Millions of children (and let’s face it – a whole lot of adults, too) look forward to the sights and frights of Halloween each year. But the spooky fun can quickly turn into a real scare, personal injury attorneys say. With this year’s Halloween falling on a Friday, the celebrations likely will extend throughout the weekend for many – and that means a higher chance of holiday-related injuries.
Orlando’s Todd E. Copeland & Associates wants to make sure you’re aware of the top causes of injuries necessitating emergency room visits during the Halloween weekend.
- Pedestrian accidents: Each year, an average five children nationwide are killed in accidents involving vehicles while walking trick-or-treating routes. That’s double the average of child pedestrian fatalities that occur any other day of the year, including holidays. Nearly a fourth of Halloween car vs. pedestrian accidents happen between 6 pm and 7 pm, so be particularly wary during that time. Make sure that your child’s costume pieces don’t block his or her vision or pose a tripping hazard, and that it’s highly visible to oncoming drivers. Walk the entire route with your children and insist that they wait to cross streets with you rather than darting out on their own.
- Eye injuries: Injuries involving sharp objects to the eye are all too common on Halloween. Costumes involving swords, canes, wands, scepters, etc. are the primary culprits. Make sure props that you or your children carry are flexible and neither sharp nor too long. Also, avoid the temptation for horseplay. Many an impromptu plastic sword fight has gone wrong for both child and adult Halloween costumed celebrants.
- Burns: When choosing costumes, check to make sure they’re made of flame-resistant materials. This is particularly important if a costume includes long, flowing pieces (princesses and ghosts are common victims) or if you’re crafting a homemade costume made of fabrics that aren’t labeled. Opt for flameless candles and jack o’lanterns lit with battery-operated lights or glow sticks rather than real lit candles.
We hope your Halloween celebrations don’t end with a trip to the emergency room. If you or your child is injured while trick-or-treating or attending a party, get medical treatment immediately. Then, contact one of our experienced personal injury attorneys at 407-999-8995.
From all of us here at Todd E. Copeland & Associates, have a safe and happy Halloween.
