The holiday season may be a time for vacation days and enjoying the company of friends and family, but it is also one of the more dangerous times of year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the season sees as many as 15,000 ER visits from individuals who suffered holiday-related injuries – and that doesn’t include car accidents or other types of seasonal injuries.

Because our team at The Daspit Law Firm wants everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season, we’re shining light on some of the most common seasonal accidents and injuries, and providing a few tips for how to avoid them.

Fall-Related Injuries

Falls are common during the holidays, and many of these injuries involve people who were decorating and using ladders. The CDC reports roughly 6,000 ER visits each year for falls that occurred while decorating for the holidays – and about a third of these injuries are caused by falls from ladders. To protect yourself, always inspect ladders or step stools before using them, don’t overreach or stretch when using them, and always have someone who can spot you as you decorate.

Burn Injuries

The colder months and holiday spirit mean more candles and cozy fires. However, these can pose serious dangers, especially when flammable decorations or dry Christmas trees are nearby. Candles are the number 1 culprit of fire-related injuries during this time of year, so be sure to use sturdy candle holders and keep them away from curtains, decorations, and children!

Tree Fires

Christmas trees are commonly the cause of house fires, especially when they are dry and more susceptible to catching fire. Although they may not be a common year-round occurrence, Christmas tree fires are reportedly more fatal than average house fires, resulting in death once in every 31 fires as compared to one per 144 house fires. To guard against this danger, be sure to keep trees away from fires, always inspect lights, and turn lights off before leaving the house or going to sleep. Keep trees well-watered and dispose of them when they’re past their prime.

Drunk Driving Accidents

The holiday season has become notorious for a surge in alcohol-related car wrecks. In fact, this December has been deemed National Impaired Driving Prevention month because it historically sees some of the highest rates of drunk driving accidents and injuries than any other time of the year. Do your part to keep the roadways safe by planning a sober ride, using a taxi or Uber, or simply staying the night where you’ll be celebrating.

Hazards do exist this time of year, and it’s important to be aware of them so you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Of course, we can’t always eliminate all risks, particularly when these risks are created by the negligence of others. If you or a loved one suffers injuries because of another’s actions, you may have the ability to recover your damages by filing a personal injury claim. Our Houston personal injury lawyers can help you learn more about your rights following preventable accidents during a free consultation!