In addition to the injuries that are suffered during a natural disaster such as a hurricane, there are also many risks for injury after the storm has passed.
People are often anxious to begin cleanup operations, and hospitals can quickly become overwhelmed with those who have suffered injury both during the storm and after the storm.
For example, there is risk for injury by using chain saws to remove trees after a hurricane, and even ladders can pose a risk for falling.
Other severe injuries can take place when generators are not used correctly.
Those who are using generators for the first time should become familiar with proper operation and safety precautions before a storm arrives.
By improperly plugging a generator into your household, a dangerous backfeed of electricity is created and damage may be caused to utility workers or to your home.
Even minor storms can disrupt power lines, and contact with a downed power line can cause serious or fatal burns.
One of the reasons why downed power lines are so hazardous is that most people do not see the line on the ground until it is too late.
There are various environmental factors that can affect visibility, including glare, clouds, sunlight and rain, so you must be on the lookout for any signs of downed power lines.
Storm victims are also at risk for poisoning from carbon monoxide, a deadly and odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide can kill a person within minutes when it is present in high levels, and this gas is produced whenever any fuel such as oil, gas, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned.
Those who are inexperienced at using charcoal grills or fireplaces must be aware that a fire can flare-up by adding lighter fluid to hot coals.
There are numerous ways that people can suffer burns and other injuries before, during or after a storm or natural disaster.
With the current state of the economy, many people try to clean up and repair their homes by themselves rather than paying an experienced worker to do the job.
This can also lead to injuries and accidental deaths, especially among elderly persons and those with preexisting health issues.
Recovering from severe injuries can be a lengthy and expensive process, especially for victims who need long-term rehabilitation and medical treatments.
Burn injuries, in particular, can lead to long periods of time away from work and can require skin grafts and other treatments.
When you or someone you love have suffered injury because of the negligence of another or because of a product defect, you should take action to defend your rights under the law.
By seeking justice and compensation for your injuries, you can focus on fully recovering with peace of mind about your financial situation and lost wages.
To learn more, contact a Bronx personal injury attorney at The Law Firm of Steven I.
Fried, P.
C.
The help you need is only a phone call away.