Halloween typically sees an uptick in pedestrian activity, with children trick-or-treating and adults bar-hopping. This means that emergency rooms see an uptick in Las Vegas slip and fall injuries. To help you and your family avoid such injuries, the Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys share some vital Halloween slip and fall safety tips to make sure that your holiday ends with tricks and treats instead of trips and creaks.
How Common Are Slips, Trips, and Falls?
Many people are surprised to learn how many people are injured in fall accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits every year and are the leading cause of all ER visits (21.3%).
These accidents tend to increase during Halloween in Las Vegas. The weather usually starts to cool down in late October, and there are many seasonal attractions that encourage people to walk. Whether your plans include taking out the kids for some trick-or-treating or checking out the hottest DJs on the Strip, you should be mindful of Halloween slip and fall accidents.
Five Causes of Halloween Slip and Fall Injuries
Slips, trips, and falls can happen for a wide variety of reasons, many of which are amplified during the Halloween holiday. The Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys have successfully represented injury victims who were hurt due to:
- Poor visibility: Trick-or-treating often takes place in the evening, when natural light is limited. Days are already getting shorter in Las Vegas, with the sun setting around 6:00 p.m. This can make it difficult for pedestrians and drivers to see potential hazards, such as curbs, potholes, or other obstacles.
- Costume hazards: Many Halloween costumes include long flowing garments, high heels, or ornate accessories that can impede movement, limit visibility, and cause tripping. Children and adults should be mindful of how their costumes affect their mobility and take precautions to avoid slips and falls.
- Increased foot traffic: Neighborhoods can experience a surge in foot traffic on Halloween, with people of all ages walking from house to house. This increased activity can lead to crowded sidewalks and a higher risk of collisions or tripping.
- Obstructed pathways: Halloween decorations, such as inflatable ghosts, tombstones, and other props, can create tripping hazards if not placed carefully or if they obscure pathways. Homeowners should ensure that their decorations are secure and do not pose a danger to trick-or-treaters. Failing to do so may leave property owners liable for a Las Vegas pedestrian accident claim.
- Alcohol consumption: For adults celebrating at Halloween parties, alcohol consumption can impair judgment and coordination. This increases the risk of slips and falls, especially in crowded settings or when navigating stairs or uneven surfaces.
The team at ER Injury Attorneys reminds you to keep these accident causes in mind when going out for Halloween. On paper, they may seem innocuous enough, but the causes listed above have led to broken bones, soft tissue injuries, concussions, and more.
Related: Halloween Safety Tips from a Personal Injury Attorney
Five Simple Ways to Avoid Slips, Trips, and Falls on Halloween
While Halloween slip and fall injuries can be serious, most are highly preventable. Here are five easy things that you can do that will greatly increase your chances of staying safe from slipping and falling.
- Maximize your visibility by using a flashlight and adding reflective strips to your costume.
- Periodically inspect your or your children’s costume to make sure that nothing is impeding their stride.
- Make space for other walkers, bicyclists, and motorists that may be unaccustomed to sharing the road with so many pedestrians.
- Scan that path ahead for obstructions and tripping hazards. This tip is especially important for parents or adult supervisors taking out children on Halloween.
- Moderate your drinking by alternating alcoholic beverages with a glass of water.
Unfortunately, some accidents will occur through no fault of your own. If you’ve been injured in a Halloween slip and fall accident caused by another party’s negligence or recklessness, then contact ER Injury Attorneys for immediate assistance.
Contact a Top Las Vegas Slip and Fall Attorney Today
The team at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that your Halloween is safe and sound. Should you get into an accident then know that we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or encrypted contact form. Our esteemed personal injury attorneys have successfully served injury victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, and Laughlin. Reach out to us today for an unbeatable blend of high-quality legal services and stellar customer service.