Halloween injuries don’t just happen on October 31. Many types of injuries can happen all month long. Luckily, there are ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:
DUI
Halloween parties happen all month long, and they can involve alcohol. Unfortunately, when drivers make poor choices after drinking, innocent people can be injured, sometimes fatally. Here’s how you can avoid a DUI this Halloween season:
- Designate a driver. If you’re going to a Halloween party, designate a driver who can get everyone home safe. If you’re hosting a party, have one person designated to drive guests home safely. And even if you have a designated driver, have back-up options. Have a way to pay for a cab or a hotel room. This way, even if your designated driver is not available, you can still make the right decision.
- Talk to your teens. Underage drinking does happen at parties, so talk to your teens about the dangers of drinking and driving. Remind them that you can offer safe ride home if they ever need it.
- Serve alcohol responsibly. If you’re hosting a Halloween party and choose to serve alcohol, serve non-alcohol drinks, too. Serve food with drinks and stop serving alcohol early. Be ready to pay for a taxi, let guest sleep over, or otherwise keep guest safe if they’ve been drinking.
- Report unsafe driving. If you notice erratic, unsafe driving, report it. Police may be able to stop the driver before he or she causes an accident.
Unsafe Products
Whether you’re decorating your home for Halloween or buying costumes, unsafe Halloween fun can be caused by bad design or dangerous materials or ingredients. You can stay safe by checking recall lists and by also doing an inspection of any costume or Halloween décor you buy or pull out of storage. Here are things to look for:
- Sharp edges
- Small, removable pieces that can pose a choking hazard
- Anything that drapes on the ground and poses and trip and fall risk
- Thin, easily flammable fabric
- Any item that has a strobe effect, which can cause seizures in some people
- Any costume that is hard to see or that makes it hard to see
Burn Injuries
Halloween can mean jack-o-lanterns and spooky lights. These items can also pose a fire risk, however. The safest option is to use LED lights instead of candles as décor or inside of carved pumpkins. If you have strings of spooky lights or plug-in or battery-operated Halloween lights, check for signs of wear and tear. Replace this décor if the wires are exposed or threadbare or if you see other signs of damage.
What can you do if you’re injured through an unsafe product or someone’s actions this October? Call Flaxman Law Group or contact us online. Our phone lines are operated 24/7, even on Halloween and other holidays. If you’ve been injured, we can schedule a free, no obligation consultation so we can discuss whether you may have a claim. Our team has already recovered over $100 million for thousands of clients across South Florida, so we’re ready to help with our more than 60 years of combined experience.