Common Holiday Accidents and the Harm They Can Cause

As the holiday season kicks off with Thanksgiving and continues into the new year, it's a time for celebration and for reuniting with loved ones. However, the holiday season often brings a spike in accidents, ranging from car crashes to fires to slips and falls, and serious injuries often result. Amid all the festivities, it's important to remain vigilant about safety.

Here are common types of accidents that occur frequently during the holiday season:

• Car crashes — Starting with Thanksgiving, there is a significant increase in traffic on the roads, as people travel to visit family and friends. It is likely that drivers attending celebrations have consumed alcohol, perhaps excessively. Drivers may also fall victim to distractions and fatigue. Additionally, adverse weather conditions like snow and ice can make roads hazardous.
• Holiday fires — Christmas trees, candles and other decorations can pose fire hazards, as can heat and sparks from fireplaces. Other potential fire hazards are space heaters and overloaded extension cords.
• Accidents while decorating houses — Common mishaps are falls from ladders and roofs while hanging lights and installing fixtures for decorations. These accidents are more likely during bad weather or at night.
• Kitchen accidents — Major meal preparation means more chances of mishaps. Oven fires are common accidents, especially when roasting turkeys. Burns can result from handling hot pots and pans, spilling hot liquids and igniting grease and other flammable materials. The increased use of knives and other sharp instruments can cause lacerations and puncture wounds.
• Smoke and fume inhalation — Fireplaces and stoves add warmth and ambience to the season. But if they are not properly maintained and ventilated, they can fill a room or a whole house with smoke and fumes, which can lead to inhaling carbon monoxide.
• Interior falls — Tripping on extension cords, decorative items, packages, toys or other obstructions can result in falls. Loose rugs and runners are also possible hazards.
• Exterior falls — Outdoor falls can occur due to icy or slippery walkways, driveways and sidewalks.

If you or a loved one suffers an injury during the holidays, it's important to seek prompt medical attention. Some injuries may not manifest their full extent immediately, so any harm to the body should be evaluated by a medical professional. This will ensure that you receive the necessary treatment and can prevent complications.

In cases where harm is serious and caused by someone else's negligence, legal action may be necessary to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can analyze the facts and advise you if you have a case for damages.

Seigel Law in Ridgewood advocates on behalf of personal injury victims throughout North Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.