Halloween is a fun time for people of all ages. There is something for everyone, from trick-or-treating, parties, costumes, and visiting haunted attractions. While it’s the season for chills and thrills, no one wants to experience real-life scares in the form of Halloween injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are over 3,000 emergency room visits related to Halloween injuries annually.
In this blog, our Quad Cities personal injury attorneys discuss the most common Halloween injuries and offer some ways to stay safe during the seasonal festivities.
Most Common Quad Cities Halloween Injuries
Cuts
Pumpkin carving mishaps cause the majority of Halloween-related cuts. In fact, 55% of the yearly Halloween injuries are related to pumpkin carving. These Halloween injuries can range from mild to catastrophic, so taking precautions is essential. You can prevent cuts and lacerations by:
- Using pumpkin carving kits with specialized tools designed for safe use
- Carving pumpkins on a stable surface to avoid slips and cuts
- Avoiding cutting towards your body
- Supervise children closely during carving activities and consider safer alternatives like painting or decorating pumpkins.
Falls
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common Halloween injuries. Whether it’s a child in a bulky costume or an adult navigating dark, dimly lit streets, falls can result in many injuries like broken bones and soft tissue injuries. You can prevent slips, trips, and falls by:
- Choosing a costume that does not drag on the ground with long, draping fabric
- Avoiding costumes with masks, which can obstruct vision
- Using a flashlight or glow stick when walking in the dark
- Wearing comfortable shoes with good traction
- Watching out for uneven surfaces and obstacles.
Burns
Candles, jack-o’-lanterns, and costumes can all be fire hazards, leading to burns, property damage, and even death. Luckily, this type of Halloween injury can be prevented by:
- Using battery-operated LED candles instead of real ones in jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations
- Choosing costumes and decorations made with flame-resistant or flame-retardant materials
- Keeping decorations away from heat sources and open flames
- Checking your electronic decorations for damage and frayed fires before plugging them in
Other Halloween Injuries and Ways to Prevent Them
Besides burns, cuts, and falls, you might encounter other scary Halloween injuries and a few tips on how to prevent them.
Pedestrian Accidents
Because foot traffic increases on Halloween in the Quad Cities, it makes sense that pedestrian accidents are another common Halloween injury. Halloween, in particular, is a dangerous time for pedestrians, especially children. According to a 2018 study, children aged 4 to 8 are 10 times more likely to be killed in a pedestrian accident on Halloween than on any other day of the year. You can prevent Halloween pedestrian accidents by:
- Dressing for visibility and avoiding dark costumes and masks
- Adding reflective tape or stickers to your costume and accessories to make yourself more visible
- Only crossing the street at a crosswalk or intersection
- Making eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to ensure they see you
Haunted House Hazards
Attractions like haunted houses and mazes are popular during Halloween in the Quad Cities area. While they are generally safe when run responsibly, some potential risks associated with haunted houses can lead to injuries. You can prevent haunted house injuries by:
- Following instructions set by the staff, like no running and touching the actors
- Wearing closed-toe shoes to avoid tripping and falling
- Avoiding loose clothing or jewelry that could get on props or equipment
- Walking on designated paths or areas
- Reporting unsafe conditions
Contaminated Candy and Food Allergies
Candy is the most exciting part of Halloween for kids. Before they dive into their trick-or-treat haul, you should be aware of the potential for product liability lawsuits associated with Halloween candy. Product liability lawsuits can be filed against candy manufacturers, distributors, and retailers if someone is injured or becomes ill after eating contaminated candy. You can’t predict if this will happen, but you can prevent Halloween injuries related to candy by:
- Throwing away any unwrapped candy
- Ensuring your child does not eat candy containing anything they are allergic to
- Only allowing your child to eat commercially manufactured candy
- Inspecting your child’s candy and look for signs of tampering, such as tears in the wrapper or unusual discoloration
Alcohol-Related Accidents
Unfortunately, Halloween and alcohol-related accidents like impaired driving are a common pairing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on Halloween night, 126 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes each year between 2015 and 2019. If you’re going to a bar in the Quad Cities to celebrate Halloween, you should know about dram shop laws in Iowa and Illinois.
These laws hold businesses that sell or serve alcohol liable for injuries caused by intoxicated patrons. In Illinois, these laws also apply to private individuals. You might have a valid personal injury claim if an intoxicated individual injures you. You can help prevent Halloween injuries related to alcohol by:
- Never drinking and driving
- Reporting drunk drivers to the police
- Encouraging others to drink responsibly
- Avoiding crowded bars or situations where there is excessive alcohol consumption
Contact a Quad Cities Personal Injury Lawyer
By following the tips mentioned above and knowing the causes of Halloween injuries, you can help avoid them. We hope those celebrating Halloween have a scary good time and stay safe. Just because you’re practicing safety measures does not mean others will, which is when accidents happen.
If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligent or reckless actions of another, one of our Quad Cities injury attorneys will fight for you and see you receive a fair settlement. Our caring and compassionate lawyers will support you throughout your journey of seeking compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
To get started on your claim, schedule your free case consultation. Reach us by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.