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How to Avoid the Most Common Winter Injuries

Winter injuries can be quite severe. Falls and other accidents during this season can lead to broken bones and traumatic brain injuries and prove fatal. A slip can pull a muscle or twist an ankle even if you remain on your feet. In any case, you will be out for the count for a few days or months.

Top Winter Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Your employer’s job is to ensure you remain safe in your workplace, irrespective of the season. Grayslake personal injury lawyers will tell you the same and can advocate for you if your claim is denied. Prevention is better than cure in this case. Here are some of the top winter injuries you can avoid with some precautions:

Broken Bones and Sprains from Slip and Fall Accidents

Black ice is difficult to spot, and slipping on this sleek surface can leave you a crumpled, painful heap on the ground. The result is usually broken bones, back injuries, neck injuries, sprains, and severe concussions. The older you are, the more prone you are to these injuries, and your recovery time may also be prolonged.

How to avoid

The best way to avoid these injuries is to choose practical footwear. A good set of hiking boots will keep you on your feet on icy roads and pathways, provided you walk carefully. Sprinting is NOT recommended, and keep an eye out for potential hazards that can trip you or make you slip.

Hypothermia from Cold Exposure

Our core temperature drops rapidly if we remain in the cold for too long. If it drops below 95°F, hypothermia sets in and can prove fatal. Warning signs include:

  • Loss of focus.
  • Impaired thinking.
  • Shivering.
  • High pulse.
  • Heavy breathing.

How to avoid

If you have to work outside for hours, make sure you have plenty of layers on and do not get wet. Plus, head inside every half hour to get your temperature back to normal before heading out again. Also, don’t drink on the job. Alcohol can hasten the onset of hypothermia.

Frostbite Following Hypothermia

When the body is exposed to low temperatures for prolonged periods, it starts to freeze. Exposed extremities such as fingertips, ears, and nose tips are the most vulnerable to this cold injury. These turn black and may have to be amputated. The first signs include:

  • Clumsiness.
  • Numbness.
  • Cold skin.
  • Discolored or blackened skin.

How to avoid

Protect your extremities with warm socks, hats, gloves, and other equipment that can prevent frostbite. If you think you are getting frostbite, get treatment ASAP. This includes re-warming, wound care, and pain control. You can avoid these winter injuries if your employer ensures staff safety with relevant precautionary measures. If you think their negligence caused your workplace injury and they refuse to provide compensation, hire Grayslake personal injury lawyers right away.

Contact the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C.

The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens P.C. has more than two decades of experience protecting the rights of personal injury victims through talented Grayslake personal injury lawyers. With offices across Illinois, we have the expertise and knowledge about local employment laws that can strengthen your claim. Contact us for a consultation today. We can develop a strategy to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. You shouldn’t suffer because of your employer’s negligence.

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How Long Must I Be Employed To Receive Workers’ Compensation?

There is NO waiting period for workers’ compensation in Illinois. You get coverage from the moment you are employed as per the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (IWCC). The only ones exempt from this are business partners, corporate officers, and those who are part of limited liability companies.

Penalties for Not Carrying Workers’ Compensation Insurance

All employers in Illinois must carry workers’ compensation insurance for workers or suffer the consequences. If yours fail to do so, and you are injured in their workplace, you can sue them with help from a Waukegan workers’ compensation attorney. Your boss may also be charged with a Class 4 felony if they knowingly failed to carry this insurance. A conviction can include a three-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000. They will also be charged an additional $500 for each day they don’t have insurance following the charge. This can go up to $10,000 minimum. If the employer was negligent in getting the insurance coverage, they could be charged with a misdemeanor. This charge carries the same fines but does not include a prison sentence. Corporate officers may also face liabilities for the same negligence.

What Your Claim Will Look like If Your Employer Doesn’t Offer Workers’ Compensation

If your boss offers workers’ compensation, you must report your workplace injury to them to start the insurance process. If they don’t hold any, on the other hand, you need to file an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the IWCC, complete with your employer’s name. Also, mention the State Treasurer on the application. It will ensure that the state knows you are filing for benefits even though your boss does not offer workers’ compensation. A Waukegan workers’ compensation attorney can help you with the necessary paperwork. It will differ from those required for a workers’ comp claim. Before applying, make sure your employer doesn’t offer insurance by reviewing the company policy. Some employers tell workers they don’t provide it, so they would not file. They have insurance but don’t want to report it to keep premiums down. Use this tool to find out if your employer has the insurance or not, or go through IWCC’s website.

Who Isn’t Covered By Workers’ Compensation

As mentioned previously, some businesses are exempt from providing workers’ comp via a 1099 form. These include:

  • Independent contractors.
  • Freelancers.
  • Consultants.

These individuals must file their own income tax, so their employers don’t have to cover them. Federal employees such as railroad workers are also exempt from the coverage since they have an alternative. They must file for compensation via the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Farm laborers may also be exempt from insurance coverage and can get paid via the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA).

Contact The Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens For A Consultation Today!

If your employer keeps denying your injury claim or doesn’t offer workers’ compensation, you need a Waukegan workers’ compensation attorney to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens for a consultation today. We have been fighting for the rights of injured workers in Illinois for over two decades and have recovered millions in damages for them.

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How Electric Scooter Accidents Have Increased In Illinois

From 2017 to 2018, there was a massive increase in electric scooter injuries and admissions. To reduce accidents, pollution, and traffic, Chicago introduced the eco-friendly mode of transport by launching a shared scooter program in 2019 and 2020, but it did little to curb the tide. While many were excited about it, the electric scooters were hazardous for riders, pedestrians, and other motorists. An Illinois personal injury attorney will tell you that there have been several serious injuries and even deaths because of these scooters. But their numbers have only increased in the streets. Since they are common on the streets, filing lawsuits against the companies that rent electric scooters has become the norm.

Why Electric Scooters Accidents Have Increased

Standing electric scooters don’t require docks and can be moved easily compared to larger bikes. These are easy to get around on and can reach speeds of up to 15 miles/hour. Rentals offer these scooters to customers with the benefit that they can leave them anywhere and don’t need to get screened to rent one. Plus, there is no training or supervision on how e-scooters are ridden, so accidents are common. When these were first introduced in 2019, many people complained that they were left on sidewalks presenting serious hazards to pedestrians and bicycle riders. While e-scooters are not allowed there, most people ignore those rules. In response, rental companies introduced geo-fencing technology, which detects when someone rides these scooters on sidewalks. In Chicago, companies are designing scooters that can be locked to poles. However, these bikes are also readily available for rent in bike lanes and don’t require skills or a special license to operate. You don’t even have to interact with a customer service rep. You can take one for a ride on a whim and whether you know how to ride one or not. An Illinois personal injury attorney believes that since there is a lack of accountability for e-scooter injuries in Illinois, victims may have to pay out of pocket to treat injuries and take care of damages. The mode of transportation will be reintroduced this year but with certain restrictions.

Taking Legal Action after an Electric Scooter Accident

Scooter accidents can take several forms – a rider may run over a pedestrian or ram into a bicyclist or another vehicle. The fault may or may not lie with them. In some cases, they may be victims of negligent truck drivers, speeding cars, drunk drivers or defective designs. If you were a victim for these reasons, you might be entitled to monetary compensation from the negligent parties.

Get in Touch with The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens for a Consultation Today

Were you injured by an electric scooter while you were outside or fell from one while trying to ride it? An Illinois personal injury attorney from The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens can help you make a strong case. We have a team of professionals working 24/7, aiding people like you with such personal injury claims for over two decades. Contact us for a confidential meeting today at (847) 395-2200. We will ensure you don’t have to pay out of pocket for damages.

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What Recourse Do I Have If The Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

If the insurance company denied your personal injury claim and you think they made a mistake or denied it unfairly, you can file an insurance dispute. Illinois insurance dispute lawyers will advise you to take immediate action to reverse the decision. First, take a look at the fine print of the insurance policy. It may contain information you missed, which caused the denial. You can find out why it was denied, but the good news is that a rejection is not set in stone.

What You Can Do To File an Insurance Dispute

If you think your personal injury case was misrepresented or insurance was unjustly denied, there are some steps you can take to get what you are eligible for. You can work with the insurance company to reach a decision you are happy with. Here are some things you can do:

Appeal the claim denial

If you believe the personal injury claim was denied by mistake, you can appeal the insurance company’s verdict via a process already in place. To appeal:

Gather evidence

Take a look at any of the documents provided by the insurance company and the evidence required as proof for the appeal. This includes eyewitness information, police reports, medical reports, pictures, and others. Make sure you give copies to the insurance company and keep the originals.

Write an appeal letter

Your appeal letter should detail why you disagree with the insurance company’s rejection. This includes explaining the significance of the information you provided, mentioning policy information, and the claims denial letter.

Hire Illinois insurance dispute lawyers

Consider hiring an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes. They can review the case and consider aspects that are not apparent to you. This includes ensuring the appeal application has all the supporting documents required for a successful result. They can also draft the appeal letter for you. A letter signed, sealed, and delivered by a law firm has more influence than a civilian’s. Most claim denials are valid and the result of mistakes made by applicants rather than insurance companies. But just because yours was denied doesn’t mean you have to pay out of pocket for medical costs, property damage, vehicle damages, and others. Once you file an appeal letter, the insurance company will first determine its validity. The decision may be reversed if you have professional and dedicated Illinois insurance dispute lawyers in your corner.

Contact The Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens For A Consultation Today!

Has your injury claim been denied unfairly, or is the insurance company refusing to pay even though you have a valid claim? They have the money – they place profits over the people they serve. Their CEOs earn millions of dollars each year from the cost of premiums you give them. If you think your claim was denied unfairly and want justice, contact the Illinois insurance dispute lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens today. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and can also help you. Contact us for a detailed and confidential consultation today! We will assign a lawyer to your case who can ensure you have the documents you need to get compensation.

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Workers’ Compensation Fraud and How to Avoid It

While workers’ compensation coverage is essential for every business in Illinois, your employees can also take advantage of it. It is supposed to provide injured workers with a safety net in case they fall seriously ill or are injured so severely they cannot perform their job duties. Antioch workers’ compensation lawyers will tell you that, like other types of insurance, it is susceptible to false claims, which can result in thousands of dollars in losses for your business.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Fraud

You can protect your business from insurance fraud by looking for common signs. It happens when an employee knowingly accepts or acquires workers’ compensation benefits that they are not entitled to. Some common examples include the following:

  • Filing a claim for an injury that they did not sustain at work.
  • Misrepresenting the seriousness of their injuries.
  • Misrepresenting their work status while getting temporary benefits from their claim.

A recent case regarding actor Q’orianka Kilcher is a case in point. The Alienist star ran into some legal issues with LA County when she was charged with workers’ compensation fraud. She allegedly collected over $90,000 in disability benefits that she was not entitled to while working on the Paramount show Yellowstone. The actor claimed that she could not take on other roles because of head and neck injuries sustained on the set of Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Kilcher stopped responding to the insurance company handling her claim for her employer and stopped her doctor’s recommended treatments. But she returned to the doctor five days after the show wrapped to receive disability benefits. The case has been registered in court.

How to Prevent Workers’ Compensation Fraud

Protect your business from workers’ compensation fraud by following these tips: Most workers’ compensation insurance carriers have special departments that look into such fraudulent activities. Most investigations reveal said activities when they are reported for the first time. Prevent these issues from cropping up by speaking transparently with employees about them. Make sure they know that they are expected to report such cases and the options they can use to do so if they are uncomfortable speaking to management. They can also report fraud without revealing their identity to the Department of Labor. In other words, ensure your workers know that workers’ compensation fraud is a matter that your company does not take lightly so they can report questionable behavior proactively.

Conduct thorough investigations

Irrespective of a case’s circumstances, ensure you complete an incident investigation report surrounding a workplace injury or illness matter. By understanding the root case, you can prevent future incidents and also expose inconsistencies or suspicious information. If a worker is faking an injury, a detailed examination should expose them. Some of the details you should collect include:

  • The name, title, and hiring date of the employee.
  • The seriousness of the injury.
  • The time the incident was reported.
  • Any property damage that resulted from the accident.
  • Who the incident was told about and when.

Among other information, your insurance company can tell you to collect.

Contact the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens for a Consultation Today

If you or a colleague have been wrongly accused of workers’ compensation fraud or your employer refuses to take responsibility for a workplace accident, contact Antioch workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Robert T. Edens today. We have more than two decades of experience fighting for the rights of Illinois workers like you who are frustrated and about to give up. We will continue the fight for you and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

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How It Is Possible To Have A Brain Injury Without Knowing?

Yes, it is possible. People with memory, balance, behavioral, and learning issues may be experiencing symptoms that result from an unidentified or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). A hidden TBI is a ticking time bomb, especially if diagnosis and treatments are delayed. Waukegan traumatic brain injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve if your workers’ compensation for medical benefits is denied.

Top Causes and Symptoms of Mild TBI

TBIs are usually the result of bumps, blows, jolts, or explosive blasts to the head. However, not all of these hits result in severe injuries. The injury can range from mild to severe, depending on the accident’s severity. About 75% of TBIs that occur yearly are mild, and most result in concussions.

What Are Concussions?

Mild TBIs are also known as concussions, which, while unapparent at first, may showcase the same symptoms as severe brain injuries. However, these injuries are often overlooked even by experienced medical practitioners.

Most people who suffer mild concussions report memory loss and confusion. These may or may not be accompanied by fainting spells. The symptoms either manifest immediately after an accident or several minutes later.

Memory loss can also include the inability to recall events before and post-accident. It’s why victims have trouble recalling the incident later on. If you faint, are confused or have difficulty remembering things post-accident, inform your doctor or first responders immediately. Waukegan traumatic brain injury lawyers can use their accounts and your medical records to strengthen your case.

A mild TBI can worsen if it is not treated on time. Minutes to hours post-injury, you can suffer from:

  • Headaches.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Disorientation.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Befuddled facial expression.
  • If you wait hours or several days to get a checkup and treat the concussion, you can experience worse symptoms such as:
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Memory gaps.
  • Mood swings.

Consequences of Repeat Mild TBIs

If you have a history of mild TBIs or concussions, you can experience severe symptoms and take longer to recover from them. These include:

  • Ongoing issues with headaches and memory.
  • Physical ailments such as difficulty keeping your balance.
  • With time, the issues can also prove to be fatal. Since symptoms of mild TBI are often misdiagnosed because they are similar to other ailments, more people die from these injuries than you realize. But in most cases, people who have this injury:
  • Refuse to admit they have it.
  • Are unable to understand how the symptoms affect their daily life.

Even if they know they have a concussion or TBI, negligent healthcare providers and family members may make them overlook it. You need medical specialists to evaluate and determine the long-term consequences of the injury. A general physician may overlook your injuries, downplay them or worse, diagnose you with a different ailment.

Contact Robert T. Edens For a Consultation Today!

Mild and severe TBIs are common workplace injuries, especially on construction sites. If your employer or the insurance agency refuses to compensate you, you can and should sue.

Experienced and professional Waukegan traumatic brain injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens can ensure your case is given due attention in and out of court.

With over two decades of experience representing injury victims like yourself, Robert T. Edens, aka Bob, is more than qualified to help you with your predicament. Contact us for a consultation today!

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What Are Monetary Amounts for Permanent Partial Disability in Illinois?

If you lost a part of your body or partially lost the use of your body to the point that you cannot do your job justice, you are eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. Before your eligibility can be determined, you have to heal completely first. Illinois personal injury lawyers will tell you that this means you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) and cannot heal further medically. The monetary amounts depend on the method used to determine said benefits.

How the IWCC Determines PPD Benefits

Once your MMI status is established, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) will evaluate your case to determine your PPD benefits. Here are some of the ways it does that:

Wage Differential

If you had to switch to another job because of the physical disabilities caused by a work-based injury from a previous job and the new one pays less than the old one, you are entitled to a wage differential. In this case, you are entitled to two-thirds of the difference between your wages from your last job and the one you get in your new job.

The statewide average weekly wage (SAWW) benefit amounts can be found here. These are updated every six months and cover the minimum weekly workers’ compensation benefits for various work-based disabilities. Calculations are simple. To determine the SAWW, total salaries are divided by the number of employees in the past six months. Full and part-time employees are counted but federal, and self-employed employees are not.

Scheduled Injury

You can also collect a weekly PPD payment of 60% of your average weekly wage or salary (AAW). It covers over 25 body parts, each with a different value. All you need to do to determine permanent partial disability benefits you are entitled to by multiplying the number of weeks for the body part injured by 60% of your wage.

Important note – You cannot collect PPD benefits if you collect a wage differential.

Calculating Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

The calculation for these benefits is quite straightforward. Multiply your AWW by the aforementioned PPD rate, 60%, and take the number you get and multiply it with the value of the body part you lost or disfigured.

This does NOT include:

  • Future or past pain and suffering.
  • Loss of normal life.
  • Slight scarring,
  • Future injury risks.
  • Temporary aggravation of an existing condition.

Experienced Illinois personal injury lawyers can explain the process further or, better yet, calculate your PPD benefits so you don’t have to. You may make mistakes that can prove costly.

Contact the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens for a Consultation

If your employer or the insurance company has rejected your workers’ compensation application or refuses to compensate you as per the benefits you are entitled to, you can and should sue. The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens have experienced Illinois personal injury lawyers who can ensure you get the permanent partial disability and other benefits you deserve, if not more.

We have over two decades of experience aiding employees like you recover millions of dollars in damages from unfair employers. We are not afraid to go up against big insurance organizations to do it. Whether you or someone you know has been treated unfairly or are going in the red because of expensive medical bills, we can help you recover damages. Contact us for a consultation today!

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What To Do After Workers’ Compensation Payments End

Workers’ compensation ensures you don’t pay out-of-pocket medical expenses you incur from workplace injuries. But what happens when those end?

What Happens When Workers’ Compensation Benefits End?

One out of four things can happen when your workers’ compensation benefits end. Your temporary disability benefits end when:

  • You are cleared for work by a doctor.
  • You return to your original job or an alternative one but on the same salary.
  • Your health or condition is not improving or worsening, making it permanent.
  • You have availed over 104 weeks within five years of sustaining injuries.

Once your benefits end, your claims administrator will send you a notification after your last payment. Expect it within 14 days. However, this doesn’t mean you are not eligible for other benefits.

If your physician claims you cannot make a complete recovery, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits or a new job that can accommodate your limitations. Experienced Cook County workers’ compensation lawyers can review your situation and guide you on the best steps for your recovery and compensation.

When Can You Receive Permanent Disability Benefits?

You can receive permanent disability benefits (PPD) if you have not recovered from a work-related illness or injury. As per Illinois law, employers must provide these benefits to workers who can work in a limited capacity because of an impairment or disfiguration. In contrast, you get permanent total disability benefits (PTD) if you are unable to work or cannot work permanently.

What Happens When You Return To Work After Availing Workers’ Comp Benefits

Determining when you should return to work after workers’ compensation benefits end can be challenging. If your employer and their insurance company pressure you into returning as soon as possible, that doesn’t mean you should. Your employer may be losing money, but that doesn’t mean you should indulge them.

There is no best time to return to work after benefits end. One workers’ compensation case can be vastly different from another. The last thing you should do is return too soon. Leave that decision to your doctor and your physical state rather than your employer or the insurance company.

Return to work only when you are cleared to do so by the physician, i.e. when you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). That is when your health cannot improve without additional medical treatments. Once that is established, you will be examined again for permanent disability benefits.

Why You Should Hire Cook County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

You can and should sue if your workers’ compensation is denied even after you reach MMI. A lawyer can help you with your case by:

  • Accumulating and presenting evidence to prove your injuries or condition have affected you.
  • Explain your legal options.
  • File paperwork on your behalf so you don’t have to stress about deadlines.
  • Represent you at a hearing which can be highly stressful.

Your employer and their insurance company will have their lawyers representing them. Hire an attorney who can take on your legal burdens as you heal from your injuries.

Contact The Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens For A Consultation Today!

At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, we have been representing workers like you who have been injured on the job and were denied workers’ compensation benefits. We have years of experience and knowledge that can ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us for a consultation today!

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Why You Should Never Accept a Workers’ Comp Settlement Without a Lawyer

You are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you are bedridden or have astronomical medical bills because of a work-related physical or medical impairment. The last thing you should do is accept the settlement the insurance company offers without argument. If you disagree with the settlement amount, you can:

  • Negotiate a new settlement or,
  • Attend a hearing where a judge will settle your dispute.

In either case, having experienced Antioch workers’ comp lawyers can prove invaluable.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer Before Settling

Some of the best reasons why you should hire a workers’ comp attorney include the following:

They Can Determine Your Case’s Worth

A workers’ comp attorney can determine your case’s worth, something the insurance company doesn’t want. This includes the number of benefits you should get based on:

  • The extent of your injuries and how they have affected your life.
  • Your previous wages.
  • Past medical expenses along with future medical treatments.
  • If you have a permanent disability, and if yes, its extent.
  • If your employer owes you salary, benefits, and penalties for late payments.

They Can Negotiate The Best Settlement

Antioch workers’ comp lawyers know how to negotiate for the best settlements from insurance companies. Whether you get a low ball or ‘final offer’, they will not back down till you have reached a reasonable settlement. They are also more likely to get into productive negotiations with insurance companies than individuals who act alone.

They Will Ensure Your Settlement Terms Are Clear and Cover Future Expenses

Your attorney will also ensure that the settlement terms are noted down accurately to prevent issues in the future. For instance, if you need to use your disability benefits down the line, a shoddy agreement can cost you hundreds and even thousands of dollars per month. Your attorney can determine a realistic estimate that can cover future medical costs.

The wording in the agreement is quite critical. Hidden clauses and certain agreements can cost you money in the long run. Your attorney can spot potential pitfalls in the agreement and have them rectified or removed.

They Can Fight For You If Your Claim Is Denied

If the insurance company denies your claim, your attorney can fight to get the decision reversed. Whether your claim is denied because of ‘insufficient evidence,’ “inadequate documentation” or because they say your injuries are not work-related, your attorney can help with the appeals process. This includes taking specific steps to strengthen your case and create a better claim.

Even if your case was denied, you could have a strong chance in court with Antioch workers’ comp lawyers in your corner. The insurance company will try and contest your claim. At that point, you need some serious firepower that workers’ comp attorneys can give you.

The bottom line is that the insurance company doesn’t have your best interests are heart, but your attorney does. Relying on a judge without a lawyer representing you is not wise either. Your employer and the insurance company will not think twice before hiring their attorney either.

Contact Our Antioch Workers’ Comp Lawyers At the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens for a Consultation

At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, we have been fighting for the rights of injured workers for more than two decades. If you, your colleague, or someone else you know has suffered a workplace injury and cannot get workers’ comp benefits, contact us for a consultation today. We will evaluate the claim and determine the best strategy to ensure a positive outcome.

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Summer Boating Safety Tips to Avoid Accidents

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the demand for boats reached a 13-year high during the pandemic. Boat sales in 2021 were a whopping 30% higher than 2020 sales as families and individuals planned vacations and trips to the water in droves.

However, safety takes a back seat in anticipation of sun and surf. Hiring Grayslake personal injury lawyers should be a priority if you or someone you know has been injured in a boating accident.

Boating Safety Tips That Can Keep Your Family Safe

To ensure you and your family remain safe on the water, follow these boating safety tips:

Don’t Drink and Boat

Like car drivers, boat operators can get into accidents on the water if they are drunk. The sun can intoxicate them, further leading to dehydration and heatstroke that can prove fatal. So make sure the person operating the boat doesn’t drink, remains hydrated, and ap plenty of sunscreen on exposed skin.

Make Sure Everyone Has a Life Jacket On

A life jacket will be your only lifeline if your boat gets into an accident. Rather than dumping them in the boat, make sure you wear yours before boarding. If your boat capsizes, fear may blind you, and you may not be able to find your life jacket in time.

These are thin, comfortable, and made to accommodate different body types, so there is no excuse for ignoring them. Ensure each one is USCG-approved and of appropriate size for each person onboard the vessel. Boats that are 16 feet long or longer need to have a Type IV throwable device on board.

File a Float Plan

Before heading off from the dock, file a float plan with your loved ones on land and the marina. It should include the names of everyone on board, their contact information, the destination, planned itinerary, and stops along the route.

If you fail to return as per your float plan, your friends, family members, and the professionals at the marina can take action immediately. The information in the plan can facilitate search activity and increase your chances of being rescued sooner rather than later.

Monitor the Weather

Plan your boat trip according to the weather forecast. Check it beforehand so your boat isn’t caught in a storm and capsizes. Also, be wary of lightning, currents, changing tides, wind direction, and other weather conditions that can endanger you out on the water.

In the middle of the ocean, no one can hear you scream. Use these boating safety tips to ensure you have a great time out on sparkling seas without stressing over safety.

Contact the Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens For Boating Accident Claims

If you get into an accident on a boat despite following these safety tips, hire Grayslake personal injury lawyers to recover damages from the boating service. At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, we can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Whether you suffered injuries or were stranded in the middle of the ocean for hours and suffered heatstroke, you should hold the service accountable. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!