The Injury Risks Associated with Labor Day
With Labor Day around the corner, many of us are planning our annual unofficial end-of-summer festivities. Whether you are planning on heading down to the lake for one last weekend on the water or plan to spend your holiday in the backyard with friends and family, it’s important to keep in mind that, like every other holiday, Labor Day exposes our loved ones and us to an increased risk of injury.
Some of the most common causes of Labor Day injuries are discussed in the material below. For more information or to discuss the specifics of your case with a St. Louis personal injury attorney, call our office today.
Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers
Labor Day celebrations often involve the consumption of alcohol. As a result, there are often more drunk drivers on the road during Labor Day weekend, despite increased enforcement efforts by police. More drunk drivers on the road mean an increased risk of injury in drunk driving accidents, so it’s important to be extra vigilant when you are out and about over the holiday weekend.
Pool & Spa Accidents
Many people use Labor Day weekend as one last opportunity to hit the pool or spa before the weather starts cooling off. Pool and spa accidents can cause extremely serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Anoxic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Severe soft tissue injuries
Boating Accidents
Boating is an extremely popular Labor Day activity for people throughout St. Louis and the rest of Missouri. With our beautiful lakes, it’s easy to see why. Unfortunately, boating exposes participants to a significant risk of injury, and many of the risk factors associated with boating only increase over the holiday weekend, such as the number of boats on the water and impaired boat operators.
BBQ Accidents
BBQing is a traditional way for many people to spend the holiday. While cooking food itself may seem like the one the least risky things you can do, every time you cook over an open flame, there is a chance for a serious, injury-causing accident. BBQ accidents can cause house fires, explosions, and other serious incidents that can severely injure anyone in the vicinity.
Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association to make sure your backyard BBQ is as safe as possible:
- Only use propane and charcoal grills outside
- Grills should be placed away from homes, deck railings, branches, and eaves
- Keep pets and kids at least three feet away from the area where you are grilling
- Never leave your grill unattended
- Regularly clean your grill by removing fat and grease buildup from the grill and the trays below the grill
- If you have a gas grill, make sure the lid is open before lighting it
Injured in an Accident? Call Bruntrager & Billings Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, there is a strong chance that you are entitled to compensation under state law. To schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, call our office today at 314-646-0066 or send us an email through our online contact form.