Everyone laughs at slapstick because, unlike comedy involving language, everyone gets slipping, tripping, and falling. Injury isn’t really funny, even if it makes a good joke. But it is universal, which is perhaps why we laugh at it depicted comedically. And it can happen at home, the one place you thought you were safe from tragedy.
Stuff We’ve Got
There are countless ways to get hurt almost anywhere, and home is no exception. But let’s not get carried away. Today, let’s consider three types of common household items and injuries they can cause.
- Cleaning Supplies: Don’t leave the bleach within reach of kids or pets. The same goes for anything else that you use to clean the house. Cleaning supplies are notoriously toxic, so keep all tops tightly screwed on bottles, and keep those bottles on high shelves, but also far from anything flammable so as to avoid combustion and explosions as well as poisoning.
- Eyes on the Appliances: Your fridge is so big you could keep a deer in there, whole. But be careful because children get caught in all kinds of spaces, including fridges, freezers, dryers, and dishwashers. After numerous walk-in freezer injuries were reported by parents whose kids got trapped and suffered freezer burn, literally, federal authorities ordered recent models to have a lock inside, allowing escape. Make sure all appliances are locked when not in use and checked for foreign objects (like kids and pets) before you run them.
- Messy Shelves and Sheds: Do you have a shed full of paint supplies, tools, and rotting wood? That is common but also a recipe for disaster. Toxic materials can be found in paints and other products, particularly in old products. These items and dangerous tools must be properly stored to avoid injury to you and others. Keeping organized is imperative for safety and liability reasons, but it also helps you find what you need the next time you have to fix something.
All jokes aside, injury at home is common and tragedy is not always avoidable. Nor is it always the fault of the injured party. Sometimes products are problematic and only through lawsuits are manufacturers alerted to the defects.
Talk to a Lawyer
If you are injured at home or anywhere else, check in with a lawyer and tell your story. Find out your options. Many attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case.
Related Resources:
- Have an injury claim? Get your claim reviewed for free. (Consumer Injury)
- Meeting With an Injury Attorney (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- First Steps in a Personal Injury Claim (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Preserve Evidence and Take Photos (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
