Black Friday Shopping Dangers and How to Avoid Them

The day after Thanksgiving is considered the start of the holiday shopping season. Coined Black Friday, this day allows consumers to find the best shopping deals and for retailers to earn a profit. There are also plenty of Black Friday shopping dangers and injuries can occur as a result of the chaos.

Black Friday Shopping Dangers

In an effort to cash in on the best deals, shoppers flood stores on Black Friday. For many shoppers, a day of fun can turn into a day of pain. Black Friday shopping dangers are all around. What potential shopping dangers do consumers face? Here at Bowen Painter Trial Lawyers, we’ve come up with a list of the most common dangers and how you can avoid them.

Car Accidents and Parking Lot Problems

While it’s still dark outside, millions of people venture out in the early morning hours of Black Friday with hopes of being the first in line to score a good deal. Because shopping malls and other retailers are jam-packed, it can be almost impossible to find a parking spot. The potential for a car accident increases as drivers fight for spots and pedestrians are scattered throughout parking lots. Pay attention to the increase in vehicles and people. The chances of being involved in a collision with another car or a pedestrian are much higher on Black Friday. It’s also a good reminder to park in well-lit areas. With large numbers of people out, you want to ensure that you have enough lighting to see around your vehicle. Many times attacks on people can happen in poorly lit parking lots.

Personal Injuries

Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends hiring additional security for mass crowds like the ones expected on Black Friday, it’s safe to assume many stores won’t have the extra help. In addition to the stampedes, you should be wary of confrontations with others. Tempers can flare in the midst of shopping and that could turn into an ugly scene. You need to pay attention to stocked shelves as well. Stores will pack the shelves and with people pulling and yanking, there’s a chance something could come crashing down. In an effort to avoid these Black Friday shopping dangers, you should be mindful of your surroundings and remember that not everyone will be in the holiday spirit.

Slip and Fall Dangers

In Georgia and South Carolina, the weather can be unpredictable during the holiday season. While snow isn’t common in our area on Black Friday, snow, icy weather and rain can lead to wet floors. Despite stores putting down slip-resistant mats, they could easily be pushed aside by large crowds. In order to avoid this Black Friday shopping danger, be on the lookout for any puddles that could cause you to slip and fall and hurt yourself.

The Potential for Theft

Theft is a real Black Friday shopping danger. With millions of shoppers spending money and purchasing gifts, thieves can potentially find easy targets. You should be on the lookout for anyone who may look suspicious, who may be trying to steal merchandise or even your own bags full of items. Identity theft can also increase on Black Friday because so many people are using credit cards both in stores and online. When it comes to checking your credit card statements, be diligent in looking for anything unusual.

When it comes to Black Friday shopping, it can be a very fun and exciting time; however, it’s always important to keep an eye out for Black Friday shopping dangers. While it is the store’s responsibility to keep the environment safe at all times, you can play a part in ensuring all you come home with are gifts, not injuries.

If you are involved in an accident or are injured in some other way on Black Friday, Bowen Painter Trial Lawyers is here to help you. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Savannah if you think you may have a case. We offer a free, no-obligation, case review. You can contact us online or call us directly at 912-335-1909.

Disclaimer: Information provided on this site is not formal legal advice. It is general legal information. Filing a personal injury lawsuit requires a thorough knowledge of the laws and legal system.