Common Causes of Trick-or-Treat Injuries on Halloween
The holiday activities that people and families partake in on Halloween create unique risks of accidents and injuries. Halloween sees some of the highest rates of accidents and injuries out of any other day in the year. Below are three of the most common causes of injuries to trick-or-treaters and others on Halloween.
Dog Bites and Attacks
Many families choose to use trick-or-treating as an opportunity to take the family dog out for a walk. Other homeowners may have their dog excitedly run up to the front door every time trick-or-treaters ring the doorbell or knock on the door. But no matter how well-behaved you might think your dog is, any dog can suddenly and unexpectedly bite or attack a trick-or-treater. A couple of tips to help reduce the risk of your dog injuring someone includes:
- If your dog is inside your home, you should keep your dog inside a room that is closed off from the front door or where trick-or-treaters or visitors to your home may have access to your dog. If you choose to keep your dog outside, make sure to securely leash your dog and ensure that the leash is short enough that your dog cannot reach trick-or-treaters or other visitors to your home; also make sure to supervise your dog if outside, as young children may not know to ask for your permission before approaching your dog.
- If you walk your dog while out trick-or-treating with the family, remember to keep them on a leash and to ensure that your dog always walks beside you. Also pay attention to your dog’s behavior and demeanor; large numbers of loud children and people walking about in costumes can stress out a dog, making it more likely they might bite or attack someone.
Premises Liability Accidents
Dangerous or hazardous conditions of homeowners’ properties can also lead to accidents for trick-or-treaters, including slip and fall and trip and fall accidents. Homeowners can take steps to help keep visitors to their property safe on Halloween by following a few simple steps, including:
- Keep any candle lit pumpkins or other open flames away from where trick-or-treaters or other passers-by might have access to them
- Check your walkway and front steps or porch for any broken steps, loose or broken railings, or broken or uneven pavement
- Clear a path from the public sidewalk up to your front door, cleaning up any fallen leaves or other plant debris and removing any cords, wires, or hoses from the walkway
- Consider placing lights along the walkway from the sidewalk up to your front door, so that trick-or-treaters will be encouraged to walk along the paved walkways and not across your lawn. You should also check over your lawn to make sure there are not any loose vines or wires or any holes that may injure someone who does choose to walk across your lawn
- If you are having guests inside your home, repair any loose or torn carpets, rugs, or flooring
Pedestrian Accidents
Halloween sees some of the highest rates of pedestrian accidents during the year. Distracted drivers and intoxicated drivers contribute to many pedestrian accidents on Halloween. Families should ensure that anyone going out trick-or-treating is wearing bright colors or reflective materials and that children are reminded to cross at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible and to not cross the street if they see any oncoming vehicles. Drivers can also help reduce the risks of pedestrian accidents by avoiding cell phone use and other distractions and not driving after having consumed alcohol or drugs.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Accident Case in New Jersey
Were you or a loved one injured due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of accidents in Barnegat, Beachwood, Berkeley Township, Brick, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, and throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
