click today to set up your free consultation.