BURNS AND GRILLING ACCIDENTS
Each year, thousands of people are sent to emergency rooms for grilling-related burn injuries. Summer marks the start of grilling and barbeque season—and it’s also the peak season for grill fires, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Grills that are improperly supervised can also lead to thermal and contact burns, especially in young children.
If you plan on utilizing your grill this season, here are some general tips you can use to prevent burns and other grill-related injuries:
- Before grilling, check the propane tank for potential leaks.
- Only use propane and charcoal grills outside.
- Never use grills under a tent or any other enclosed area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing fat or grease buildups.
- Never leave a lit grill unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
DROWNINGS AND SWIMMING ACCIDENTS
Going for a swim in the pool is a popular way to beat the summer heat. However, it’s important to remain vigilant whenever water is involved, as drownings are one of the most common causes of unintentional death for young children.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that about one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 years old or younger. Additionally, for every child that dies of drowning, another five are treated in emergency rooms for nonfatal injuries.
Parents and caregivers of young children, we cannot stress enough the importance of pool safety. Here are some safety tips that you can implement to avoid devastating drownings:
- Always remain vigilant and avoid distractions while supervising children.
- Never leave young children unattended in a pool.
- Do not completely rely on floatation devices to prevent drownings.
- Have at least one adult present who knows CPR.
- Set up four-sided perimeters around backyard pools.
- All pool gates or fences should be child-proofed.
- Remember, alcohol and swimming don’t mix.
DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTS
While drunk driving can occur any time of the year, it’s an even higher risk factor during the summer months when alcohol is consumed in social settings. By the numbers, the Fourth of July is also one of the deadliest days of the year on the road due to an increased number of impaired motorists. Over the 2018 holiday weekend, 40% of all fatal crashes involved drunk or impaired drivers.
Never feel pressured to drink and drive. If you plan on consuming alcohol outside of your home, you should always have a plan in mind for getting home safely:
- Designate a sober driver.
- Call a rideshare vehicle or taxi cab.
- Take public transportation.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Never get into a car with someone who has been drinking.
INJURED IN A SUMMERTIME ACCIDENT?
We hope that this information helps you prepare for a stress-free, safe summer. With that said, should you or a family member be injured in an accident caused by another person, you may have legal options pursuing compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
At The Chopin Law Firm LLC, we are here to help you get your life back on track. With over 100 years of collective experience, our attorneys have the skills, knowledge, and experience you need to achieve the best possible outcome.
To learn more about your legal options, contact our New Orleans personal injury attorneysat (504) 475-2429 today. We offer no-fee, no-obligation consultations during which you speak directly with an attorney at our firm.
