Five Common Easter Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Easter is a joyful holiday that many people look forward to celebrating each year. However, increased travel, outdoor activities, or even holiday preparations can result in serious injuries that have lasting consequences. When you’re planning your Easter celebration, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep everyone safe. Here, the personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group review the five most common Easter injuries and how to avoid them.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common Easter injuries. This is partially due to children excitedly running around during Easter egg hunts or playing with new toys. Children aren’t the only ones who might suffer from an Easter slip and fall accident. Adults can trip just as easily. If you’re going to be participating or hosting an Easter egg hunt, it is important to avoid slip and fall accidents on your property.
Tips to avoid slip and fall accidents this Easter:
- Wear appropriate footwear: wear shoes with good traction, especially when outside on wet or slippery surfaces. Avoid flip flops or heels.
- Be aware of surroundings: remind children to be aware of their surroundings, especially if running or unfamiliar areas. Be on the lookout for potential hazards, such as uneven or wet surfaces
- Remove clutter and other obstacles: before guests arrive, make sure to clean up any tripping hazards like uneven carpet, stairs, or cluttered areas. If you have any areas outdoors that might be slick, remind your guests to be careful when walking.
- Do not leave children unattended: provide close supervision to prevent accidents caused by running, playing too rough, or accidents caused by any slip and fall hazards.
- Be extra cautious with pets: pets are a part of the family, too and will likely be present at Easter gatherings. If you have pets, especially large dogs, be sure to supervise children when they are playing with them to prevent accidental falls should a larger animal bump them over. Your supervision will also help prevent animal bites.
Car Accidents
Easter weekend often sees a significant increase in travel, which unfortunately means more car accidents. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including increased traffic, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are traveling for the Easter holiday, it is important to drive safely.
Tips to avoid Easter car accidents:
- Plan ahead and leave early: this will give you plenty of time to arrive at your destination as well as beat the traffic. Make sure you know how to get to your destination safely on the best route. Do not take unfamiliar routes, especially if they are not well-lit or have poor visibility.
- Avoid distractions: stay alert and focused when driving. Do not look at your phone or other devices and avoid eating and drinking while driving.
- Follow traffic rules: obey the speed limit, traffic signals, and stop signs. Do not tailgate or frequently change lanes. These are all especially important if you are driving in an unfamiliar area.
- Do not drink and drive: if you plan on drinking, do not drive. Have a designated driver or use a rideshare service.
Unsafe Products
Children love getting an Easter basket. However, potentially hidden dangers like defective or unsafe products could be hiding along with the Easter eggs. Items like toys, decorations, and/ or candy may contain toxic ingredients causing accidental poisoning, pose a choking hazard, or might cause a burn.
Tips to avoid Easter injuries from unsafe products:
- Reading labels: be sure to read the labels carefully and research products before purchasing. Only purchase age-appropriate products.
- Do not purchase cheap or counterfeit products: avoid purchasing cheaper products that might not have been properly tested or certified for safety. Counterfeit products or off brand products may look similar but may not meet the same safety standards.
- Follow instructions: when using products like decorations or dye kits, follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you are using them safely and correctly.
- Keep an eye on children: always supervise young children closely when they are playing with Easter toys or consuming Easter treats to prevent choking hazards and other injuries.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is one of the most common Easter injuries, along with slip and fall accidents. If you are hosting and preparing an Easter feast for your family, food poisoning is a concern. You can easily avoid food poisoning and ensure that your Easter feast is safe and enjoyable for all.
Tips to avoid Easter food poisoning:
- Wash your hands: do this before eating and/or preparing food to help prevent the spread of bacteria and illnesses.
- Keep food at the correct temperature: keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Store hot foods above 140°F, and cold foods below 40°F. This can help prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
- Avoid cross-contamination: use separate cutting boards, utensils, and serving dishes for raw meats and cooked foods.
Burns and Scalds
Many people like to decorate eggs using hot wax or dye, which can lead to burns or scalds if not handled carefully.
Tips to avoid burns and scalds this Easter:
- Use gloves or oven mitts: when handling anything hot, always use safety gloves or oven mitts to protect your hands.
- Keep cold water close by: in case of an accidental burn, have a bowl of cold water ready to cool skin.
- Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces: make sure children and pets are supervised and kept away from hot surfaces, such as stovetops and ovens.
- Be mindful of hot liquids and foods: keep hot liquids and foods way away from the edge of the stove or counter to prevent spills.
- Be prepared: in case of a fire, have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
Contact Patterson Legal Group After Easter Injuries
We hope everyone has a safe and happy Easter with their families. While this is a time of celebration, it’s important to be aware of the potential injuries and accidents that can occur during this time. By following the tips outlined above, you can keep both yourself, your family, and any other guests safe. Accidents and Easter injuries can still happen, even after taking precautions.
In the event you or a loved one suffer an Easter injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group can review your case to see what you might be eligible for.
Patterson Legal Group has more than 75 years of combined experience successfully representing injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In addition to a track record of winning superior settlements, our staff works hard to make sure that our clients are treated with compassion and respect. 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.
