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ChatHalloween is an exciting and thrilling time for many of our RI and MA community members, children and adults alike! On Halloween, we break from our normal weekly routines to put on intricate costumes, enjoy the cool fall weather, and see some fun decorations… We may even pick up some candy along the way! Halloween night is a great way to cap all the Halloween parties and gatherings slated for October as well. However, amid the fun, laughter, tricks, and treats, there are hidden risks. From slips, trips, and falls, to burn injuries, it’s important to remember that underneath the costumes, we still need to exercise caution to prevent a Halloween personal injury accident.
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we love coming together as a team to celebrate upcoming holidays. We encourage you to do the same! However, it’s important to be on the lookout for increased chances of injury every holiday season.
In today’s blog article, we want to prepare you to have the best Halloween celebrations possible. This means prioritizing your safety, amidst all the fun. Read on to learn about common Halloween accidents we see and how to prevent them!
1. Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
The risk of slipping, tripping, and falling is nearly always present. However, Halloween brings new obstacles to traverse. Perhaps you’re a dedicated neighbor who always puts up intricate Halloween décor for parties and Halloween night. Or maybe your family plans to dress up and trick-or-treat together. During spooky season, uneven sidewalks, poorly lit areas, and heavily decorated yards and homes pose a dangerous risk of falling. Intricate costumes that otherwise obstruct people’s views also add to an increased risk of slipping and tripping.
Property owners have a duty to reasonably maintain their property for visitors, even in October! If you are injured because of someone else’s negligence, call us to discuss your situation.
In the meantime, consider how to prevent slips, trips, and falls on or around Halloween this season:
- Wear proper clothing. This includes wearing proper footwear and avoiding costumes that obstruct your view.
- Clear walkways. As a homeowner, it’s important to remove any potential obstacles for visitors.
- Use a flashlight, if needed. We all know Halloween is supposed to be a dark and scary holiday… Maybe leave dark and scary to the movies!
2. Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are common on Halloween. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data routinely shows that children are at a heightened risk of injury or death on Halloween night, especially in neighborhoods. Nighttime activities with unlit streets do not generally mix well! Make sure you take safety precautions before hitting the trick-or-treat scene this Halloween.
How to help prevent a pedestrian accident this Halloween:
- Practice safe walking. Don’t jaywalk just because it’s a holiday!
- Avoid dark clothing and/or wear lights. Many (scary!) costumes call for dark clothing, but make sure you remain visible to drivers.
- Supervise children.
- If you’re a driver – do not drink alcohol and get behind the wheel.
3. Burn Accidents
Spooky lighting and decorative candles help make Halloween, Halloween! When hosting a party, you may want to light candles to invoke a certain mood or vibe. With more flames comes more risk – open flames, especially from jack-o-lanterns and decorative candles can cause burn injuries.
How to prevent burn injuries this Halloween season:
- Consider using light instead of flames. Battery-operated lights can still provide a spooky atmosphere, without the dangers.
- Wear flame-resistant costumes. Costumes made from synthetic materials especially pose a risk.
- Consider your placement. If you intend to use open flames this Halloween, remember to not leave flames unattended or placed closely to where people may accidentally get hurt.
Halloween celebrations often bring neighbors and communities together. If you plan to attend a Halloween party, decorate for others, or simply trick-or-treat on Halloween night, be careful. And if you sustain a Halloween personal injury accident, call us to discuss your options!
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At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team handle all types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can even help with cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!