The holiday shopping season is upon us. With more than 90% of Americans celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, many Americans will take to shopping malls and retail stores. Statistical estimates project that 630 billion dollars will be spent this holiday season. This number is over 200 billion dollars more than that spent in 2004. That is an estimated 806 dollars per person. It is projected that almost 20% of the year’s retail sales will take place during the holidays. Unfortunately, some people sustain injuries while shopping. Annually, approximately 24,000 children under age 6 are seen in emergency rooms for shopping cart-related injuries. Escalators cause about 6,000 injuries annually. Violent crimes sometimes occur at retail establishments and parking areas. It is important to stay safe on shopping trips so that you are able to have an enjoyable holiday season.
There are precautions you can follow to ensure you and your children stay safe while shopping. However, sometimes injuries happen at no fault of your own. If you believe you sustained an injury from the careless or reckless actions of an individual or company, you need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help you with the next step and provide support during this trying time.
The following are some tips to help you stay safe this holiday season.
Shopping with Children
Children under four years of age should be in a stroller or supervised very closely,
When using a shopping cart, make sure to use the child safety belt. Do not let children push or stand in the shopping cart,
Teach your children to go to a store worker, information desk, or security guard in case you get separated,
Take caution when taking children on an escalator. Make sure they do not grab or climb on the sides. Hold their hands, face forward, and keep feet away from the edge of the step to avoid falls. Assist your child to safely exit the escalator. Do not bring a stroller on the escalator.
Shopping Safety
Be careful on escalators. Check for loose scarves, clothing, and untied shoelaces that could get caught. Be careful when getting on and exiting,
Do not bring carts or walkers on an escalator,
Be careful of wet surfaces, especially at store entrances if it is raining or snowing outside.
Protect Yourself Against Crime
Be aware of your surroundings,
Take caution while selecting a parking spot. Park in an area that is well-lit and away from bushes,
Be sure to always lock your car, keep windows rolled up, and cover packages,
Try not to carry too many packages at once to slow your ability to react if necessary,
Take your keys out before you walk to your car.
Contact Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC
You can take all of the safety precautions in the world and still suffer an injury caused by another’s negligence. An experienced Atlanta metro area attorney at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC can help you. Contact our personal injury attorneys to get the support you deserve. Call us today for your free consultation.