The holidays should serve as a joyous time, but an injury can mar the season. Many of these accidents are preventable by taking extra safety precautions during certain holiday activities and avoiding distractions. No one wants to spend the holidays in the hospital or recuperating, so help protect you and your loved ones by following basic safety tips.
Slip and Falls
The rate of slip and fall accidents, which can result in serious injury, increases during the holidays. Icy and snowy conditions play a role, as does the fact that more people are out shopping, dining, and visiting entertainment venues. When out in inclement weather, wear proper footwear to help resist a slip and fall.
However, there is another major culprit contributing to slip and fall accidents during the Christmas season involving people falling off ladders while putting up Christmas decorations. Each year, approximately 6,000 people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for falling off ladders or step stools while trying to get their homes or businesses ready for the holidays. Make sure your ladders or step stools are in good working condition. If falling is a concern, consider getting a smaller tree that does not require the use of a ladder for putting on lights and decorations.
Burns
A severe burn may result in long hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and disfigurement. Burn incidents rise during the holidays due to a variety of factors. Perhaps the most common are those relating to electrical items or devices, including the use of old lights for decorating trees or the home’s interior or exterior. Check your lights each season before putting them up, and replace them if the wiring looks frayed or faulty.
Holiday candles are another major source of burns. Keep candles away from children and pets, and make sure to use holders designed for candles. You should never leave candles unattended and keep them away from flammable items. Do not place candles too close to each other and keep wicks trimmed at the proper length; long wicks are a fire hazard.
The holidays are virtually synonymous with enjoying an evening by the fireplace. Besides the usual fireplace precautions, take care not to hang Christmas stockings over a burning fire. Keep flammable decorations away from the fireplace, and do not place the Christmas tree close to it. Once the gifts have been unwrapped, do not try to dispose of discarded wrapping paper by burning it. It is possible the paper can cause a flash fire, and some of the dyes used in giftwrap paper may emit toxic fumes.
While most people cook daily, the incidence of burns increases during the holidays. Not only are more people cooking and baking, but they may multi-task to get those larger meals ready and pay less attention to the process.
Delaware County Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Those Injured During the Holidays
If you or a loved one was injured during the holidays due to another party’s negligence, you need the services of the experienced Delaware County personal injury lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. We can help you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today at 610-565-3701 or fill out our online contact form to arrange a free consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.