This time of year is about enjoying time with loved ones and appreciating what we have. Unfortunately, it is also a time when emergency responders and emergency room physicians are preparing for an influx of injuries.
At Flaxman Law Group, we want you to enjoy a safe and joyous Thanksgiving. We’ve put together this guide to help you reduce your risk of some of the most common injuries during Thanksgiving.
Common Thanksgiving Injuries in Miami-Dade County
This time of year can mean an increased risk of:
- Fires and burns: Deep-frying turkeys and elaborate meals can increase the risk of fire, especially when guests may distract the cook in the kitchen. Before you start cooking, make sure your smoke detectors are working correctly and have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on hand. Never leave food unattended when it’s cooking.
- Food-borne illness: Use a food thermometer to make sure your turkey reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. Keep foods that should be hot piping hot and foods that should be cold (including anything with mayonnaise) cold. Wrap and store leftovers at once and clean surfaces often while you’re cooking to avoid cross-contamination.
Car collisions: If you’re driving anywhere this Thanksgiving, give yourself extra time so you’re relaxed and not tempted to speed. Put away mobile devices before you drive, to avoid distraction. - DUI: Thanksgiving can mean overindulgence. If you are dining out, make sure you take a taxi home or rely on a sober driver if you’ve been drinking. If you’re hosting a holiday meal, make sure you take the keys from any guest who has had too much to drink.
- Sports accidents: After-Thanksgiving football games are a tradition for many families, but they can easily lead to serious injury. If you’re throwing the ball around, make sure the ground is even and everyone is wearing the right gear and shoes. Play safely, especially if everyone’s fitness levels are different.
- Slip and fall and trip and fall injuries: If you’re visiting someone’s home, you may be unfamiliar with their stairs, walkways, and home. During Thanksgiving, it’s also not unusual for obstacles to find their way underfoot. You may drop or spill something while cooking, shoes may pile up near the door, and guests may drop items. Make sure you wipe up any spills quickly and pick up any dropped items to keep everyone safe.
- Cuts: Make sure your knives are sharp before you start preparing your meal, and ensure you know how to use knives correctly. It’s very easy to get lacerations when chopping foods to prepare a meal.
Is Someone Liable for My Injury?
Some Thanksgiving injuries are simply accidents. Your knife may have slipped when you were preparing a meal and caused a laceration. You may have undercooked food and gotten ill from it. However, many injuries are caused by negligence and may result in a claim.
Often, it is difficult to tell whether you have a claim or not unless you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Miami-Dade County. Flaxman Law Group makes it simple to contact an attorney. You can always call us at our 24/7 phone number at 1-866-352-9626 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a Miami-Dade County personal injury attorney.