Dressing up is one of the best parts of Halloween. From superheroes to spooky characters, costumes bring the holiday to life. But not all costumes are safe. Each year, injuries occur because of flammable fabrics, choking hazards, or defective accessories. If you or your child has been harmed by a dangerous costume, you may have legal recourse.
Common Costume-Related Hazards
Halloween costumes should be fun, not dangerous. Unfortunately, some products on the market fail to meet safety standards. Hazards include:
- Flammable fabrics that catch fire from candles, jack-o’-lanterns, or bonfires.
- Loose strings or small parts that create choking hazards for children.
- Toxic face paints or adhesives causing rashes or chemical burns.
- Sharp or poorly constructed accessories like plastic swords or masks with jagged edges.
- Obstructed vision from masks or headpieces that lead to falls or collisions.
Who Is Liable for Costume Injuries?
Several parties may be responsible for injuries caused by defective or unsafe costumes:
- Manufacturers – for designing or producing a dangerous product.
- Retailers – for selling costumes that don’t meet safety standards.
- Event organizers or schools – if they required or distributed unsafe costumes.
Under Florida’s product liability laws, victims don’t have to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused the injury.
Common Injuries from Unsafe Costumes
- Burns and scarring
- Allergic reactions or chemical burns from makeup
- Eye injuries or vision loss
- Cuts, bruises, or lacerations from sharp accessories
- Concussions or broken bones from falls
Steps to Take After a Costume Injury
- Seek immediate medical care and save all records.
- Keep the costume and packaging as evidence—don’t throw it away.
- Take photos of injuries and the product.
- Collect receipts or proof of purchase.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to evaluate your case.
Preventing Costume-Related Injuries
- Choose costumes labeled “flame resistant.”
- Avoid masks that block vision; use non-toxic face paint instead.
- Check for small detachable parts on children’s costumes.
- Keep children away from open flames and candles.
How Darfoor Law Firm Can Help
At Darfoor Law, we’ve seen firsthand how a fun holiday can turn tragic due to defective products. We hold manufacturers, retailers, and distributors accountable for unsafe costumes. From investigating the supply chain to working with product safety experts, we build strong cases to recover damages for medical costs, pain, and long-term effects.
If you or your child has been injured by a defective costume this Halloween, contact Darfoor Law today for a free consultation.
The post Costume Hazards: Legal Recourse for Flammable or Defective Costumes appeared first on The Injury Advocates.
