Understanding the Basics of Consumer, Financial and Personal Injury Law

Christmas Injuries—Not a Wonderful Time of the Year for Accidents

The holidays are supposed to be special because families and loved ones gather to celebrate. Christmas is praised as "the most wonderful time of the year." Unfortunately, people often find themselves stressed out trying to prepare and make everything perfect.

Amid that stress, people will often rush around in a cloud of chaos, which can lead to unfortunate accidents. Christmas-related accidents can lead to burns, scars, falls, cuts/lacerations, and concussions. 

f you or someone you know suffers a holiday-related injury due to the negligence of someone else, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

Fires are dangerous no matter the time of year, but did you know that fires are more common around the holiday season? People often relish the sight of a freshly decorated live tree, and while beautiful, it is dangerous if not cared for properly. A tree that does not get enough water easily poses a fire hazard.

It is reported that an open-flame fire is double on Christmas Day compared to any other time of the year. Further, it is said that fatalities linked to holiday fires are 70% great than average. Approximately one-fifth of all Christmas tree fires were caused by a source of heat, such as malfunctioning lights, an open fire, or a nearby candle.

If you suffered injuries or burns resulting from a Christmas tree fire, you may be entitled to compensation. Many people travel for the holiday, so if you happen to stay at a friend or family member's house where the fire took place, it is possible that you can show the fire started out of negligence. For instance, if the owner of the tree did not water it properly, that is a form of negligence.

It is not uncommon to suffer from cuts and lacerations either. If ornaments fall off the tree and break, they can leave thin, sharp shards of glass everywhere. If your host does not clean up the glass properly, it can lead to unnecessary injuries and the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit.

Falling off ladders and suffering a concussion, neck injury, or back injury while hanging lights is another common occurrence. However, it may be harder to prove negligence in such circumstances. If you are unsure if your Christmas-related injuries qualify you for a personal injury claim, it is best to speak with an attorney.

An injury lawyer can go over the details of your injuries and how you sustained them to determine if you have a valid case on your hands. Make sure you document everything properly, including taking pictures and providing medical reports for any treatment you receive for your injuries.


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