Common Injuries to Watch for on Memorial Day: How to Make Your Celebration Safe

Even though summer doesn’t officially start until the 21st of June, many celebrate Memorial Day as the official start of summer vacation. Cook-outs, water sports, and partying with friends and family are popular activities. As with any celebration, the fun can quickly turn scary when someone experiences a serious injury. Here are a few common injuries to watch for this Memorial Day weekend:

Boating Accidents

Recreational boating is a fun sport that involves all types of boats, including motorboats. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the top five contributing factors of motorboat accidents are:

• Operator inattention
• Improper lookout
• Operator inexperience
• Machinery failure
• Alcohol use

Of the deaths reported by the Coast Guard in 2017, 449 were from drowning. Only 68 of the victims were wearing a life jacket—an incredible 370 were not. It is unknown if the remaining 11 victims wore life jackets.
Boating accidents, in addition to drowning, may result in one or more of the following injuries/conditions:

• Trauma
• Cardiac Arrest
• Hypothermia

Injuries result from what the Coast Guard cites as key factors in accidents: collisions with a recreational vessel or with a fixed object. Stay safe this summer by not mixing alcohol and boating and by wearing a life jacket.

Drunk Driving

Summer holidays are a popular time for enjoying an alcoholic beverage. Taking the fun too far and getting behind the wheel is all too common throughout Memorial Day weekend. Some of the most common injuries from a drunk driving crash include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones

Injuries like that of a TBI may require a lifetime of medical and personal care. Spinal cord injuries often require home and vehicle modifications for power chairs.
No one should suffer due to another driver’s reckless behavior behind the wheel. Despite knowing better, many choose to drink and drive due to excuses such as they “don’t live far away” or “no other transportation was available.” These excuses are just that—excuses for their reckless decision.
If you or someone you love is seriously injured due to a drunk driver over the Memorial Day weekend, contact a personal injury lawyer without delay.

Burns From Fireworks and Campfires

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are more than one million burn injuries each year in the United States. More than 53 percent of these injuries last year were from fireworks. While more closely associated with the Fourth of July, fireworks, especially sparklers, are a fun way to celebrate the arrival of summer.
For those camping over the Memorial Day weekend, campfires are of special concern. Most cooking camp cooking gear is made of light aluminum, which conducts heat faster than any other metal. The bare-metal handles are extremely hot-to-the-touch when cooking over a campfire.
Another popular campfire activity is roasting marshmallows. Here are some tips for keeping you and your little ones safe around a campfire:

• Build the fire on level ground and surround it with rocks to contain the flames.
• Use a stick long enough for roasting the marshmallows that children cannot feel the fire from where they stand.
• If a marshmallow catches on fire, don’t try to blow out the flames. Stomp the fire out on the ground and start over with a fresh marshmallow.
• Don’t leave a campfire unintended.
• When you are ready to extinguish the fire, pour water on it until the hissing noise stops. Do not try to bury a fire.

A smoldering fire that isn’t completely out poses a real danger to young children. Campfire burns are more commonly caused by embers rather than flames. Young children can easily fall into a campfire, resulting in serious injuries.
There are three major types of burns:

• First degree – This is the mildest form of burn categories and effects the first layer of your skin.
• Second degree – More serious than the 1st degree, this category includes burns beyond the first layer of skin and can include blisters.
• Third degree – The most severe type of burns, third degree burns through every layer of skin. Never try to treat third degree burns yourself; call 911 immediately. Do not try to remove a patient’s clothing and if possible, raise the injury above the person’s heart.

A campfire adds a festive atmosphere to any gathering. It is important to practice the utmost safety precautions and care so that you protect yourself, your guests, and the property around you.

Contact Boohoff Law if Someone Hurts You on Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend is a time to reflect on our nation’s military sacrifices and to enjoy celebrating the arrival of summer. At the Boohoff Law Firm, we want everyone to arrive home safely. It only takes a second for serious injury to occur over a holiday. If your Memorial Day weekend turns tragic due to the reckless behavior of a boater or drunk driver, or due to an out-of-control campfire, call us at (877) 999-9999 or contact us online.
Your road to recovery may include future surgeries, expensive medical equipment, and personal care. No one should pay out-of-pocket for these and other unexpected expenses due to a Memorial Day celebration that escalated into serious injuries.
Let us evaluate your case for free. Don’t delay as time is of the essence. The sooner we can investigate the evidence and speak with possible witnesses, the sooner we can take action on your behalf. While each case is different, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you are unable to travel to one of our offices, we are happy to come to you, either at the hospital or in your home.
The Boohoff Law Firm is here for you. If you experienced serious injury due to no fault of your own, let’s talk. Start your journey to justice by reaching out to our legal team today.