According to a recent study published in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, between the years of 1990 and 2004, more than 140,000 kids made trips to U.S. emergency rooms due to lawn mower accidents — almost 9,400 visits annually. The average age of the injured children was 10.7 years, and 78% were boys. Most typically, injuries included lacerations, burns, eye damage, soft tissue damage and bone fractures.
Though the authors of the study call for increased regulation of lawn mower manufacturers, there is much you can do at home to prevent lawn mower injuries. If you’ll be handing your lawn mowing responsibilities over to a teen this summer, consider this advice, compiled jointly by the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
If you or a family member believe that you have a case involving personal injury or a defective product, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at (202) 463-3030 for a free consultation. If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.