The holiday season can be stressful for some and relaxing for others. Either way, we usually end up engaging in activities that are outside of our usual routine, which can lead to accidents. Being aware of the types of injuries that often happen during the holidays can help you avoid a trip to the emergency room or urgent care center.
Sometimes, despite taking reasonable precautions, we can still end up getting hurt. If someone else’s carelessness caused you to get injured, an Arkansas personal injury attorney could help you seek money damages from the at-fault party. Here is a quick rundown of accidents to be aware of during the holiday season.
Fall Injuries
One of the most frequent types of holiday injuries involves falls, according to UCLA Health. Whether trying to attach the topper to an 8-foot-tall Christmas tree or stringing lights along the edge of the roof, over 150 people a day fall off of ladders during the holidays. You might avoid an accident if you inspect the ladder first to make sure there are no broken parts. Also, work with another person when high up on a ladder.
Fires
The holidays involve plenty of fire hazards, and not just deep-fried turkeys. People usually do extra cooking and baking during the season. When the cook is busy with guests and activities, unattended food on the stovetop or in the oven can catch fire.
Live Christmas trees can dry out and burn up in a flash. Artificial Christmas trees should be fire-resistant, but either type of Christmas tree can catch fire easily if the electric lights produce heat or cords become overloaded or frayed. Also, people tend to burn more candles as decorations during the holidays.
Never leave cooking food unattended, be mindful of your Christmas tree and decorations, and be sure to check every candle when leaving the house or going to bed.
Car Accidents
Nearly 100 people a day die in motor vehicle crashes during the week between Christmas and the New Year. Many of these fatalities involve at least one alcohol-impaired driver. When you add holiday distractions and driver fatigue to the mix, you can see why so many collisions happen during the holidays.
Many of these accidents are avoidable. Try to avoid driving on roads that are covered with snow or ice. Study your driving route before hitting the road in unfamiliar territory. Do not drive if you are exhausted or have been drinking alcohol.
Toy-Related Injuries
During the holidays, emergency room personnel see many children who get hurt from playing with their new toys. Skateboards, scooters, pogo sticks, and unicycles can be irresistible and dangerous. Make sure that adults supervise and that the children wear helmets when riding or playing with these toys.
Small parts and bits breaking off of unsafe toys can send a child to the hospital with a choking emergency or a swallowed toy part or battery. Inspect toys for hazards, regardless of the posted age guidelines. Keep an eye on smaller children and educate all children about the dangers of putting toys or batteries in their mouths. With caution and a bit of luck, you and your family should be able to stay out of the emergency room this season. Unfortunately, you cannot control what other people do. You will want to talk to an Arkansas personal injury attorney if you get hurt because of another’s negligence. If you are seeking legal help, get in touch with our office. We offer a free consultation.
