What is a split face diving accident?

A split-face diving accident is a type of diving accident in which the diver’s face mask is forced off from their face, often resulting in serious facial injuries. Split-face diving accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including such as :

• Impact from an object: If a diver’s face mask hits an object underwater, it can be forced off the face.
• Rapid ascent: If a diver ascends too rapidly, the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of their face mask can cause it to be forced off their face.
• Turbid Waters: If a diver is diving in turbulent water, the pressure of the water may cause the face mask to be forced off.
• Poor and improper fit: If a diver’s face mask does not fit properly, it is more likely to be forced off his face.

Split face diving accidents can result in a variety of serious facial injuries, including the following:

• Wounds and scratches: There may be a deep wound on the face and it may bleed.
• Multiple Fractures: Broken bones of the face, such as the nose or orbital bones, may be broken.
• Eye injuries: Damage to the eye, such as a scratch to the cornea or detachment of the retina, has also been found in many accidents.
• Soft tissue injuries: There is every chance of injury to the soft tissues of the face, such as the lips, gums, or cheeks.

If you are injured in a split-face diving accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better and more favorable your chances of avoiding serious complications.

To help prevent split-face diving accidents, it’s important to follow these safety tips:

• Wear a properly fitting face mask: Make sure your face mask fits your face well and comfortably.
• Ascend slowly when diving: Do not ascend at a rate of more than 10 feet per minute or the face mask and other equipment may be removed by water or friction.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of anything that could potentially hit your face mask.
• Dive in calm water if diving is a hobby: Avoid diving in turbulent water at all costs.
• Get yourself certified: Get certified by a reputable diving organization. Certification will teach you proper diving safety procedures and reduce the risk to your life.

How many split face diving accidents occur in the United States in a year?

There is no definitive answer to this question because there is no central database that tracks and lists split-face diving accidents. However, a study published in the Journal of Diving Medicine and Toxicology in 2017 found that an estimated 1,000 split-face diving accidents are recorded each year in the United States. The study also found that the majority of these accidents (80%) occurred among recreational divers.

The study authors noted that the actual number of split-face diving accidents is likely to be higher than the reported number, as many accidents may go unreported. He also noted that the number of split-face diving accidents has been increasing in recent years, possibly due to the increasing popularity of scuba diving.

Split-face diving accidents can result in serious injuries, including lacerations, fractures, eye injuries, and soft tissue injuries. In some cases, split-face diving accidents can be very fatal.

If you are in a split-face diving accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of avoiding serious complications.

How can insurance help with split face diving accidents?

  Whether or not all split-face diving accidents are covered by insurance depends on the specific policy. Some homeowner’s insurance policies may cover split face diving accidents if they are caused by an insured peril, such as lightning or a falling object. However, most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover injuries sustained while engaging in recreational activities such as scuba diving.

If you are a scuba diver, you must have a personal diving insurance policy. Personal diving insurance policies can help you cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses that may arise as a result of any split-face diving accident. When choosing a personal diving insurance policy, it is important to read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and taken and whatnot. You should also ensure that the policy has a high enough coverage limit to protect you in case of a serious accident.

Why do people enjoy scuba diving?

There are many reasons why people enjoy scuba diving despite the dangers. Some of the most common reasons include:

• To explore the underwater world: Scuba diving is a unique opportunity to explore a world that is mostly hidden from us. Divers can view amazing marine life, explore shipwrecks, and dive into caves and other underwater environments.
• To experience weightlessness: When you are scuba diving, you are not weighed down by gravity. It gives you a feeling of weightlessness that is unlike anything else.
• To challenge yourself:  scuba diving can be a challenging activity. It requires physical fitness, mental focus, and knowledge of the underwater environment.
• To relax and de-stress: Scuba diving can be a very relaxing activity. The silence and solitude of the underwater world seem very peaceful.
• To make new friends: Scuba diving is a great way to make new friends. Divers often form close relationships and friendships with their fellow divers.

If you are looking for an exciting, challenging, and rewarding activity, then scuba diving may prove to be the perfect sport for you.

Here are some additional benefits of scuba diving:

• Improved Physical Fitness: Scuba diving is a great way to improve your physical fitness. It’s a full-body workout that can help you build strength, endurance, and flexibility.
• Decreased stress levels: scuba diving reduces stress levels and improves mental health. The underwater environment can be very calm and relaxing.
• Increase in knowledge: scuba diving can help you learn about the underwater world. You will learn about marine life, ocean currents, and different types of underwater environments.
• Sense of accomplishment: scuba diving can be a challenging activity, but it is also very rewarding. When you complete a dive, you may feel a sense of accomplishment.

Legal aspect: Remedies, legal options, and  personal injury lawsuit

• Negligence: If the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, such as the diving instructor or the owner of the pool or diving facility, you can file a negligence suit against them. To prove negligence, you must show that the other party owed you a duty of care that they breached that duty, and that the breach of duty resulted in your injuries.
• Product liability: If the diving equipment you were using was defective and caused your injuries, you can file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or seller of the equipment. To prove product liability, you must show that the product was defective, the defect was the primary cause of your injuries, and the defect was not caused by your own negligence.
• Workers’ Compensation: If you are injured while diving on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you don’t have to prove that someone was negligent to receive benefits.
• Pain and suffering: If you are injured in a split-face diving accident, you may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
• Medical Expenses: If you are injured in a split-face diving accident, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses. Medical expense damages are intended to compensate for the cost of your medical care, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
• Lost Wages: If you are injured in a split-face diving accident and are unable to work, you may be able to recover your lost wages. Lost wages damages are intended to compensate you for the money you have lost as a result of your inability to work.
• Report the accident to the appropriate authorities: You should also report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This will create a record of the accident and can help you establish liability.

, If you have been injured in a split-face diving accident, it is important and helpful to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. A split-face diving accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options and represent you in any necessary legal proceedings.

Reference and citation: 

(1)     Hart, A., White, S., Conboy, P., Bodiwala, G. G., & Quinton, D. N. (1999). Open water scuba diving accidents at Leicester: five years’ experience. Emergency Medicine Journal, 16(3), 198–200.

(2) Twarog, F. J., Weiler, J. M., Wolf, S. I., Barron, R. J., Lang, D. M., Wells, J. H., Zitt, M., Virant, F. S., Katz, R. M., Banyash, L. W., Wolk, M. H., Orfan, N., & Guill, M. F. (1995). Discussion of risk of scuba diving in individuals with allergic and respiratory diseases. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 96(6), 871–873.

(3) Ulleberg, P. (2001). Personality subtypes of young drivers. Relationship to risk-taking preferences, accident involvement, and response to a traffic safety campaign. Transportation Research Part F-traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 4(4), 279–297.