The holiday season can be a wonderful time to spend with your loved ones. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous times of the year.
Our Santa Clara County personal injury attorneys want everyone to have a safe and joyous holiday season. Below, we discuss some of the most common holiday injuries suffered during the holiday season. We also provide tips on how to avoid them.
Injuries From Toys
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were more than 166,000 toy-related, emergency department-treated injuries and deaths to children younger than 15 in 2018.
You should always follow age guidance and safety information provided on toy packaging. For certain toys, like bicycles or riding toys, children should always wear helmets and other safety gear. Additionally, keep small toys, pieces of toys and all packaging away from young children who could choke on them.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are common holiday injuries. Sidewalks and parking lots can be slippery from rain, snow and ice. You should inspect and treat your sidewalks and walkways for ice, snow and debris. Wearing shoes with appropriate traction for the weather and terrain may also help you avoid an accident.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are some of the most common holiday injuries. Cooking is the number one source of residential fires during the holidays. Make sure you allow plenty of time to prepare and cook your food. A few ways to avoid cooking fires include:
- Never leave food unattended
- Keep children away from the cooking area
- Clean up your cooking area
- Move any food packaging or potholders away from the stove top
Candles are another cause of burn injuries. Use appropriate candle holders and keep them away from decorations, curtains and children.
Christmas Tree Fires
According to the CPSC, on average, there are 200 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season. Christmas trees are one of the most common sources of holiday injuries.
Real trees are beautiful, yet they can be very hazardous when they dry out. Make sure you keep it well watered. If you have an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-resistant.
To help avoid fire, replace older Christmas lights with new energy-efficient lights. Also, never leave the lights on when you are not home or while you are sleeping.
Car Accidents
There is a significant surge in car accidents during the holiday season. This is due to a number of factors, including increased traffic for holiday travel and alcohol-related car crashes.
Try to avoid peak driving times and always avoid driving distracted. Before traveling for the holidays, you should know what to do in the event of an accident.
Drunk driving is preventable. Do not drink and drive. Plan for a designated driver, stay the night, or use a transportation service if you must get somewhere after you have been drinking.
Injured During the Holiday Season?
It is important to keep in mind and be aware of safety hazards not only during the holidays, but year round. Unfortunately, you cannot always eliminate the risk of injury. This is especially true when the negligent acts of others create the risk.
The Santa Clara County personal injury attorneys at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP help accident victims who were injured because of someone else’s negligence. Our attorneys provide aggressive representation to clients injured in the Bay Area. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at (408) 716-1668 or contact us online today