3 Halloween Costume Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Halloween in Kansas is a time for fun and frights, with wonderful haunted attractions like Maize’s Field of Screams and Topeka’s Nightmare Festival. Naturally, children are excited to get dressed up and collect bagfulls of candy. Unfortunately, what should be a night of spooky fun can quickly turn dangerous when Halloween costume injuries occur.
The Kansas injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group have seen how seemingly harmless costume choices can lead to serious harm. Understanding the common risks associated with Halloween attire is the first step toward ensuring your family has a safe and enjoyable holiday. Our team explains three frequent Halloween costume injuries and provides practical advice to help you avoid them.
Tricks or Treat? More Like Slip and Fall
One of the most common hazards comes from costumes that fit poorly. A princess gown that drags on the ground or an oversized monster outfit can easily snag on uneven pavement or be stepped on by other kids, leading to a slip, trip, or fall. These incidents are particularly prevalent after dark when visibility is low, and children are walking on unfamiliar sidewalks. A fall on concrete can result in sprains, bone fractures, or even head trauma.
To prevent these Halloween costume injuries, carefully hem any costumes that are too long. Ensure that costume shoes fit properly and are appropriate for walking, avoiding oversized or high-heeled footwear. Before heading out in neighborhoods like those around Topeka’s Gage Park or Wichita’s College Hill, do a “walk test” with your child to make sure they can move freely and safely. Adding reflective tape to the costume and carrying a flashlight not only makes your child more visible to cars but also helps them see tripping hazards in their path.
Halloween Costume Injuries Caused by Flammable Material
The risk of fire is a serious threat on Halloween. Many store-bought costumes and decorative accessories are made from highly flammable materials like polyester and nylon. A loose, flowing costume can easily brush against a lit jack-o’-lantern on a porch step or get too close to an outdoor fire pit, igniting in an instant. These accidents can cause devastating burns in a matter of seconds.
To protect your family from these severe Halloween costume injuries, always check costume labels for flame-resistant materials. However, do not rely on this labeling alone. Keep all costumes, wigs, and props well away from any open flames. Consider using battery-operated LED candles in your pumpkins instead of real ones, a simple switch that dramatically reduces the risk of burn injuries. If a negligent property owner fails to maintain a safe environment, resulting in a fire-related injury, our team of Kansas personal injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Halloween Costume Injuries Caused by Allergic Reactions
For some Halloween costumes, the danger is not in the costume’s design but in the materials used to make it. Cheaply manufactured costumes, masks, and face paints can contain harsh chemicals, dyes, or metals that cause severe skin irritations and allergic reactions. A child can develop a painful rash, swelling, or even have trouble breathing after exposure to these substances.
To avoid these uncomfortable and potentially dangerous Halloween costume injuries, always read the ingredients on any face paint or makeup kit. Perform a patch test the day before Halloween by applying a small amount of the product to your child’s arm and waiting to see if a reaction occurs. Whenever possible, choose costumes made from natural fabrics and opt for hypoallergenic makeup. If a product causes a significant reaction due to a manufacturing defect or failure to warn of known allergens, you may have a product liability claim.
Contact a Trusted Kansas Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
Patterson Legal Group hopes that your children have a wonderful and safe Halloween. Please follow the tips above to avoid Halloween costume injuries. Unfortunately, some injuries happen through no fault of your own. If your child was harmed due to a defective Halloween costume or another party’s negligence, contact us for immediate assistance. The esteemed Kansas personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group have the experience to protect your rights and win you the financial compensation that you deserve.
You can reach the Kansas injury attorneys from Patterson Legal Group by phone at (888) 687-2400. If you prefer to contact us online, you can speak with our LiveChat representatives or request a free consultation through our secure contact form. Our exceptional trial lawyers have recovered maximum settlements for clients throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Reach out to us today to get the service and settlement that you deserve.
