The holiday season is finally upon us. While most people are preparing to spend time with family and friends, finalizing travel plans, shopping for gifts, and festively decorating their homes, it is important to keep safety in mind to avoid an unexpected holiday injury. To minimize your chances of an unwanted trip to the emergency room, be sure to be mindful of the following holiday-related dangers.
- Car accidents: The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the most dangerous time of year on the roads due to increased traffic, bad weather, and a greater concentration of drunk drivers. In fact, according to the United States National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 25,000 people are injured in traffic collisions caused by alcohol each year during this time period. To minimize your risk of a car accident, never drink and drive, drive defensively, eliminate all distractions, and report suspected drunk drivers whenever possible.
- Holiday decorating falls: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 5,800 Americans are treated for fall-related injuries each year associated with holiday decorations – many of which involve ladders. Only using ladders on stable surfaces, asking for assistance, and never standing on the top rung of a ladder can help minimize your risk of a fall.
- Electrical shocks: Falls are not the only hazard associated with holiday decorating. Electrical shocks from faulty or poorly-installed holiday lights are also quite common, with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reporting an average of 5,000 indoor and outdoor electrical shocks occurring each year during the holiday season. To reduce your risk of a shock, never use light strands or extension cords with exposed wiring or broken bulbs, follow all manufacturer instructions, and only use lights that are certified as safe by a reputable testing organization.
- Sports injuries: Many families traditionally engage in friendly sporting events at holiday family gatherings, such as annual football games with extended family. Unfortunately, this can frequently lead to broken bones, pulled muscles, concussions, and more. If you plan on participating in any sort of physical sporting activity, be sure to use the proper safety equipment and avoid overexerting yourself to stay safe.
- Dangerous toys: Unfortunately, many children are harmed each year by the toys they receive during the holidays. Every year without fail, certain toys make it to market which pose serious choking, strangulation, or other serious hazards. In addition to supervising your children and purchasing age-appropriate toys, it is imperative you stay away from any toys listed on the annual World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) list.
Injured? Contact Rourke & Blumenthal Today
If you or a loved one should be injured by another party’s negligence this holiday season, the skilled Columbus personal injury lawyers at Rourke & Blumenthal can provide the steadfast and aggressive legal support you need to pursue full and fair compensation for your losses. With more than 75 years of combined experience and a track record of more than $300 million recovered on our clients’ behalf, we have what it takes to get the results you need.
To find out more about what our team of AV® Preeminent™ rated advocates can do for you, contact our office online or call (614) 321-3212 today.