The holiday season is full of excitement – traveling, decorations, lights and parties. Unfortunately, all of these situations, combined with all of the traffic and crowds, typically result in an increase in accidents, slip and falls, and other holiday related injuries. As we approach the holiday season, we though that we would address some of the more common mishaps that tend to occur more frequently at this time of year.
If you have been harmed by a faulty product or drunken reveler, don’t hesitate. Call Probinsky & Cole to discuss your case and file any necessary claims for damages.
Most Common Holiday Accidents & Mishaps
House Fires: During the holidays, the chances of house fires are multiplied. For instance, people tend to light candles far more often, and 13% of house fires are attributed to these open flames. 50% of Christmas tree fires are due to faulty wiring on strings of electric bulbs, which ignite dried out tree needles. There is also a danger in regards to outside Christmas lights, as outlets are exposed to weather and wires can become deteriorated or chewed on.
Decorating Accidents: Nearly 6,000 people per year fall off their roof when trying to hang Christmas lights or install decorations; and 13,000 more are injured in other decoration-related accidents. Some fall off ladders when decorating trees, others suffer electric shock or even electrocution by faulty Christmas lights or mechanical décor. (Click here to read more about product liability.)
Food Poisoning: During the holidays, people tend to eat in many different locations, and party hosts often experiment with foods they are not familiar with. Every year, people are sickened by turkeys which are improperly thawed. In other cooking related accidents, over 100,000 people each holiday season are treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by scalding. Deep frying is one of the most popular ways to cook the turkey, but the hot oil can cause serious burns.
Baggage Related Injuries: Over 55,000 people per year suffer neck, back and shoulder injuries simply by carrying their luggage and baggage while traveling.
Trip and Falls: Nearly 2,000 people per year are treated for sprains, breaks and lacerations caused by tripping over extension cords which are not properly fastened to the floor or secured. If these falls take place in a public place (such as a shopping mall or office building) you may be eligible for a cash settlement.
Car Accidents: The good news is that with the increase in awareness about drunk driving (and the rise of convenient rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft) , the number of accidents related to intoxication is actually down n recent years. However, in the United States traffic has increased by 3% annually over the holiday season. More people on the road equals more opportunity for auto accidents and mishaps. The most common personal injury cases in Florida involve car accidents, and these increase during the holiday season.
If you have been injured by a reckless driver or a string of faulty Christmas lights – you may be able to recover your costs for medical care. This holiday season, be safe and be aware – but if you are injured by someone else’s negligence or by a product defect, call the experts at Probinsky & Cole. Don’t let an unexpected holiday accident ruin the rest of your year.
