Washington, D.C. – As Thanksgiving and Black Friday approach, Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) is issuing a consumer awareness alert to help families and small businesses stay safe — not just from kitchen hazards and shopping chaos, but from the growing number of lawsuits that increasingly accompany the holiday weekend.
Across the country, both households and retailers have become surprising targets for litigation tied to Thanksgiving festivities and Black Friday sales, ranging from deep-fried turkey fires and holiday-meal injuries, to overcrowded store conditions.
“Thanksgiving should be about family, food, and gratitude — not lawyers circling your turkey fryer or your storefront,” said Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of PACT. “When law firms openly advertise for deep-fryer burn cases and Black Friday stampede injuries, it’s clear America’s lawsuit culture has gone too far. Families and small businesses deserve to enjoy the holiday without fearing a lawsuit on their doorstep.”
Personal-injury law firms across the country remind consumers and retailers that once you host a meal or open your doors for Black Friday, you open yourself up to lawsuits.
Recent examples of Thanksgiving and Black Friday legal trouble include:
Deep frying a turkey? You might think twice. Many law firms advertise for turkey fryer injuries, calling Thanksgiving kitchens “crisis situations.” One firm notes that “if you were injured in a turkey frying accident at someone else’s house, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries against the property owner.”
Having a large gathering? Be careful how many friends you invite. One law firm warns that “overcrowded kitchens” are hazards and that “family members… may share responsibility for resulting injuries.”
Own a small business? Be mindful on Black Friday, as lawyers advertise that shoppers may be entitled to compensation if too many people are shopping at your store, or your aisles are too full of merchandise.
Running a small business with limited staff? Be aware that lawyers argue you can be sued if understaffing contributes to conflicts, chaos, or competition over limited merchandise. As one firm notes, individuals may have legal claims “if inadequate staffing leads to conflicts over limited merchandise.”
PACT urges all families and small businesses to take commonsense precautions this Thanksgiving and Black Friday:
Consider putting the deep fryer away.
Inspect your home or store front: Clear ice, secure rugs, remove tripping hazards, and improve lighting.
Check your liability insurance: Ensure your homeowner’s or business policy is up to date.
If you’re a retailer, plan ahead for crowds, manage lines, post clear signage, and have adequate staffing levels.
Thanksgiving weekend should be spent celebrating, not worrying about lawsuits. But as long as lawyers aggressively advertise for holiday-related claims, consumers and small businesses must remain vigilant.