The Most Common Mardi Gras Injuries and How to Stay Safe

Every year, about 1.4 million people flock to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras, making it one of the biggest and most vibrant festivals in the world. With the excitement of colorful parades, intricate dances, and delicious food, it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities. However, the influx of people, coupled with alcohol consumption, can sometimes turn the celebration dangerous. 

From minor scrapes to serious accidents, injuries are unfortunately common during Mardi Gras. While some incidents, like catching a virus from the crowd, are hard to avoid, others result from negligence. In such cases, people often need the help of New Orleans personal injury attorneys to cover their medical expenses. If you’re planning to join the festivities, it’s important to know the most common Mardi Gras injuries and how to avoid them.

Injuries While Watching Parades

Parades are the heart of Mardi Gras, drawing huge crowds with their vibrant colors, stunning performances, and festive atmosphere. However, while everyone hopes to enjoy the parades without incident, it’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.

Injuries from Thrown Objects

Parade participants often throw beads, coins, and other items to spectators as part of the tradition. While most items are harmless, some throws can be dangerous. Over the years, people have reported injuries from getting hit by coconuts, cabbages, and even potatoes. A quick tap from a string of beads might not cause much harm, but heavier objects can lead to serious injuries, especially if they hit someone in the head or eyes.

Tips to Avoid Injuries:

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from stray throws.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions like your phone.
• Position yourself away from the direct path of thrown items if you feel uncomfortable.

Environmental and Health Hazards

With the excitement of the parades, it’s easy to overlook basic health precautions. Sun exposure, germs from large crowds, and dehydration are common issues that can dampen your Mardi Gras experience. The festival often involves long hours under the sun, which increases the risk of sunburns and heat exhaustion.

Prevention Tips:

• Apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching shared surfaces or shaking hands.

Injuries for Parade Participants

If you’re part of the parade—whether walking, dancing, or riding on a float—you’re not immune to potential injuries. In fact, participants face their own set of risks.

Common Physical Injuries

Participants, especially those walking or dancing, are prone to sprains, trips, and falls. The excitement of performing can sometimes lead to overexertion or missing an obstacle like a pothole, causing injuries like sprained ankles.

Safety Tips for Participants:

• Wear comfortable and supportive footwear to reduce the risk of injury.
• Pay attention to the ground and avoid obstacles.
• Take breaks when needed to avoid exhaustion and stay safe.

Float-Related Risks

Riding on a float can be exhilarating, but it also comes with dangers. Falling off a float can cause severe injuries, so it’s essential for participants to stay sober, avoid leaning too far over the edge, and always hold onto safety rails.

Important Safety Note:

Maintaining sobriety on the floats isn’t just about personal safety; it’s about the safety of everyone around you. A moment of carelessness can result in serious harm.

Vehicle Accidents During Mardi Gras

Drinking is a big part of Mardi Gras for many people, and while indulging is fine, it becomes a problem when individuals get behind the wheel. Both drunk driving and the heavy traffic associated with Mardi Gras increase the risk of accidents. Not only drivers, but pedestrians are also at risk as they navigate the crowded streets.

Drunk Driving Incidents

Drunk driving is a leading cause of accidents during Mardi Gras. The combination of alcohol, excitement, and crowded streets can be deadly. There have been several incidents where intoxicated drivers caused accidents involving parade floats and pedestrians.

Prevention Strategies:

• Use rideshares, taxis, or public transport if you’ve been drinking.
• Have a designated driver in your group who stays sober.
• Avoid walking too close to roads where vehicles are passing.

Pedestrian and Float-Related Accidents

Parade floats themselves aren’t immune to accidents. In past years, incidents have involved floats striking objects like telephone poles or even veering into the crowd. Drivers, whether of floats or other vehicles, need to stay vigilant and navigate carefully through the busy streets.

Tips for Pedestrian Safety:

• Stay in designated viewing areas.
• Avoid crossing streets in front of moving floats or vehicles.
• Keep an eye on children and ensure they are always within a safe distance.

Fights and Other Drunken Behaviors

The party atmosphere of Mardi Gras, fueled by alcohol, can sometimes lead to confrontations and reckless behavior. Fights over items thrown from floats or disagreements that escalate can cause injuries, especially when tempers flare in crowded spaces.

Common Drunken Behaviors Leading to Injuries

From climbing fences to getting into altercations, many Mardi Gras injuries stem from poor decisions made under the influence of alcohol. It’s important to keep your cool and steer clear of any escalating situations.

Legal Implications:

• If someone injures you during Mardi Gras, seek medical attention immediately.
• Contact the police to report the incident.
• Depending on the situation, the other person could be held responsible for your injuries either civilly or criminally.

What To Do If You’re Hurt During Mardi Gras

We hope everyone enjoys a safe Mardi Gras, but if you do get injured, it’s essential to know the right steps to take:

Immediate Steps to Take After an Injury

• Seek Medical Attention: Go to the nearest EMS station or hospital for treatment.
• Report the Incident: Involve the police if necessary to document the situation.
• Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries and the scene. Gather contact information from witnesses.
• Keep Records: Save all medical bills and any communication related to your injury.

Legal Steps and When to Seek Help

If your injuries result from someone else’s negligence, such as a drunk driver or an unsafe float setup, you may be entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies often resist paying out, so having a dedicated personal injury attorney on your side can make all the difference.

Hiring a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney

In New Orleans, events like Mardi Gras are an integral part of the city’s culture. But accidents can and do happen. Whether it’s a mishap during a parade or a more serious incident, it’s crucial to get legal guidance quickly. Seeking legal advice promptly and ensuring you receive proper medical care are essential steps to protecting your rights.

If you find yourself injured during Mardi Gras and need help recovering your costs,  Contact Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest. Our experienced attorneys have been advocating for New Orleans residents since 2003. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today through our website or call (504) 618-1632 to get started.