The Risk of Injury During Christmas Decorating with Yaniv Spielberg

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The Christmas season is upon us, and, for many people, that means lights, Christmas trees, and garland. Unfortunately, the weather can be treacherous and climbing on a ladder to light your home can be one of the most dangerous feats you attempt all year. Holiday-related injuries are relatively common, and, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), they are on the rise.

Types of Christmas Decorating Injuries

The CPSC reports that there are more than 1,700 Christmas-related injuries that resulted in hospitalization from 2011 to 2015. In 2012, the latest year available, the CPSC estimates that there were 15,000 injuries between November and December related to holiday decorating that may not have resulted in a trip to the hospital. Typical Christmas decorating injuries include:

  • Cuts
  • Electrical shock
  • Falls
  • Trips
  • Fires

Every year, roughly four deaths are attributed to decorating for Christmas. In addition, from 2006 to 2008, there was an estimated $18 million in property damage.

Fires are a serious concern as well. Real Christmas trees can burst into flames in just seconds if they come into contact with candles. Any type of heat source can be a serious concern for a Christmas tree. Faulty lights also cause an estimated 13 percent of Christmas tree fires. Electrical fires are also a major concern if people overload electrical outlets or overwork old electrical systems.

Falls from ladders are also, unfortunately, frequent during the holiday season. Creative light hanging may require creative maneuvering, but it is important to use care every time you get on a ladder. Having someone there for support can be helpful; do not place the ladder on a slick surface. Testing the ladder for balance and stability before you climb on can go a long way.

Preventing Christmas Decorating injuries

The holiday season can be exciting, but that does not mean that safety should go out the window. Take care to keep Christmas trees watered well, and never leave candles unattended. You should also only utilize electrical outlets to their capacity, and take care not to overload circuits. Use caution whenever you are using a ladder or hanging lights.

You should also be sure to keep an eye on children, who may be tempted to swallow small ornaments or play with flickering lights. Heavy Christmas decorations can cause a great deal of harm to small children as well. Keep larger hanging decorations up high to avoid children or animals pulling on them and hurting themselves.

Legal Liability for Christmas Injuries

In some situations, you may have legal options after a Christmas decorating injury. This is particularly true if you have defective lighting or another product causes your injury. Please contact one of our personal injury lawyers at 1-800-567-HURT (4878) to see what legal options are available to you.