Memorial Day Weekend Slip and Fall Hazards
As the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend brings millions of Americans back to the beach, the campground, and the pool. Every summer, families make memories to last a lifetime. With all this activity comes an increased risk of slip and fall accidents. While the ice and snow are long gone, summer fun brings its own hazards.
According to research, falls are the most common reason for emergency room visits in this country. More than one in ten serious falls is a slip and fall accident. Slip and fall accidents cause bruises, broken bones, lacerations, as well as back, neck, and head injuries.
Many of these injuries can be prevented with a bit of caution and preparation. Here are some of the most common slip and fall hazards Americans may encounter this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer months.
Slip and Fall Accidents at Hotels and Resorts
As millions of Americans spend Memorial Day weekend, or some part of their summer vacations at hotels and motels out of town, travelers should be mindful of slip and fall hazards at these resorts. Freshly mopped or waxed floors prevent walkers from gaining traction, making slip and fall accidents more likely. Guests at indoor and outdoor swimming pools inadvertently track water through hotel foyers and hallways, posing a risk to others. Concrete pavement, carpeting, or other flooring that is buckled or in disrepair can cause guests to trip and lose their footing.
Slip and Fall Accidents at the Pool and Lake
For many families, Memorial Day weekend is their first chance to cool off in the pool or lake. Pavement, decking, or concrete adjacent to swimming areas is a very common site for slip and fall accidents. Poorly-lit walkways and broken or uneven stairs or flooring near pools not only pose a slip and fall hazard, but also a drowning risk when these hazards are close to deep water.
Slip and Fall Accidents at the Campsite
For families who look forward to spending the holiday weekend at the campground, slip and fall accidents can be just as dangerous. Falls from high elevations like cliffs and mountains are more likely to cause devastating injuries. When campers are gathered around a bonfire, a slip and fall can lead to serious burns. Sticks, tent poles and other camping equipment can cause puncture wounds for slip and fall victims.
To prevent these common hazards this Memorial Day, property owners are responsible for keeping their facilities well-maintained and safe for public use. When slip and fall accidents are caused by a failure to properly maintain a property or to fix a dangerous condition on the premises, injured victims may have a valid premises liability lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Wilmington Slip and Fall Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Those Injured in Preventable Falls
The Wilmington slip and fall lawyers at the law firm of Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help if you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a preventable slip and fall accident. To discuss your situation and determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit, call 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Wilmington or Georgetown offices, where we represent clients throughout Delaware.
Halloween Safety
Halloween is an extremely popular holiday, with more Americans celebrating than ever before. Last year broke records as 171 million people participated in Halloween festivities, spending a new high of $8.4 billion on parties and costumes. As the holiday approaches, parents will want to include safety in their preparations for Halloween celebrations.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Visibility – Remind children of the rules of right-of-way before they go out trick-or-treating. Never assume a car can see you or that it will stop for you. Use well-lit streets and stay on the sidewalks. Only cross the road at crosswalks and never from between parked cars. Costumes that are bright and reflective can help prevent children from becoming victims of a car accident. Reflective tape can be purchased to add to readymade costumes. If you must go trick-or-treating after dark, carry flashlights or wear glow sticks.
Costume Safety – See that your child’s costume is not too long so that tripping and entanglement will not be a problem. Shoes should be sturdy since most children are out in the neighborhood for at least a few hours. If the costume involves a wig or mask, make sure it does not impair your child’s vision. If possible, replace masks with face makeup to avoid this issue. If purchasing a costume, read the label to see if it is flame retardant. Any swords, sticks, or wands should be checked for sharp edges. Falling on a sharp costume accessory could cause serious injury to a child.
Treats and Sweets – Before heading out for trick-or-treating, feed everyone a light meal or healthy snack to cut down on the temptation to eat the treats being collected. Do not eat treats on the go; it is best to take them all home and have an adult help with sorting and checking before consuming. The adult can make sure no candy has been tampered with and check for allergens if necessary.
Halloween Safety at Home
Pumpkins – Small children should never carve pumpkins. They can use markers to draw a design which an adult can then carve for them. Use flameless candles to light pumpkins. If real candles are being used, then tea lights are the safest option. Never leave candles unattended or in the same room with pets. Display lit pumpkins on a solid level surface away from curtains and other flammable items.
Sidewalks and Lawns – Keep your sidewalks clear for all the costumed pedestrian traffic that will be coming through. Clean up natural debris like fallen leaves and sticks, as well as personal items like bikes and toys. Garden tools such as rakes and hoses should also be stored away to prevent a slip and fall on your property.
Wilmington Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Wish Everyone a Safe and Happy Halloween
Many people look forward all year to celebrating Halloween and most will have a safe and uneventful celebration. If you or someone you love suffers an injury due to the negligence of another person, contact a Wilmington personal injury lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. to discuss your legal options. We have over 100 years combined experience and a proven track record over a wide range of personal injury cases. Call us at 302-656-5445 or 800-355-1818 to schedule a free consultation about your case or complete our online contact form. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, we serve clients throughout upstate and downstate Delaware.