Roller Skating Safety at the Rink

Both adults and children enjoy roller skating. Not only is it fun, but it provides a great way to exercise and socialize. With indoor rink facilities available, roller skating can be a great activity day or night and in any kind of weather. However, as with any activity, certain safety precautions must be followed to ensure that a fun excursion does not result in injury, whether you are wearing inline skates or traditional roller skates. Common injuries resulting from skating are usually not serious and include bruises, broken bones, and sprains. However, in more serious situations, head injuries can occur.

If you are roller skating at an indoor rink, there will likely be many other skaters around you. Therefore, it is imperative to be aware of your surroundings and not engage in any horseplay which could cause injury to another. If you have been injured due to another skater’s recklessness, you may be able to sue for compensation. Additionally, the premises may be liable for your injury if it was caused by a condition at the rink that the management or workers knew about (or should have known about) and failed to remedy. Although you are assuming an inherent risk of injury when you decide to skate, you do not automatically assume a risk that you will be injured by another’s misconduct or defective condition.

To reduce the risk of injury at the rink:

· Make sure your roller skates fit properly, and you are wearing appropriate clothing

· Don’t bring food, gum, or drink onto the rink

· Don’t engage in horseplay

· Familiarize yourself with the rink’s rules and regulations prior to skating

· Do not text or talk on the phone while skating

· Do not push, cut off, or shove other skaters

· Wear protective gear when necessary, including helmets, knee pads, and wrist protectors

· Take a break if you do not feel well

If you or a loved one has been injured at the roller rink due to the negligence or recklessness of another, contact a personal injury attorney who can advise you of your legal rights. Call the attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP at (332) 239-1601 today.