Millions of people across America will gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. Las Vegas will be particularly busy, with locals celebrating and tourists ready to enjoy all sorts of things to do in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the increased activity and travel can also lead to a rise in injuries. To help ensure you and your loved ones stay safe, the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys outline five common Thanksgiving accidents and tips for avoiding them.
Five Types of Thanksgiving Accidents Our Las Vegas Injury Lawyers Have Handled
Our personal injury lawyers are available 24/7, even during major holidays like Thanksgiving. Over the years, we’ve helped a significant number of clients injured in Thanksgiving accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Below, we discuss five of the most common Thanksgiving accidents and offer tips to avoid them:
1) Slips, Trips, and Falls
Thanksgiving gatherings and events often lead to slip-and-fall accidents. These can happen due to spilled liquids at parties, overcrowded stores during Black Friday sales, or unfamiliar surroundings.
- Prevention Tips:
- When visiting unfamiliar locations, be mindful of your surroundings and watch where you’re walking.
- In busy restaurants or party venues, be cautious of spills that might not be cleaned immediately. You should also look out for uneven surfaces and loose cords.
- If you’re shopping on Black Friday, wear comfortable, cushioned socks and shoes with non-slip soles for stability.
2) Burn Injuries
Thanksgiving, being a food-centric holiday, sees a spike in burn injuries. Kitchens are hotspots for burns with stoves and ovens working overtime. Outdoor smokers and turkey fryers also pose risks, as do fireplaces, fire pits, and scalding hot beverages like coffee or cider.
- Prevention Tips:
- Always have a sober adult monitoring the kitchen, grill, or fryer.
- Keep children away from hot appliances and open flames.
- Use slow, careful pouring techniques for hot beverages and choose carafes with non-slip handles.
3) Car Accidents
Thanksgiving weekend is notorious for heavy traffic as people travel to gatherings, Black Friday sales, and other festivities. Unfortunately, this leads to an increase in car crashes caused by speeding, fatigued driving, and impaired driving.
- Prevention Tips:
- Allow extra space for out-of-town drivers and be cautious on busy roads.
- Stay alert to road conditions and obey all traffic laws.
- If consuming alcohol or marijuana, arrange for a designated driver, rideshare service, or taxi.
- Watch out for intoxicated friends or family members to ensure they don’t drive under the influence.
4) Cuts and Lacerations
Thanksgiving kitchens can be hectic, and in the rush to prepare meals, cuts from sharp knives and utensils are common. Careless hosts may also overlook sharp corners or exposed hazards, creating risks for guests.
- Prevention Tips:
- Take your time when using knives and other sharp kitchen tools, prioritizing safety over speed.
- Hosts should ensure sharp objects and hazards are secured and not left exposed to guests.
- Providing a safe environment for visitors helps prevent injuries and reduces the risk of premises liability claims.
5) Food Poisoning
Thanksgiving meals are usually a highlight of the holiday, but improper food handling can lead to foodborne illnesses. These can result from spoiled ingredients or poor preparation practices by the distributor, grocer, or cook.
- Prevention Tips:
- Always wash your hands before handling food.
- Inspect food thoroughly before preparing and ensure it’s cooked to safe temperatures.
- Serve food at the proper temperature and store leftovers promptly to prevent spoilage.
By taking these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of Thanksgiving accidents and injuries. Should you or a loved one experience an injury during the holiday, contact us at ER Injury Attorneys for assistance. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Happy Thanksgiving from ER Injury Attorneys
The team at ER Injury Attorneys wishes you a happy Thanksgiving. We hope that your holiday is full of love, fun, and food. Most importantly, we hope that you and your family avoid any Thanksgiving accidents. Please share the safety tips above to help those in your life avoid any injuries over the holiday. Should you get hurt due to the actions or inactions of another party, then contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys by phone at 702-878-7878 and online via LiveChat or encrypted contact form. Our accomplished, skilled, and compassionate personal injury attorneys have successfully served clients throughout Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, and Laughlin. Contact us today and take the first step towards the settlement you’re entitled to.