Lacerations

A laceration is a cut on the skin that is deep, and can be especially harmful on the head or face. Lacerations can occur at amusement parks and water parks when the skin gets caught on something and tears or gets hit by something with blunt force. Sometimes lacerations can occur when the skin gets caught on sharp objects that stick up on seats or slides. Other times, lacerations can occur from falling objects hitting the head or body.

What To Do

If you or your child suffers from a lacerations on an amusement park or water park ride, stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the area. If it is possible, try to raise the affected area above the heart, as to stop blood from rushing to the wound. Once the bleeding has subsided, clean the area with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment. Put a clean bandage on the area, and try to stay out of the water for the rest of the day.

If the laceration is bleeding profusely and non stop, and cannot be stopped after applying pressure, call 911. Sometimes, deep lacerations need medical attention and need stitches to repair the skin tearing. If the laceration is on the head or face, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is important to stay away from water or other activities that may worsen the cut. If a lacerations touches water, it could easily be infected by germs and bacteria.

Lacerations can be minor or very serious, even fatal. Serious lacerations are usually those that have been exposed to dirt or debris and face possible infection, are so deep that there is bone or tissue exposed, or there is significant loss of blood. Also, lacerations on the head and face may be paired with other medical emergencies like concussion or trauma to the brain, because of a blow to the head.

Injuries

Lacerations may need medical attention such as stitches, staples, hair tying, or surgery, involving going under anesthesia. Lacerations are not always fixed with this medical attention, however. There may be complications like scarring, reopening, bleeding through, and infection. Wounds, especially deep wounds, can also have risk for getting a bacterial infections from dust, dirt, or debris getting inside, causing tetanus.

Even cuts and lacerations are injuries that should not be taken lightly. Deep laceration wounds can cause serious pain, infection, and lifelong scarring or deformity. Even after getting treated, laceration wounds can rack up expensive medical bills. If you or a loved one has been cut by an object or ride at an amusement park, water park, carnival, or fair, call us to speak with an attorney about what you can do.