Hunting Accidents and Injuries

When autumn approaches, so does the hunting season in most locales. Hunting is an enjoyable bonding experience for many people across the country but comes inherent with risks attached to it.

Over the years, hunting safety and training programs have been effective at decreasing the number of accidents and injuries that occur while out pursuing whatever animal is in season at the time. Over the last 10 years, there has been a dramatic decline in the number of firearm accidents and fatalities due to accidental discharge, misidentifying the target, and moving into the line of fire.

The majority of hunting injuries and casualties that occur in two-party hunting groups are due to one or both members of the party swinging upland with their shotguns. This results in the partner being covered. The other problem is not seeing the partner at all. This type of injury, also the most common, is a completely preventable type of injury. It can be prevented by wearing blaze orange clothing or by looking carefully before one shoots.

After injuries from hunting parties, self-inflicted gunshots are the other most common cause of hunting injuries and fatalities. The injuries that occur in this area are typically caused by someone improperly handling a loaded firearm in some manner.

Overall, hunting and firearm accidents can be significantly reduced by following simple rules. For starters, it is important not to fire before looking at what is in front of you. Next, wearing a brightly colored vest is extremely beneficial. Deer and many other popular game are colorblind so wearing neon orange is not going to adversely affect your hunting success.

Contact a Harrisburg Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in a hunting accident, contact the Harrisburg personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 610-667-7511.