Labor Day is an exciting time to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have been working hard all year. However, it can also be a time of danger for those who are not observant. We at Shiner Law Group want you to have fun and stay safe this Labor Day weekend, so we have provided a list of some of the most common injuries that can occur this weekend- and some tips for avoiding them. If an accident does occur and you or a loved one is injured as a result, our Florida personal injury attorneys are always available to help.
Most Common Labor Day Injuries
Injuries from Car Accidents
Labor Day weekend is one of the most common times for people to travel during the year. Because of the extra day a majority of workers have off, people take advantage of this time to visit family members, road trip, and vacation. There is also an increase in shopping over this weekend due to the large amount of sales that take place.
The influx of the number of people driving on the roads during this weekend often results in road hazards and traffic congestion, so if you aren’t paying attention there is a higher chance driving will result in a crash. This is especially true if it begins to rain, and bad weather is not uncommon in Florida. If people are travelling long distances or visiting destinations where they are unfamiliar with the roads, this is even more cause for mistakes to be made while driving.
In addition, the cause for celebration inevitably leads to individuals driving impaired, whether that be from fatigue, the use of drugs or alcohol, or distractions such as texting or talking on the phone. The actual injuries that result from car crashes can vary from minor scrapes and bruises to paralyzation or even death.
Injuries from Swimming Accidents
Florida is hot and humid this time of year, so it is no surprise that people often spend their three-day weekend near some kind of body of water. Whether that be the beach, a spring, a pool, or even a waterpark, you should always be aware of the water-related injuries that can result from these places.
Everywhere you might soak up the sun and swim, there is always the potential for drownings- even if you think it’s shallow enough. In open water, rip currents can form around piers or breaks in sandbars, and they can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Jumping into water without knowing what’s below can cause someone to hit an object or the bottom. Everyone must also remember that we share our oceans, lakes, and springs with marine life, and they can sometimes pose a threat to us as well.
Injuries may also occur due to dehydration, sunburns, slip and falls- such as on wet concrete outside a pool, or trip and falls- such as in a hole in the sand on the beach.
Injuries from Boating Accidents
In the state of Florida, boating, fishing and other open water activities are another common way people spend their days off, and it is also a reason people may end up wounded over Labor Day weekend. You should always use caution while operating a sea vessel, but the most common causes of boating accidents are:
- Speeding
- Machinery Malfunctions
- Lack of Experience
- Not Paying Attention
- Drinking
- Inclement Weather
The serious consequences that can occur as a result of these factors are important to consider when taking your boat out on the water to celebrate with friends and family, and you should always be prepared with proper safety equipment on board.
Injuries from Other Recreational Accidents
Labor Day is all about taking a break from work and enjoying yourself, but even our mildest recreational activities can result in personal damage. From dog bites to broken bones, the possibilities are never-ending. However, awareness of these possibilities allows you to be diligent in preventing them.
As mentioned previously, people travel a lot over Labor Day weekend, and anytime you leave your home there is the risk of a slip or trip and fall. People also do a lot of shopping, and crowded stores and malls often give more opportunities for a misstep or slip.
Hanging around family and friends for the holiday weekend is almost a given but being around their pets can also turn into a dangerous situation, especially if you’re meeting them for the first time. As with any animal, they pose a risk when being introduced to strangers, and if there are loud noises or rowdy behavior, dogs can get too excited and lash out on someone who was unsuspecting.
Celebrations with friends and family are also often associated with large meals or barbeques. The operation of grills, stoves, and ovens and preparation of meals coupled with the distraction of your loved ones’ presence gives way for fire hazards and burns, as well as food borne illnesses.
Lastly, operating vehicles such as ATV’s, jet skis, motorcycles, and the like is a very common practice here in Florida. Combined with celebrations, user error, malfunctions, and inexperience, the risk of getting hurt on one is high.
Labor Day Weekend Safety Tips
Now that we have a deeper understanding of the dangers surrounding this fun holiday weekend, here are some tips to help you prevent them:
- Pay attention to your surroundings at all times, and practice defensive driving
- Don’t drink in excess, especially while swimming or participating in potentially dangerous activities
- Only operate a vehicle when you are alert and sober, and don’t let your loved ones drive impaired either
- Refrain from using your phone or entertaining distractions while you are operating any vehicle
- Wear proper clothing attire and shoes for your designated activity
- Wear sun protection and properly hydrate
- Never jump into a body of water where you cannot see the bottom
- Be cautious of ocean condition flags when at the beach- and know what they mean
- Don’t run or be rowdy near pools or at parks where there is the potential to slip
- Know how to swim or wear life vests when entering the water, and always swim near a lifeguard and with a buddy when possible
- Check the weather- planning ahead can help you avoid tragedy no matter where you go
- Always be diligent about looking after children or dependents, especially while engaging in any recreational activities
- Supervise children around pets and never agitate or quickly approach animals you are unfamiliar with
- Take fire safety precautions while operating grills
- Ensure proper preparation and storage of food and beverages provided at gatherings
- Always follow local marine laws while boating, kayaking, jet skiing, etc.
- Only allow those who are certified and experienced to operate a sea vessel
- Be prepared for accidents to happen- have working safety equipment easily accessible no matter how you choose to spend your holiday
What to Do If There Is an Injury
If you or a loved one happens to experience one of these injuries or something similar this Labor Day weekend, you should seek medical care right away. Be sure to make note of the date and location, as well as all details of the incident. If your injury is a result of someone else’s negligence, call Shiner Law Group and speak with one of our trusted attorneys as soon as possible. We take great pride in our customer service and will ensure all your important questions are answered. Additionally, we are always available to help you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call now at 561-777-7700, or fill out our free consultation request form, to find out more about our firm and other important information regarding your potential case.
