It might come as a surprise that Thanksgiving, a holiday of gratitude and togetherness, is among the most dangerous in the U.S. Thanksgiving sees increased rates of fires, drunk driving, and serious injuries. Some of these injuries may leave victims permanently disabled, while others can prove fatal.
Carelessness or negligence during Thanksgiving can have serious consequences. Read on to explore the increased risks around Thanksgiving and how a personal injury attorney can help you recover after a holiday accident.
Common Thanksgiving Risks
The focus on celebration and family togetherness during Thanksgiving can lead to people letting their guard down regarding safety. Expectations about Thanksgiving can cause anxiety, adding to increased negligent actions and behavior, such as drinking and driving
Common injury-causing accidents that increase during Thanksgiving include:
Car Accidents
Drunk driving rates increase on several holidays, including Thanksgiving. According to the National Safety Council, 29% of fatal car accidents on Thanksgiving Day in 2019 included at least one driver under the influence of alcohol. However, drinking and driving isn’t the only cause of car accidents: many crashes happen due to reckless behavior like speeding and road rage, as well as an increased number of people on the road.
Designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing app to get home if you plan to drink on Thanksgiving. If you suffer injuries in a drunk driving accident due to another’s negligence, the skilled Charleston auto accident lawyers at Joye Law Firm can help you seek compensation through a personal injury claim.
Fires and Burns
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 73.5% of house fires on Thanksgiving directly result from cooking. Even small fires can become hazardous if mismanaged. For example, a well-meaning guest could throw water on a grease fire, with explosive results.
Burns can result even without fire. Spilling hot water or oil, splattering from frying pans, or grabbing hot pans without protection can result in severe burn injuries. Children are particularly vulnerable, as they may not understand that the stove/oven can be dangerous.
You can prevent Thanksgiving fires by closely monitoring your stovetop and oven and smothering flames with an extinguisher or fire blanket. Practice extra caution when operating popane powered cookers, like turkey fryers or outdoor grills.
To avoid burn injuries, don’t allow children in the kitchen or near cooking equipment. Place hot foods out of reach of young children, and keep a first aid kit on hand with burn ointment and gauze for an emergency.
Slips and Falls
Simple wear and tear or property neglect can create hazardous conditions that may cause a slip and fall injury. Someone who slips on a wet or slick surface or trips on a tree root or uneven tile can hit their head, break a wrist or ankle, injure their hip or back, or otherwise suffer a severe injury.
Maintaining your property is the best way to avoid a slip and fall accident. Clean out overgrown and hazardous vegetation, tighten wobbly railings, fix leaking pipes, and repair uneven surfaces that could cause someone to trip and fall. If it isn’t possible to fix the problem in time for Thanksgiving, block off the affected area so it’s inaccessible and put up signs letting your guests know of the danger.
Dog Bites
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but dog bites are man’s worst enemy. Even otherwise-gentle dogs can bite if they feel threatened or harassed, like they may with many unfamiliar people in their home. Poorly trained, anxious, or aggressive dogs can deliver bites serious enough to cause severe bleeding, muscle damage, infection, or worse.
If your dog has a history of biting or you think your dog might bite a guest, muzzle your dog or keep them outside, in a separate room with the door closed, or in a kennel during Thanksgiving celebrations. Be especially mindful if small children will be visiting, as they are the most frequent dog bites victims.
If you suffer a dog bite injury while visiting a friend or family member’s home, work with a dog bite injury lawyer to understand your options. They can help you seek compensation for your injuries without ruining your relationship with the dog owner.
Seeking Compensation from a Negligent Loved One
When someone else’s negligence causes an injury, you may be able to recover medical bills and lost wages from the responsible party. However, while most people have no problem filing a drunk driving lawsuit against a stranger, many are far more reluctant to file against family members for an injury on Thanksgiving Day.
With the help of Joye Law Firm, you can still seek a settlement for your injuries without hurting the finances of the homeowner responsible for your damages. We can work with you to file a personal injury claim through the person’s homeowner’s, renter’s, or auto insurance. This approach means the insurance company pays for your settlement, not your family member.
Consult with Joye Law Firm Today
At Joye Law Firm, we believe in helping accident victims receive compensation for injuries caused by another person’s carelessness. Our legal team can help you protect your rights and pursue a fair settlement without damaging your relationship with a loved one who may have inadvertently caused you harm.
Accidents and injuires don’t take holidays. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options for compensation for your Thanksgiving injury.
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