St. Patrick’s Day is a day that is marked by wearing green clothing, enjoying parades, drinking green beer, and celebrating Irish culture. However, with all the festivities, some risks of injury can happen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges everyone to drink responsibly this St. Patrick’s Day.
Injuries at St. Patrick’s Celebrations
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common injuries that can occur during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Injuries can happen when people walk on uneven surfaces or have had too much to drink. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol was the main culprit in 37% of fatal falls among adults aged 21 and older in 2018. Additionally, people may suffer from alcohol poisoning, leading to severe injury or death.
Another common injury that can occur during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is assault. Assault can happen when people become aggressive or violent after drinking too much alcohol. Assault can cause severe injury and trauma to the victim, and it is essential to take steps to prevent it from happening.
Knowing Your Rights
If you get injured during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, it is essential to know your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and you may also be able to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
The first step in knowing your rights is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to get them checked out by a medical professional to ensure they do not worsen over time. Additionally, seeking medical attention will create a record of your injuries, which may be vital if you decide to pursue legal action.
Once you have received medical attention, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation. They can also help you gather evidence to support your case, such as witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photos.
When working with a personal injury lawyer, being honest and transparent about your injuries and the circumstances surrounding them is essential. Your lawyer will be better able to represent you if they clearly understand your case’s facts.
If you pursue legal action, your personal injury lawyer will file a lawsuit. The responsible party will then be able to respond to the lawsuit, and the case will proceed to trial if a settlement is not reached.
Preventing Injuries at St. Patrick’s Celebrations
While it is essential to know your legal rights if you get injured during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, it is even more necessary to prevent injuries from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations:
- Drink Responsibly – If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly. Pace yourself and make sure to eat before and during drinking. Never drink and drive, and always designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear – Wear comfortable shoes with good traction to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Stay Alert – Look for hazards such as uneven pavement, crowds, and rowdy behavior.
- Avoid Unsafe Activities – Do not participate in activities that are dangerous or could result in injury, such as jumping from balconies or roofs.
- Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water, especially if you consume alcohol.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Safely and Responsibly.
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations can be a lot of fun, but they can also lead to injuries if people are not careful. If you get injured during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, it is vital to seek medical.
About the Author:
Andrew Winston is a partner at the personal injury law firm Winston Law. For over 20 years, he has successfully represented countless people in all personal injury cases, focusing on child injury, legal malpractice, and premises liability. He has been recognized for excellence in representing injured clients by admission to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and named one of America’s Top 100 High-Stakes Litigators. Mr. Winston is AV Preeminent Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, enjoys a 10.0 rating by AVVO as a Top Personal Injury Attorney, and has been selected as a Florida “SuperLawyer” from 2011-2022– an honor reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the state – was voted to Florida Trend’s ”Legal Elite,” recognized by Expertise as one of the 20 Best Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys, named one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the Miami area for 2015-2022, and one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida for 2015-2017 and 2019-2022.
