That Costume May Become Scarier Than You Think
Although the holidays of Christmas and Thanksgiving hold the highest numbers of fatalities and injuries, the impending Halloween season is still high ranking in reported visits to the emergency room that may require the help of an Orlando or Melbourne Personal Injury Attorney in recovering damages. Days marked with festivity and celebration are often distracting enough, but the added excitement of unexpected scares and higher numbers of families and children roaming neighborhoods in the dark only add to the risk of serious injury. You may want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Orlando if you are injured and remember this checklist of common Halloween safety topics; so that your families trick-or-treat experience stays sweet.
Pick a Safe Costume
Many Halloween claims seen by a personal injury attorney in Orlando or Melbourne, Florida, involve people tripping and falling. Such falls are caused either by masks that block the wearer’s view or awkward costume pieces that make it difficult to walk. Whether store-bought or homemade, an elaborate costume can prove impractical if you do not think ahead.
Always conduct research on the latest recalls before you shop for costumes. Traces of lead and other irritants have been found in merchandise that can pose a serious and immediate threat to the wearer. Speak to an Orlando personal injury lawyer if a defective product causes harm to anyone in your family.
Pick a Visible Costume
Your Orlando or Melbourne personal injury attorney will assure you that trick-or-treaters need to see in their costumes as well as be seen in their costumes. Drunk driving incidents involving pedestrians and children are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits on this day. Even without alcohol, it can be difficult for drivers to spot small figures that rush across the street to the next house. Use reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights to make certain that everyone in your party is clearly visible.
Use Safe Props
Plastic swords, knives, and other fun toys can be dangerous if easily broken or improperly used. Stick to soft foam props and avoid using anything that may become lodged in someone’s eye or clamped on a finger. Most importantly, be wary of poorly manufactured items that can unexpectedly yield a sharp edge or drop broken pieces. Any sort defective product claim will require the assistance of a qualified Orlando personal injury lawyer.
Avoid Open Candles
Jack-o-lanterns and ambient candlelight are a delightful part of the Halloween season but still one of the most common causes of serious injury. Check costume labels for materials that are fire resistant and be careful on walkways and doorsteps that may be decorated with open flames. Costumes that include hairspray, gauzy material, or cotton can become quickly engulfed with only a flicker of candlelight.
Do you coat your front yard with cotton spider webs every year or decorate with DIY crepe flowers? Many popular traditions are available in fire-resistant synthetics, but always check the label to know for sure.
Watch for Pets
A familiar household pet may be quite comfortable around visitors and neighborhood children, but an assortment of monster masks, fog machines, and spooky sounds can be very frightening for animal members of the house that unable to understand what is happening. You may be in need of Orlando or Melbourne accident attorney if the neighbor’s dog mistakes your trick-or-treaters for something dangerous. Keep your pets locked away and always make sure an animal fully recognizes you before you approach it.
