Black Friday occurs the Friday following Thanksgiving and is known as one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Retail stores and businesses offer many Black Friday deals and discounts that typically draw out massive crowds.
While inflation and the rise of e-commerce have impacted the popularity of the holiday this year, many shoppers still indulge in Black Friday shopping. Below, we will discuss the common types of accidents and injuries that occur on Black Friday as well as safety tips.
Common Black Friday Injuries & Accidents
Any number of accidents can occur on Black Friday, including negligence-based accidents. Some of the common types of accidents include:
- Parking lot incidents. From hit-and-run accidents involving parked vehicles to slips and falls because of potholes to collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, many people can suffer injuries before they even make it into the store. Injuries from car accidents and slip and fall injuries vary based on the severity of the accident and can include broken bones, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and bruises.
- Car accidents. On the way to a store or when heading home, people can suffer injuries in a car accident, which can be caused by an intoxicated driver, distracted driving, or other types of negligence. Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, including burns, amputations, bruises, internal organ damage, lacerations, whiplash, and TBIs.
- Negligent store security accidents. Stores are supposed to ensure that their shoppers are safe and should ensure they have adequate security measures on their property. If a person is injured or assaulted and there is a lack of adequate security, they may be able to pursue legal action against the store owner. In some cases, store security guards are also the cause of injuries and accidents as they may pepper spray or injure people while trying to protect the store.
- Trampling. Many injuries (and even deaths) can occur because of stampedes of shoppers. Specifically, people can suffer from broken bones, lacerations, bruises, and even amputations if they are crushed in a shopping stampede. Persons injured in a stampede may be able to pursue legal action if the store did not have adequate crowd control or take steps to protect and ensure customer safety.
- Slip and fall accidents. Shoppers aren’t only at risk of tripping or slipping in the parking lot. People can also slip and fall on fall merchandise or because of wet floors. Slip and fall
Tips to Avoid Black Friday Injuries
Here are a few safety tips to help you avoid suffering injuries this Black Friday.
- Watch where you walk. Tripping hazards can be anywhere you walk, and you should be mindful of where you step as you travel in and out of stores. If there is inclement weather, also be mindful of pooling water or puddles.
- Be aware of your surroundings. As we mentioned, some people can suffer injuries in an assault or attempted theft. Be mindful when walking in unlit areas and shopping at locations without good security systems.
- Keep calm and avoid those who are losing their cool. Shopper aggression can lead to serious fights, shootings, stabbings, and other forms of assault. Not only should you try to keep your cool but you should also avoid shoppers who are engaged in or looking for a fight.
- Use caution in crowds. Large crowds can become aggressive which can lead to a stampede or other issues.
- Protect yourself in parking lots. As we mentioned, pedestrian and car accidents are not uncommon and you should be mindful when walking.
At Eliot Reiner, APLC, we are committed to providing our clients with aggressive and high-quality representation. If you have been injured during Black Friday or the holiday season, you can trust our team to help you understand your legal rights and options.
To discuss your case with a member of our team, call (916) 778-3228 or reach out online.