Traffic accident injuries, boating accident injuries, firework injuries, swimming injuries, and grilling injuries are the five most common injuries during the Labor Day weekend. Labor Day is one of the most dangerous holidays in the U.S. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that about 49,000 Americans sustain serious injuries over the Labor Day weekend each year. Around 400 individuals get killed over the same period.
Traffic Accident Injuries
Traffic accidents can result in both physical and psychological injuries. Physical injuries include whiplash, head injuries, broken ribs, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, herniated disc, and internal bleeding. Psychological injuries include mental and emotional trauma.
Boating Accident Injuries
During Labor Day weekend, many people spend time on the water and use different types of vessels. As such, various kinds of boating accidents and injuries are likely to occur. Propeller accidents, for instance, can lead to serious cuts, internal injuries, and disfigurement. Run-over accidents can result in spinal injuries, disfigurement, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or even death. A person can also suffer a serious slip-and-fall injury after tripping and falling on a vessel.
Firework Injuries
A study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicates that hands and fingers are the most injured body parts in firework injuries, at 30%. They are followed by legs at 24% and eyes at 19%. Around 15% of firework injuries affect the head, ear, or face, with 10% affecting the victim’s trunk.
Swimming Injuries
Many people celebrate the Labor Day holiday with barbeques, outdoor games, pool parties, and a variety of fun-filled activities. Unfortunately, people are likely to get seriously injured when swimming pools are poorly maintained. TBIs, neck and shoulder injuries, and disembowelment are common swimming injuries over the Labor Day weekend.
Grilling Injuries
Knife cuts, burns, smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning, and steakhouse syndrome are some of the most common grilling injuries. Steakhouse syndrome happens when a person ingests food without chewing it sufficiently and it fails to go past the throat. It occurs more frequently when eating solid foods like meat.
Recovering Damages After Sustaining Labor Day Injuries
To recover damages after a Labor Day mishap, the injured party must demonstrate that the injuries were a result of another party’s negligence. A personal injury lawyer can collect medical records, witness statements, police reports, and security camera footage to help prove the personal injury claim on the injured party’s behalf.