Personal Injury Law

Surprising Economic Impact of Skateboarding Injuries: New Study

If a skateboard is on your shopping list this season, consider the results of recent research conducted at the University of California -- Irvine.  According to Irvine researchers, the average cost of a skateboarding injury is approximately $3,200.  Medical costs comprise two-thirds of that figure, while one-third is wages lost during periods of recovery. 

Interestingly, researchers discovered that the greatest economic impact of skateboarding injuries was on working adults over 25 years of age, who missed more than 17 days of work due to injuries incurred when they attempted to ride a skateboard themselves.  Injuries to skateboarders between 8 and 19 years of age accounted for more than half of the research sample, however, and lost wages among this group were typically incurred by parents who missed work due to medical appointments and follow-up care. 

The research team followed emergency department patients from 1999 to 2001, and contacted them at one week post-surgery and then at quarterly intervals to assess medical expenses, time lost from work and disability ratings.  Authors of the study say the most common skateboarding injuries were arm and leg fractures, sprains, contusions, and head and stomach injuries. 

Previously on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

• Safety guidelines for holiday toy shoppers
• Neurologists advise helmet use for outdoor sports
• The ABCs of toy safety

For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.

Full post as published by DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog on December 27, 2007 (boomark / email).