Virginia: Halloween Trick-o-Treat – a Lawyer’s Warnings

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Halloween! It is a time for fun, particularly for young children. It also is a time for safety, particularly with young children.

Parental vigilance assures that young trick-o-treaters do not become crime victims. Older children playing serious pranks, unsavory residents giving tampered snacks, and other unexpected mischief unfortunately are ghoulish specters.

But vehicle accidents loom as greater haunts. Adult supervision, well-fitting attire and lighting devices help protect young kids darting into traffic, tripping on roadways, etc.

Also, costumes should be flame resistant, especially when young ones will be around fireworks, candles, fires, and other combustibles. If a store-bought costume proves not to be flame resistant, a burn victim may have a defective products claim against the manufacturer and seller.

Finally, alcohol, drugs, and other intoxicants do not mix well with youngsters needing supervision. All too often substance abuse transforms good celebration into wrongful death.