How to Avoid Three Common Black Friday Injuries
Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, with thousands of shoppers flocking to stores to get the best deals. The day only seems to grow in popularity every year. With The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicting that holiday shopping will increase this year by over 4% from 2022, Black Friday will be bigger than ever. The excitement of the day, coupled with crowds, long lines, and limited quantities of items, can lead to Black Friday injuries.
In this blog, the personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group explain common Black Friday injuries, how to avoid them, and offer some Black Friday safety tips so you can shop safely.
Three Common Black Friday Injuries
There are many injuries that can occur when shopping on Black Friday in Kansan and Missouri, ranging from mild to potentially deadly. Three common Black Friday injuries shoppers might suffer from include:
Crowd Crush Injuries
A crowd crush injury is a type of injury that occurs when a large crowd of people is suddenly compressed. Along with Black Friday, these injuries are common at concerts and sporting events. Crowd crush injuries can be very serious and even fatal. These can be one of the most deadly types of Black Friday injuries. Crowd crush injuries themselves can lead to trampling, broken bones, asphyxiation, and crush syndrome, a potentially fatal type of organ failure that can occur when people are trapped in a confined space for long periods of time.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slips, trips, and falls often occur on Black Friday due to crowded stores, wet floors, and tripping hazards like merchandise in aisles. Slips and falls can happen anywhere in a store, but they are most common in areas with high traffic, such as aisles, checkout lines, and entrances and exits. These injuries happen quickly and can be catastrophic. Slip and fall injuries on Black Friday can also lead to soft tissue injuries, shoulder injuries, and spinal injuries.
Car Accident Injuries
Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and it is also one of the most dangerous days for drivers. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), car insurance companies see a surge in claims on Black Friday. With so many people on the road, the risk of car accidents increases as do dangerous driving behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.
How To Avoid Black Friday Injuries
Knowing common Black Friday injuries gives you the knowledge to potentially avoid and prevent them. Here’s what you can do to avoid crowd crush injuries, slip and falls, and car crashes on Black Friday.
To avoid a crowd crush injury on Black Friday:
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid dense crowds
- If you can’t move, raise your arms above your head to create space around your chest, which will make it easier for you to breathe
- Avoid stores at peak shopping hours
- Stay on the edge of the crowd so you can escape if needed
- Don’t push or shove others
To avoid a slip and fall injury on Black Friday:
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with non-slip soles
- Be careful when walking in crowded areas
- Watch out for spills and other hazards on the floor
- Report hazards to a store employee immediately
- Avoid distractions when walking, like texting or looking at your phone
To avoid a car wreck injury on Black Friday:
- Know what stores you want to visit and when
- Leave early to help avoid peak traffic
- Take your time and be careful when parking and pulling out of parking spaces
- Pay attention to the other drivers around you and be prepared to react quickly
- Be especially careful in parking lots, where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic
- Do not engage with aggressive or reckless drivers looking to pick a fight
More Tips for a Safe Black Friday Shopping Experience
In addition to avoiding the common Black Friday injuries mentioned above, here are a few more ways to stay safe while shopping for the best deals:
- Safety in numbers: shopping with a friend or family member can help you stay safe in a crowded store or parking lot
- Take breaks and don’t overdo it: Black Friday shopping can be exhausting, so it’s important to take breaks to rest and refuel
- Pay attention: it’s easy to get lost in the crowd on Black Friday, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be careful not to bump into other shoppers or obstacles.
- Don’t carry too much cash: it’s best to pay with a credit or debit card on Black Friday, as this will help you avoid carrying too much cash. If you must carry cash, keep it in a secure place
- If you see something, say something: if you see illegal behavior such as fighting, impaired driving, theft, or safety violations, report it to the proper authorities.
Contact a Black Friday Injury Lawyer
Black Friday can be a great time to find deals, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of injury. Knowing more about the causes of common Black Friday injuries, you’ll be able to possibly avoid them. No matter what, accidents still happen on Black Friday. If you or a loved one suffer a Black Friday injury due to the negligence or recklessness of another, contact Patterson Legal Group.
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.
