Celebrating Easter in the Windy City means fun and festivities for kids and adults alike. Easter egg hunts, family outings, tasty treats, and more are just a few ways Chicagoans enjoy the holiday. With all the fun, it’s important to remember that injuries are always a possibility, which is why our Chicago personal injury lawyers have compiled this list of Chicago Easter injuries and how to prevent them.
Top Chicago Easter Injuries
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common Chicago Easter injuries. With children running around and adults joining in the fun, it’s easy to forget about potential hazards. For hosts, cleaning up any hazards that might lead to injured guests can help avoid a premises liability lawsuit.
How to prevent a slip and fall:
- If you’re hosting the egg hunt, remind everyone, especially children, to be aware of their surroundings. Look out for wet patches, uneven surfaces, animal holes, and clutter.
- Repair any dangers like crumbling sidewalks, uneven pathways, or other outdoor tripping hazards.
- Tidy up inside as well by clearing any clutter on the floor, repairing loose carpeting/rugs, etc.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good traction and have your children do the same.
- Have the egg hunt in a well-lit area.
- Avoid hiding eggs in locations that might be hard for children to reach.
Burns
From cooking an Easter feast to coloring eggs, it’s no wonder burns are another one of the most common Chicago Easter injuries. Just a simple mishap might lead to a catastrophic injury or even a fire.
How to prevent burn injuries:
- When handling hot pots, pans, or oven dishes, always wear oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves.
- Supervise children when coloring eggs.
- Keep a bowl of cool water readily available in case of minor burns.
- Always have a fire extinguisher readily available.
- Make sure children and pets stay away from the oven and hot surfaces to prevent accidental burns or spills.
- When transferring hot liquids or food, be cautious and avoid placing them near the edge of the counter or stovetop.
Unsafe Products
Along with egg hunts, Easter baskets are a childhood staple of the season. However, the treats inside can come with the hidden hazard of unsafe or dangerous products.
How to prevent Chicago Easter injuries caused by unsafe products:
- Buy age appropriate toys and treats to avoid choking hazards for young children.
- Before buying anything, check for product recalls.
- While the bargain bin might be tempting, cheaper alternatives may not meet the same safety standards.
- Read and follow all instructions carefully, especially when using dyes, decorations, or craft supplies.
Car Accidents
Easter weekend in Chicago means more traffic, as many are traveling to see their friends and family. Unfortunately, more traffic means the increased likelihood of car accidents due to factors like distracted driving, impaired driving, and more.
How to prevent car accidents:
- Follow all traffic laws, make sure everyone is buckled up, and avoid speeding.
- If you have a long trip, try to leave early to beat the traffic.
- If you plan on drinking or using marijuana, make sure you either have a designated driver or plan to use a rideshare service.
- Never drive fatigued, it can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
Food Poisoning
No one wants to get sick or be the one who caused a mass outbreak of food poisoning at the family gathering. The risk of foodborne illness is often high at Easter gatherings due to foods like deviled eggs and potato salad. With a few simple precautions, you can easily prevent or reduce the risk of food poisoning at your celebration.
How to prevent food poisoning:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
- Use plastic eggs in the hunt instead of hard-boiled.
- Clean and sanitize countertops, cutting boards, and utensils before, during, and after food preparation.
- If you’re cooking an Easter ham, make sure it is cooked thoroughly before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
- Throw out any food that has been left out for too long.
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Injured in Chicago on Easter? Contact Lerner and Rowe.
We hope everyone celebrating has a safe and happy Easter holiday. By following the tips mentioned above, you can help prevent common Chicago Easter injuries and keep yourself and your family safe. Accidents can always happen no matter what.
If you or a loved one are injured during the Easter holiday due to the negligence or recklessness of another, we can help. Our personal injury attorneys can help you file a claim and win the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We have proven results and have recovered billions of dollars for our clients, with over a billion dollars in the past 4 years alone!
You can contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a free consultation at 708-222-2222. We’re also available online via LiveChat and secure online form. For compassionate care and effective representation, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today.