Attorney
In Wednesday’s blog, we discussed pool safety over the summer months—with this in mind, we would like to continue the trend of summer tips, this time focusing on grilling.
Did you know that three out of every five households in America has a gas grill for cooking? Although BBQs can be a great way for families and friends to gather, you should still use caution when operating a gas or charcoal grill.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year, grills cause about 8,800 home fires. Additionally, in 2012, grilling accidents caused almost 17,000 people to be sent to emergency rooms for injury treatment. Some of these injuries included severe burns.
As July is the most popular month for grilling in the U.S., followed by June and August, to avoid a gas grilling accident, the agency noted that you might want to take the following safety precautions:
- Check the major connection points on the grill and tighten them if they are loose
- Check the gas tank hose for potential leaks
- If you smell gas while cooking, turn off the gas connection and move away from the grill immediately
As for charcoal grills, the agency recommends the following:
- If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal fluid
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing of in a metal container
Contacting an Attorney Following a Grilling Accident
If you have been injured on someone else’s property because of a grilling accident, you should speak to our injury attorneys. You may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability or general injury claim.
As we reported Wednesday, claims involving injuries that occur on someone else’s property can be complex and often result in communication with insurance companies.
Remember, property owners have a duty to make sure their grills are safe before a get-together. We represent premises liability victims throughout the country. Have a wonderful weekend, and stay safe!
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys
Source: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/outdoors/grilling/grilling-safety-tips