Holiday safety is easy to overlook amid presents, family get-togethers and New Year celebrations. As a personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how the holidays can turn from a celebration into a tragedy.

Understanding what holiday scenarios can become dangerous and what to do after can make all the difference.

If you’ve suffered serious injuries over the holidays, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your options. You can contact us by phone at 864-235-4999  by clicking the button below or through our contact form.

Facts about Holiday Injuries

Unfortunately, injuries over the holidays are all too common. Every year around 18,000 people visit emergency rooms due to holiday decorating-related injuries.

Just this year, a child was killed in Winston Salem, North Carolina after a Christmas tree caught on fire.

Unfortunately, the group most at risk of suffering injuries during the holidays are children. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, young children typically visit the emergency room more frequently than any other age group.

Many of the reports describing adult incidents revolve around slipping or falling, especially from atop a high object like a chair, ladder, or a roof.

Holiday Safety Tips: Christmas Trees and Lights

Falling while decorating your house or tree is the most common, but other situations can cause serious injury.

If you’ve ever hung up lights around your house or illuminated a Christmas Tree, you’ve probably encountered a dull or burnt-out bulb. Unfortunately, some bulbs may be defective and can cause serious burn injuries.

Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their bulbs are safe for customs. If you’ve suffered a serious injury due to a burn, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.

The Belmont Fire Department in Greenville, South Carolina put together some important winter fire safety information. Click the button below to learn more.

Holiday Safety Tips for New Years

New Year’s Day events offer another opportunity to celebrate with friends and family. However, this holiday also comes with its share of risks.

Similar to the 4th of the July, the combination of alcohol and fireworks is a dangerous mixture.

Driving Under the Influence

If you do choose to drink over the holidays, please don’t drive. The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that 40% of traffic-related deaths during Christmas and New Year’s involve drunk drivers. There are a variety of alternatives to driving while drunk.

While New Year’s Day might not be the most dangerous day to drive, it’s probably the most dangerous day to walk. More pedestrian deaths occur on New Year’s Day than on any other day. If you’re walking around downtown Greenville, please be extra cautious.

If you do suffer an injury due to drunk driving, don’t hesitate to contact me. Dangerous drivers should be held accountable for their actions.

Fireworks-Related Risks

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2020, there was a 50 percent increase in injuries and deaths involving fireworks-related incidents.

Practicing some of these fireworks safety practices could help:

• Never let a child handle fireworks.
• Keep a hose or bucket of water close by to prevent a fire from spreading.
• When using fireworks, make sure to light only one at a time

Click the button below for more firework safety tips

Holiday Safety Wrap Up

My experience representing clients in these types of cases can help you make sense of the complexities of your case. It’s important to remember that every case is unique.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at 864-235-4999 or by filling out the contact form below.