The Most Common Mardi Gras Injuries — and How to Avoid Them

Mardi Gras is a well-known celebration that many people have attended at least once in their lives. While it’s one of the most fun events of the year, if you really think about it, it is a situation that is placing thousands of people at risk of injury.

Think about this: Multitudes of people flock to Mobile, New Orleans and elsewhere, pack the streets in such a way that there is, at times, very little room to move. Floats are driven through the crowds and things are thrown at spectators. When you consider what happens at Mardi Gras as risky rather than simply a fun time, you are better able to protect yourself from injury.

It’s not to say that people should be afraid to attend the carnival. In fact, it really can be a great time and something people should experience at least once in their lives. That said, anyone who attends should be acutely aware of the potential for injury and behave accordingly. Here are the most common injuries sustained at Mardi Gras, and how you can avoid them.

1. Sunburn

Are you surprised that sunburn is the number one injury at Mardi Gras? You aren’t alone. People think of sunburn as occurring during the summer months and, as such, don’t protect themselves adequately during Mardi Gras. Local doctors say they see more cases of serious sunburn during the carnival than they do during the summer.

It’s easy to protect yourself. Chances are you are going to be fairly covered up in the cool weather, so all you need to do is add a bit of sunscreen to your exposed skin and re-apply it every couple of hours.

2. Twisted Ankles

You would think that it would be difficult to sustain an ankle injury when you are remaining fairly still in the roadway, but they are common. People step up and off of curbs without watching where they are going. Or they may walk across the pavement without looking at your feet, causing them to step into a pothole or trip over road debris. It’s easy to avoid a twisted ankle, sprain or break; just watch where you are going.

3. Dehydration

Like sunburn, people tend to think of dehydration when they think of summer. If you become dehydrated during Mardi Gras, you could potentially faint, falling and injuring yourself more severely. Copious amounts of alcohol and soft drinks combined with hours without water leads to the condition.

If you are attending the party, carry a bottle of water with you. Carry two. You can easily stick bottled water in a bag or backpack to ensure that you have access to water all day long. Drink about every 15 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

4. Eye Injuries

Flying beads and other objects could easily strike you in the face, causing injury to your eyes. Stay on the lookout for people chucking objects your way, especially if you are near floats.

Consider wearing a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes or put your hands over your face if you see something flying your way. A scratch to your eye likely won’t result in serious or lasting damage, but it can be fairly painful for a short while.

5. The Flu

Influenza is not technically an injury, but it’s something to be aware of this year. Alabama is still experiencing a high instance of the virus that has landed thousands across the country in the hospital. If someone close to you appears to be suffering with an illness, move away as soon as you have the opportunity. Keep hand sanitizer in your bag, and use it liberally and often.

You want lasting memories of Mardi Gras, not lasting germs. If you begin to feel ill after the carnival, experiencing symptoms like aches and pains, vomiting, diarrhea or a fever, seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis.

Mardi Gras is a great time and millions of people have enjoyed the show since the first carnival was held. Keep in mind that while you can certainly have a good time, you have to be aware of the potential for injury and take steps to protect yourself. Use the tips above to help ensure that you walk away from the carnival as healthy as you were when you arrived.

If you are visiting Mardi Gras in Alabama and sustain an injury that has been caused by someone’s negligence or misactions, call our office. We will review the details of your injury and help you determine if you have the elements necessary for a successful personal injury lawsuit.

Reach out to our team today and schedule your case evaluation. We will advise you of your legal rights and options and help you make the best decisions for your situation. You don’t have to suffer financial difficulty due to an accident that wasn’t your fault. We will help you hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions.