Years ago, virtual reality was merely a sci-fi concept. Today, technology has blossomed to the point that virtual reality is now an actual reality.

Virtual reality systems offer an immersive experience for users, putting them into an alternate world. However, users of this technology should be fully aware that their bodies are still in the real world, which has its own hazards.

Now with virtual reality headsets readily available, more people will be in danger. The latest designs restrict users’ senses. This could lead to serious injuries if a person wearing them were to stumble over furniture or even hit another person in the room. The rise of injuries from virtual reality equipment is alarming, causing broken bones, concussions, lacerations, and other serious injuries. 

While tech experts have sounded the alarm for users to be careful when using these devices, many people still wind up hurt. Not all manufacturers emphasize safety in their accompanying marketing materials, which continues to cause harm and lead to a number of personal injury lawsuits. 

Common Types of Virtual Reality Injuries

Injuries from virtual reality devices occur because users are unable to discern things in actual reality while they wear them. When you’re wearing a virtual reality headset, you will only see and hear what is happening in the virtual world rather than what is present in actual reality. 

In fact, the virtual world becomes so real that those using these headsets become fully engaged in this imaginary world. This can lead to painful injuries, some that have permanent impacts.

Cuts and Lacerations

A person using a virtual reality device likely won’t notice when they knock a glass off a nearby table. They may then step on the broken glass and need to get stitches.

Broken Bones

As users interact with the virtual world, they may become so immersed that they forget it’s not real. They may attempt to climb a virtual structure and then fall down in the real world, leading to broken bones. 

Head Injuries

Falling as a result of being deeply entrenched in virtual reality may also lead to head injuries. Concussions and more serious traumatic brain injuries can affect both physical and cognitive abilities and could last a lifetime. 

Disorientation

When someone uses virtual reality headsets, they can easily become disoriented. The feeling may not subside once they remove the device. Additionally, disorientation can lead users to suffer other injuries that may result in disfigurement.

Ultimately, those who use virtual reality for a fun escape may wind up with massive hospital bills from their injuries. While it can be great fun, if you plan to use virtual reality, it is important to know the risks while preventing injuries from occurring.

How to Prevent Virtual Reality Injuries

If you buy a virtual reality headset or you get one as a gift, you will likely be incredibly eager to use it. However, before you begin, follow these steps to keep yourself and anyone around you safe from harm:

Read the Instructions Completely

Your virtual reality headset will come with a set of detailed directions for using the product correctly. Never just grab it out of the box and start using it. The instructions will tell you how to turn it on, how to use it, and how to avoid danger when you are wearing the headset.

Set Up a Clear Space

It is a bad idea to use a virtual reality device in a room full of furniture and other objects. Take the time to move things around to give yourself a clear and safe space that is free of obstacles. Don’t forget electrical cords and other items you may overlook as those can pose a tripping hazard.

Take Regular Breaks

You’ve likely already heard what people say about having too much of a good thing. That sentiment applies to virtual reality headsets as well. Make sure you take frequent breaks to make sure you haven’t wandered out of the safe area you’ve set up for your virtual journey. 

Keep Others Out of This Area

The people that wear virtual reality headsets aren’t the only ones who can suffer serious injuries. Your friends and family may be watching with great amusement or eagerly awaiting their turn to try out the headset. Make sure that they stay out of your immediate area because you could wind up accidentally hurting them. 

Be Careful With Loose Items and Shelving

If you have shelving in the room you’ve set up as your space for your virtual reality adventure, make sure you’ve moved any loose items. Plenty of people using these headsets have crashed into shelving, knocking items over that fall on them or their loved ones. 

Keep Doors and Windows Closed

One of the most dangerous things that could potentially happen while you’re wearing a virtual reality headset is that you could wander through an open door or a large window. This may lead you into an obstacle-laden area. For these reasons, make sure you are protected from wandering away.

Try To Have Someone Else Around

When you are playing with virtual reality, your body is still present in the actual world. Using this device while you are alone could be dangerous. You could suffer a serious injury and be unable to get help or you could end up in a dangerous situation. If someone else is present, they can look out for you and help prevent you from getting hurt. 

Who Is Liable When Someone Gets Hurt Using a Virtual Reality Device?

While the virtual reality industry is impressive, it is still growing and changing. As it grows, it might not have proper safety regulations. This may mean that you can hold the manufacturer or software developer liable for your injuries.

However, there are many moving parts involved in the situations, and since it’s a new realm, laws and regulations need to catch up. At this point, you’ll need to prove that you were using this equipment correctly, but that can be tricky without having an understanding of the current laws. It’s best to discuss your virtual reality injuries with a personal injury attorney who has represented other victims in these scenarios. 

What to Do If You Suffer Virtual Reality Injuries

If you get hurt while using a virtual reality device, you may initially not realize that you are actually hurt. It’s yet another reason why it is advised that you never use this technology while you are alone. If you have been injured while you were in the virtual world, follow these steps:

Get Immediate Medical Care

Some people using virtual reality headsets will ignore their injuries. They may perceive them as minor or be embarrassed to tell the medical professionals at the emergency room how they got hurt. The doctors and nurses at the hospital have seen it all, and nothing you tell them will surprise them or cause them to judge you.

When you have injuries from using your virtual reality device, get them treated right away. You’ll have medical records to support your claim if another party is responsible.

Keep Records and Document the Evidence

As soon as you can do so, write down all the details you can recall from the accident. You should note the date and time as well as the virtual environment you were exploring and what you were doing in that environment. You should take photos of your injuries and preserve all equipment, including the instructions that came with it. 

Make sure you also get a statement from any friends or family members who were with you when you were injured using the virtual reality device. The details they provide can substantiate your case.

File a Report of the Incident

Once you’ve taken these other steps, you will need to provide notice to the manufacturer of your virtual reality headset or even the developer of the game you were playing. Fllowing the proper procedures creates a record of your injury report and helps launch an investigation.

Talk to a Lawyer Who Knows About Virtual Reality Injuries

Since virtual reality is such a new technology, the laws regarding it are still not clear. As such, you may contact the manufacturer of the virtual reality headset and be told that the game developer is to blame. That developer might tell you to contact another party for another reason. 

Essentially, you may wind up running in circles trying to resolve this incident. When you consult a personal injury attorney who has experience with virtual reality injuries, you will have an advocate who understands which channels to go through. They will calculate the full extent of your injuries and damages to help you seek a fair amount in compensation. They will also examine the evidence and craft a strong strategy to help you in your case.