Halloween is a favorite holiday for kids and adults alike—providing the opportunity to dress up as some of your favorite characters while enjoying a few sweet indulgences. However, the aura of danger surrounding this time of year isn't all make-believe.  Personal injury attorneys often see a spike in claims, especially the following.

3 Types of Halloween-Related Personal Injury Claims

1. Car Accidents

According to the National Safety Council, kids are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. Drivers are distracted from looking at decorations and costumes. They may also be more likely to drink and drive after attending parties. Additionally, kids may walk in the road or fail to see oncoming traffic because of a mask.

Make sure your child’s field of vision isn't blocked by their outfit. Tell them to stay on sidewalks and avoid roads. If possible, limit trick-or-treating to the daytime, when visibility is better. If kids are out at night, give them a neon reflective vest or apply strips of reflective tape to their costume to increase visibility.

2. Slip & Fall

Slip and fall injuries are more likely to happen on Halloween for various reasons. People may have decorations in their yards, like fake spiderwebs, that can be a tripping hazard. Children may also get their feet entangled by their long princess gown or superhero cape. Additionally, sidewalks tend to be more crowded with trick-or-treaters, making it harder to spy cracks.

To keep your little one safe, make sure they can move easily in their costume. There shouldn't be any loose strings or strips of fabric around their ankles or feet. Instruct them to stick to well-lit sidewalks and walkways. They also shouldn't go wandering into people's yards, where grass makes it hard to see dips and other causes of trips. Finally, encourage them to walk, not run.

3. Dog Bites

While many families participate in Halloween by offering candy, others do not. Kids who wander onto someone’s property may attract the attention of guard dogs. Canines may also get scared and aggressive because of costumes, especially those that make noise. Instruct children to only go to houses that are clearly open to trick-or-treaters, such as those with jack-o-lanterns out front and lights on.

If your child is injured this Halloween and you believe another person is to blame, turn to Reed & Terry, L.L.P. Located in Sugarland, TX, these personal injury attorneys offer aggressive representation for clients who have been hurt because of others' carelessness. Established in 1994, the law firm has been in business for 26-plus years and boasts a team of professionals with over 100 years of combined experience. Visit their website to request a free case review. Call (281) 491-5000 to schedule a meeting with a personal injury attorney.