The last thing anybody expects is to sustain an injury caused by the careless or negligent actions of somebody else. Unfortunately, personal injuries are common. What makes this problem even worse in West Virginia is that we have the highest rate of injury-related deaths in the nation. Here, we want to discuss some of the most common causes of accidents and deaths in West Virginia, why the injury death rate is so high, and how to prevent deaths from accidents.
Common Accidents in West Virginia
When we look at the overall leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, we can see that these are also some of the leading causes of fatalities in West Virginia. This includes the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Accidental poisoning
- Drowning
- Falls
- Fires/burns
- Suffocation
- Firearm discharges
- ATV accidents
Why is the Injury Death Rate So High?
Having the highest death rate from injuries in the country is certainly not something that anybody in West Virginia is celebrating. According to a report by CBS, “Injuries are not just acts of fate. Research shows they are pretty predictable and preventable,” says Jeffrey Levi, executive director of the Trust for America’s Health.
Levi says that there are various steps that states can take to help prevent and reduce injuries and violence. This can include legal requirements for seatbelts, child-safety seats, bicycle helmets, and regular sobriety checkpoints. In short, it seems that much of the blame for the fatality rate caused by injuries is laid at the feet of policy-makers.
Preventing Deaths from Accidents
The best way to prevent death from accidents is to support public health policies and education campaigns throughout West Virginia. It is crucial to give West Virginia residents the knowledge they need to understand what actions they partake in are more likely to cause serious injuries and fatalities.
Preventing accident fatalities means reducing the number of severe injuries that occur in West Virginia. This involves a systemic change in the way that we approach public policy at the state, county, and local levels. Our healthcare officials, lawmakers, and law enforcement personnel all play a crucial role in this process. Ultimately, though, the responsibility for preventing severe injuries and fatalities lies with individuals. Personal choices go a long way towards preventing injuries and fatalities.
Contact a West Virginia Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost somebody you love due to the careless, negligent, or intentional actions of somebody else, contact the team at Tiano O’Dell today. Our qualified and experienced attorneys will use their resources to conduct a complete investigation into your case. Our goal is to help you gain closure and compensation for your loss. We understand how difficult this time is for you and your family, so let us get to work on your behalf. If you need a West Virginia wrongful death attorney, contact Tiano O’Dell online or call our Charleston ooffice.