Five Common Cinco de Mayo Injuries
Cinco de Mayo is a popular celebration in the United States, especially among those who have Mexican heritage. Many people celebrate the holiday by attending parades, festivals, and parties with friends and family. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries are common during Cinco de Mayo festivities. Here, the personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group review five common Cinco de Mayo injuries and how to avoid them.
Alcohol-Related Injuries
Alcohol-related injuries are the most common Cinco de Mayo injuries. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to slips, falls, and drunk driving accidents. In some cases, excessive drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. If you’re planning on drinking beer, tequila, or other alcoholic beverages during Cinco de Mayo, staying safe should be a top priority.
Tips to avoid alcohol-related accidents on Cinco de Mayo:
- Plan ahead: make a plan for how you will get home safely. Arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.
- Pace yourself: alternate alcoholic beverages with water or other non-alcoholic drinks. This will help you stay hydrated and reduce the risk of alcohol poisoning and getting intoxicated too quickly.
- Know your limits: be aware of how much alcohol you can handle. Don’t try to keep up with others who may be drinking more than you can handle.
- Be aware of your surroundings: alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that you will trip, fall, or get into an accident. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid situations that could be dangerous.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can happen any time, anywhere, but they are especially common on holidays like Cinco de Mayo when there are a lot of people around. Throwing alcohol and unfamiliar areas in the mix, slip and fall accidents are almost bound to happen. Avoiding slip and fall accidents is often easier said than done, depending on the situation.
Tips to avoid slip and fall injuries on Cinco de Mayo:
- Wear appropriate footwear: wear shoes with good traction and avoid wearing high heels or flip-flops that can increase your risk of slipping and falling.
- Don’t rush: take your time when walking and avoid rushing or running, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Keep pathways clear: if you are hosting guests, avoid leaving obstacles or clutter in walkways, both inside and outside. This can help prevent tripping hazards and potential injuries.
- Stick to areas with proper lighting: make sure your surroundings are well lit, especially if you are walking outside in the dark. Proper lighting can help you see potential hazards and avoid accidents.
Burn Injuries
Depending on how you choose to celebrate, Cinco de Mayo burn injuries are possible. This holiday often includes fireworks and grilling, activities that pose a risk of burn injuries. With the addition of alcohol, burn injuries can become even more prevalent.
Tips to avoid burn injuries on Cinco de Mayo:
- Be careful while grilling: to avoid burn injuries while grilling, always use long-handled grilling utensils, wear heat-resistant gloves, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure to also keep children and pets away from the grill.
- Handle fireworks with caution: always follow the instructions on the packaging, never light fireworks indoors or near flammable materials, and use a bucket of water to fully extinguish spent fireworks.
- Use caution when cooking with hot oil: cooking with hot oil can be very dangerous if you aren’t careful. When cooking with hot oil, always use a deep fryer with a lid and thermostat, avoid overcrowding the fryer, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
Food Poisoning
One of the highlights of Cinco de Mayo for many is the food. Unfortunately, food poisoning is also a common Cinco de Mayo injury. Hosting a meal for your family on Cinco de Mayo comes with the responsibility of ensuring food safety to avoid cases of food poisoning.
Tips to avoid food poisoning on Cinco de Mayo:
- Wash your hands: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food or eating.
- Cook food thoroughly: cook all meat, poultry, and fish to their proper temperature. Use a food thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 165°F.
- Store food properly: keep hot food hot (above 140°F) and cold food cold (below 40°F). Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking.
- Don’t cross contaminate: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Dehydration
Considering the holiday is often associated with alcohol and takes place during a warm month of the year, dehydration is another common Cinco de Mayo injury. It’s important to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration, especially if you’re out in the sun. Luckily, dehydration is much easier to prevent than some of the other injuries mentioned above.
Tips to avoid dehydration on Cinco de Mayo:
- Drink plenty of water: make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outside. You can also drink coconut water or sports drinks to help replace electrolytes.
- Avoid sugary drinks: soda and cocktails can dehydrate you even more. Try to limit your intake of sugary drinks and opt for water or other hydrating beverages. If you will be drinking, make sure to have a glass of water for every drink you consume.
- Take breaks in the shade: if you’re spending time outside, take breaks in the shade to help avoid overexposure to the sun.
Contact Patterson Legal Group After Cinco de Mayo Injuries
We hope everyone who celebrates Cinco de Mayo has a great time enjoying the festivities. By following the tips outlined above you can have a safe yet fun Cinco de Mayo. Accidents and Cinco de Mayo injuries can still happen, even after taking precautions. If you or a loved one are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Patterson Legal Group has more than 75 years of combined experience successfully representing injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We have a track record of winning superior settlements for our clients. Our firm offers free consultations and works on a “no win, no fee” basis, which means that you do not pay a dime unless money has been recovered on your behalf.
To get started on your free consultation, call us 24/7 at (888) 687-2400. You can also fill out this contact form or reach out via LiveChat.
