hoverboard being used by a Providence manHoverboard, Photo Taken on 10 October 2015 by Ben Larcey

The Providence, RI personal injury attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates have been noticing reports of a number of injuries caused by hoverboards continuing even after the holiday season. Hoverboards have been a big ticket item on many wish lists and have been one of the most talked about new products. This is also seen in a host of viral online videos of people using or falling on them. Wipeouts from hoverboards might make funny social media videos, but this is no laughing matter when injuries occur. If you been injured from a fall, contact a Providence injury lawyer.

What Kind Of Injuries Are Being Reported?

broken leg from using hoverboardIn the New England area, hospitals have been seeing an increase of hoverboard-related emergency department visits. At St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, two visits, soon after Christmas Eve, were reported. One was for an arm injury and the other was for a head injury. Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital each saw two visits right after Christmas. Across the country, CPSC is looking into 70 reported injuries ranging from concussions and broken bones to internal organ injuries. Adults are just as susceptible to suffering hoverboard injuries as children.

How Do Hoverboard Injuries Occur?

In the majority of cases, people have reported falling off their hoverboards. There are reports of head injuries, neck and back injuries, multiple broken bones, internal organ injuries and even burn injuries because some of these hoverboards are catching on fire when they are being charged. According to several media reports, the boards come with very few warnings or precautions consumers should in terms of injury prevention. Hoverboard falls could potentially cause permanent disabilities or even fatal injuries.

How Can I Prevent Injuries From Falling?

  • Protect yourself. Always wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads.
  • Supervise children as they learn to use their new hoverboard.
  • Wear supportive shoes and ensure that the shoelaces are properly tied to prevent tripping.
  • Do not fully utilize your hoverboard until you are confident and truly proficient.
  • Do not talk on the cell phone, eat or drink when you’re on the hoverboard.
  • Keep your hands free.
  • Pick safe locations to ride your hoverboard.

Contact a Providence Injury Lawyer

Providence personal injury lawyer meeting client injured by HoverboardIf you or someone you know has been injured, contact one of our experienced Providence injury lawyers located at 390 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us at 401-831-8600 or toll free at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.

Author Photo

Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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