Common Christmas Injuries and How to Avoid Them
In the process of putting up Christmas decorations, traveling around town to go gift shopping, or preparing a holiday meal or party, there are many opportunities for people to suffer all kinds of personal injuries. Here are some of the more common Christmas injuries along with key tips for how to reduce your risks of getting hurt this holiday season.
Common Causes of Christmas Injuries
Some of the most frequent causes of Christmas-related injuries include:
- Christmas trees catching fire inside the home due to overheating lights, open fires, or shorting electrical sockets
- Electrocutions from frayed power cords
- House fires started by overheating or short outs of Christmas lights or electrical Christmas decorations
- Falls off ladders or roofs when hanging up Christmas decoration
- Crush accidents from falling Christmas trees
- Slipping on icy sidewalks or walkways
- Tripping over cords or wires for holiday decorations
- Falls due to alcohol intoxication
- Overexertion from carrying heavy objects
- Kitchen and cooking accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Fireplace accidents
Common Christmas Injuries
Injuries frequently suffered during the Christmas season include:
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Puncture wounds
- Contusions
- Burns and smoke inhalation injuries
- Electrocution injuries
- Broken bones
- Ligament sprains and tears
- Muscle/tendon strains and tears
- Dislocated joints
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Herniated discs
- Nerve damage
- Frostbite or hypothermia
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Traumatic amputation, especially amputation of digits
Steps for Reducing the Risk of Christmas Injuries
Tips to keep in mind to help avoid being injured in an accident this Christmas season include:
- Check all Christmas light strings and electric decorations for any frayed wires. Also, check electrical sockets (especially outdoor sockets) for any signs of damage or wear and tear that may start a fire if something is plugged into the socket.
- Never overload electrical sockets with too many appliances or lights.
- Always unplug your Christmas lights and decorations before leaving the house.
- Have your chimney cleaned before lighting the first fire of the season.
- Remember to keep real Christmas trees watered.
- Only use real ladders or step stools to reach up to high places. Never use anything makeshift like a box or chair.
- Make sure that ladders are placed on solid, level ground before climbing up.
- Avoid allowing too much clutter to build up around the house.
- Place down mats or tape to cover any loose power cords or wires to prevent tripping hazards.
- Child-proof and pet-proof your home before having visitors over.
- Avoid having real mistletoe or holly for decorations, as they can be poisonous if accidentally ingested by a child or a pet.
- Always maintain adult supervision of young children during holiday parties.
- Never drink and drive after attending holiday parties or gatherings.
- Try to avoid driving late at night or in adverse winter weather conditions.
- If running errands around town or going on a road trip, remember to leave early to give yourself extra time to get to your destination. This can help you avoid stress behind the wheel that may lead you to feel road rage or to engage in careless driving behavior such as speeding.
Contact a Scotch Plains Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to someone else’s fault in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC represent clients injured in Scotch Plains, Edison, Elizabeth, Clifton, and throughout New Jersey. Call (908) 325-5571 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1827 E. 2nd St., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, as well as offices in Westfield, Newark, East Brunswick, Clifton, Cherry Hill, and Elizabeth.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.