Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as one of the biggest shopping days of the year. According to the National Retail Federation, 2023 saw a record 200.4 million shoppers take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains.
To help you stay safe while shopping for those must-have items on your list, our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want to remind you of the potential hazards, typical injuries, safety tips, and what to do if you get hurt during the holiday rush. This year Black Friday falls on November 29, 2024, and we want you to be prepared.
Injuries from Large Crowds
When stores open, big crowds may rush in, resulting in trampling injuries. Steer clear of crowded areas, arrive before doors open, and be familiar with the store’s layout in case you need to leave fast.
Crowds can be unpredictable and when things get out of control, serious injuries can occur, including:
- Bruises
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
Companies who neglect to put in place sufficient safety precautions, like crowd control procedures or sufficient staffing, could be held accountable for injuries incurred during Black Friday. A store may be held negligent in protecting its patrons’ safety if it knows there is a chance of crowding but does nothing to reduce the danger.
Falling Merchandise
Overcrowded aisles can cause individuals to bump into shelves or displays, causing products to topple. Keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid closely packed shelves, and refrain from grabbing products from high shelves.
Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents are typical on Black Friday because crowded stores and frenzied shopping can create dangerous conditions. The following are some risk factors for slips, trips, and falls and safety measures:
- Spilled liquids and debris: In crowded stores, spills may not be cleaned up immediately, and things such as packaging or dropped products might pose tripping hazards.
- Wet or slippery floors: Wet floors are typical at store entrances, where a lot of people come and go, making it more likely that someone would slip and fall. Spills in bathrooms or other areas in a store can also lead to slip and fall accidents.
- Limited visibility and congested aisles: When there are a lot of people around, it can be difficult to see obstacles in your way. It is also challenging to move securely in crowded aisles, particularly when there is stuff in the way.
Safe Shopping Tips
- Wear appropriate footwear: Select footwear with adequate support and traction.
- Stay alert: Keep an eye on the floor and your surroundings, paying particular attention to busy aisles and exits.
- Report any risks: Inform store employees of any spills or trip hazards so they can be cleaned up or fixed.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
In crowded retail settings, escalators and elevators can be dangerous places for accidents, particularly on days like Black Friday when there is a lot of foot traffic. Here are some common escalator and elevator safety precautions to help you avoid injury.
Escalator-Related Injuries
- Falls: One of the most frequent escalator accidents is a fall, which is frequently brought on by tripping, pushing, or losing balance.
- Entrapment: Loose clothing, shoelaces, or bags can become trapped in the escalator’s moving sections, particularly around the edges or stairs.
- Overcrowding: When escalators are overcrowded, there is a greater chance of falls and accidents, particularly when people are rushing or attempting to pass one another.
Safety Tips for Escalators:
- Stand firmly: Hold the railing and remain still; do not move or switch steps.
- Secure loose items: Make sure your laces are secured, and avoid dragging bags or loose garments that could become entangled.
- Step off carefully:Exit swiftly and carefully, do not linger.
- Keep children close: Hold a child’s hand and do not allow them sit or play on the steps.
Elevator-Related Injuries
- Door entrapment: In crowded settings, doors may close on a person’s limbs or clothing.
- Falls: Falls can result from abrupt stops or movements, particularly in elevators that are overcrowded.
- Overcrowding: There is a greater chance of falls or accidents in crowded elevators due to pushing, bumping, and a lack of space.
Safety Tips for Elevators
- Pay attention to the doors: If the elevator is packed, wait for the next one. Never rush in or block doors as they close.
- Stand back: Once inside, keep your distance from the doors and hold onto any available railings.
- Limit weight: Avoid packing the elevator too full as this may lead to malfunctions or create trip hazards.
Parking Lot Accidents
During Black Friday shopping, parking lots can turn into hectic places, which greatly raises the possibility of accidents involving motor vehicles. Drivers who are distracted, rushed pedestrians, and heavy traffic all combine to make the scenario dangerous for all parties. Typical occurrences include:
- Accidents involving pedestrians: Drivers may be distracted, rushing to find parking, or focused on heavy traffic, which can lead to collisions with pedestrians.
- Car accidents: With so many vehicles maneuvering in tight spaces, minor collisions and “fender benders” are common.
- Slip and falls: Wet parking lots, combined with high foot traffic, can create slip hazards, especially near entrances.
Safety Tips for Drivers and Shoppers
- Park further away: Select a less congested spot to lessen the likelihood of an accident and provide more room to maneuver safely.
- Avoid walking behind vehicles: Drivers may be pulling out and unable to see you, especially in congested parking lots.
- Be patient: You lower your risk of being involved in a car or pedestrian accident by taking your time and not hurrying across the parking lot.
- Drive slowly: Slow down so you give yourself more time to react to other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Use turn signals: This lets people know what you are about to do, especially while parking.
- Be aware of blind spots: Pay extra attention when backing up as you may not be able to see other pedestrians or cars in your path.
- Prevent distractions: Pay attention, refrain from using your phone, and keep an eye out for other cars and pedestrians.
If you or someone you love has been harmed while Black Friday shopping, our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. If negligence caused your injuries, whether it be from inadequate crowd control, poorly maintained stores, or a lack of safety precautions, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.