New Orleans likes to throw a party. Millions of people from around the world visit to enjoy and celebrate whatever event brought them here. Thankfully, almost everyone has a great time. They go home safe, with wonderful stories about their trip, but a small number of people are not so lucky.
Every year people get seriously hurt due to someone else’s negligence. Whether it be a slip, fall, or car accident, personal injuries range from minor to serious and permanent. These injuries can be especially stressful when you are visiting from out of town.
This weekend, college basketball is down to the final four teams of the men’s NCAA tournament. New Orleans is hosting the last three games. Along with the basketball games, there are a lot of fun events this weekend. If you find yourself out and about, here are a list of tips to help you keep safe, and the good times rolling.
- Use the buddy system. Pick one friend and keep tabs on each other. Coordinate times and places to meet up with the rest of your group. This can be especially helpful when cell service is bad. There will be a lot of people in the French Quarter this weekend, and your cellphones may not work very well.
- Stay hydrated. Hydration is critical at crowded events. It is easy to forget to drink water. This is especially important if you are going to drink alcohol. New Orleans can be hot and muggy. Check the weather before you go out and dress appropriately.
- Do not take drinks from a stranger. You should also avoid drinks that are dipped from large open buckets or coolers.
- Drink responsibly. Drink slowly. Keep track of how much you have had to drink. Eat before and during drinking sessions. Do not drink and drive. Know when to cut yourself off and have the courage to do it. Again, stay hydrated by drinking at least one glass of water with every alcoholic drink.
- Wear proper shoes. You will be doing a lot of standing and walking. New Orleans has a lot of old buildings that have been turned into bars and restaurants. Many have hidden dangers like narrow, unlit, and uneven walkways, unmarked stairs, and stairs without railings. People will spill drinks, and floors can become surprisingly slippery. Business owners are supposed to keep their property safe, but they don’t always do it. A good pair of shoes can help keep you safe.
- Avoid overcrowded buildings and balconies. The risk of death or serious injury is greater when a building is overcrowded. Balconies can collapse if overloaded.
- Take Uber, Lyft, or a taxi at night, especially if you have been drinking. Never get in a car with a drunk driver.
- Know where medical personnel are located. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the event you are attending. Find the water stations, medical tents, and security stations.
- Know the warning signs. If someone is hurt, flushed, having trouble standing or understanding – they may need help. Check on them and do not be afraid to ask if they are ok. Then help them find trained medical personnel.
- Plan your way home. Talk with your friends and family before you go out so they know who you are with and how will get home.
If you or someone you know has been hurt, dial 911. You can find a list of all New Orleans Emergency Medical Service (non-emergency) contact numbers here. There are a number of hospitals and urgent care providers throughout the city. A hospital map can be found here. Hospitals by neighborhood are:
Downtown: Tulane Medical Center Emergency Room. 1415 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, (504) 988-5263.
Mid City: UMC Emergency Room, 2022 Palmyra St, New Orleans, LA 70112, (504) 702-2128.
Uptown/Garden District: Touro Emergency Room, 1401 Foucher St, New Orleans, LA 70115, (504) 269-3943.
Uptown/Carrollton: Ochsner Baptist Hospital Emergency Room, 2700 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115, (504) 899-9311.
Metairie/Kenner: Ochsner Medical Center Emergency Room, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, LA 70121, (866) 624-7634
We hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the festivities. If you are hurt during your visit, personal injury lawyers at Stag Liuzza can help, and if we cannot help, we will point you to someone who can. Call for a free consultation.
