Tips for Having a Safe and Happy Labor Day During COVID-19
The Labor Day weekend is often associated with grilling, the outdoors, and time with family and friends; however, with COVID-19 you may be unsure how to safely enjoy the holiday without putting yourself or your friends and family at risk.
Don’t let the pandemic put a damper on your holiday. Check out these ideas for enjoying the extended weekend despite the coronavirus.
Unable to Travel? Check Out Your Own City
There are numerous guidelines advising against interstate and even intercity travel. This is especially true if you are in a hotspot area or if your usual Labor destination is experiencing a large number of cases. Instead of hitting the road, ditch the car and take a walk.
Exploring your city can be a great way to enjoy quality time with your children, spouse, or loved ones. Better yet, have them join you in planning your own custom tour by seeking out historical markers and points of interest online ahead of your urban expedition. You will be able to share in each another’s company without distraction and without the stress that can come from a road trip.
Go on a Picnic
Picnics are a great way to enjoy good food and the outdoors while also practicing social distancing. Many of us are spending much more time in our homes than usual and much more time indoors than we would like. Having a long lunch at a park or recreational area can help knock out some of the lockdown blues. Bring a soccer ball or a baseball and some mitts to get a little exercise while you are at it.
If you are unable to go to a park, either due to personal concerns or local restrictions, have your picnic closer to home. Something as simple as a meal on a picnic blanket in your front yard can mean a break from routine – and really isn’t that what Labor Day is all about?
Pools Closed? Remember Your Childhood Solutions
Public pools across the nation are closed. Even in locations where public pools are open, you may face additional restriction or you may be unable to enjoy the pool while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Do not worry! Now can be a great time to introduce your kids to the summer solutions of your past. Hook up the sprinkler, grab some water guns, and fill up some water balloons to beat the heat. Don’t have kids? Plan a water gun fight with family members, some friends, or your spouse. It’s a three-day weekend and summer is almost over. You can get a pass for being a little immature for a day.
You May Not Be Able to Tailgate, But You Can Still Barbecue
Do you miss going to your state’s college football games? Well, we don’t have a fix for that. However, you can still enjoy the food! Just be sure to follow your typical safe grilling guidelines.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, foodborne illnesses affect 48 million people every year, leading to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths annually. Try to minimize the risk of cross-contamination by washing your hands before and after you touch raw or undercooked meat. If you have meat waiting to hit the grill, keep it refrigerated – never let it sit out in the hot sun.
Also be cautious when grilling. Loose fitting clothing and inattention at a hot grill can result in fires and burns. Always keep children a safe distance from a hot grill and ensure they understand that just because a grill is off, it does not mean it has cooled.
About Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC
Thomas J. Henry Law is one of the nation’s leading personal injury firms. For over 25 years, the firm has fought to secure justice and compensation for individuals who have lost loved ones due to the negligence of others and to prevent similar instances of wrongful death from occurring again.
Founder Thomas J. Henry and his firm have been the recipients of numerous awards over the years.
In 2020, the firm was named one of the Best Places to Work by Glassdoor for the second consecutive year. It was the only law firm to secure the accolade.
In 2019, Thomas J. Henry Law was recognized as one of the nation’s Premier Law Firms by Newsweek.com. That same year, Bloomberg Businessweek published a feature on Thomas J. Henry, highlighting his firm’s “clear commitment to client satisfaction.” Thomas J. Henry was also named the Best Attorney of San Antonio by the San Antonio Current.
In 2018, Thomas J. Henry was named a Distinguished Lawyer by Lawyers of Distinction and was also recognized as one of the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in the nation by Newsweek.com. In 2017, Thomas J. Henry achieved one of the 10 largest verdicts recorded in Texas for the year (awarded to Thomas J. Henry by Texas Lawyer, an ALM company) as well as the #1 Texas Car Accident, Bus Accident, and Negligent Supervision Verdicts for the year (awarded to Thomas J. Henry by TopVerdict.com).
Recent record-breaking verdicts include:
- $67 Million for a Workplace Accident Resulting in Leg Amputation (Expenses: $250,000 | Attorney’s Fees: $3,570,000 | Net to Client: $4,680,000)
- $50 Million for a Trucking Accident Resulting in Wrongful Death (Expenses: $1,126,381 | Attorney’s Fees: $21,000,000 | Net to Client: $27,000,000)
- $35 Million for a Trucking Accident Resulting in Wrongful Death (Expenses: $100,000.00 | Attorney’s Fees: $12,750,000.00 | Net to Client: $22,150,000.00)
- $30.2 Million for an Accident Involving a Recalled Vehicle Resulting in Spinal Cord and Back Injuries (Expenses: $39,576.15 | Attorney’s Fees: $10,060,980.00 | Net to Client: $20,121,960.57)
- $12.7 Million for a Medical Malpractice Resulting in Spinal Cord and Back Injuries (Expenses: $300.000.00 | Attorney’s Fees: $2,000,000.00 | Net to Client: $10.4 Million – Purchase of Lifetime Annuity)
- $10.9 Million for Medical Malpractice Resulting in Spinal Cord and Back Injuries (Expenses: $300,000.00 | Attorney’s Fees: $3,200,000.00 | Net to Client: $4,029,762.00 – Purchase of Lifetime Annuity)
- $10 Million for a Company Vehicle Accident Resulting in Spinal Cord and Back Injuries (Expenses: $125,000.00 | Attorney’s Fees: $4,250,000.00 | Net to Client: $5,625,000.00)
In 2016, Forbes Magazine named Thomas J. Henry a “Texas Leader in Law,” noting his ability to secure large financial awards, a positive reputation among professional peers, and a dedication to philanthropy at the local, national, and global levels.
Thomas J. Henry is also a lifetime member of both the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and of Rue Ratings’ “Best Attorneys of America.”
Outside of the courtroom, the firm is known for its many philanthropic endeavors and generous contributions to local and global communities.
The firm has an active philanthropy program which supports causes related to poverty, veterans, national disaster relief, education, animals, and the arts.
Thomas J. Henry is also a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum – the latter of which is recognized as one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States with less than 1% of U.S. lawyers listed as members. Mr. Henry has also been declared a Lifetime Charter member of Rue Ratings’ “Best Attorneys in America.”
