8 Most Common Holiday Injuries
You have heard that old phrase: “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” It is true all year, and it is even more accurate during the holidays. Now is the time of year that is supposed to be filled with joy and laughter, and an injury can put a serious damper on any good times you hope to have.
Thousands of people end up in the hospital every year as a result of holiday-induced injuries. If we all just keep in mind that we need to be a little bit more cautious and have a touch more patience, we can make it through the season without a trip to the emergency room. When you know which accidents are most common, you can take healthy steps to avoid them from happening in your home.
- Cooking Burns
Maybe you are planning to make a large family dinner. Perhaps you are making a few side dishes to take to Grandma’s house. No matter why you are cooking, it is important that you take your time and remember all of those safety skills you learned long ago. Make sure you are wearing oven mitts, keep kids away from the stove when you are cooking, and don’t leave hot pots and pans unattended.
- Choking Accidents
Holidays seem to put the best foods on our tables. In your excitement to eat the dishes you might not see roll around for another year, don’t forget to chew completely before you swallow. It is surprising how many adults choke on their food. Keep in mind that small objects, be they décor or toy parts, can be dangerous for little ones. Keep anything that is small enough for your child to choke on out of reach.
- Slips and Falls
It should come as no shock that the holidays see hundreds of slip and fall injuries. People are climbing on roofs to decorate houses, climbing ladders to trim the tree, and using furniture to stand on instead of step ladders. Don’t take shortcuts when decorating the house this year. Be careful and use the right equipment whether you are decorating the inside or the outside.
- Cuts
You will be cutting into more than you realize this season. From carving the main dish to slicing open packages, you will have plenty of sharp objects in your hands. Take care when you are cutting, watch where your free fingers are, and always cut away from your body.
- Electrical Shocks
Shocks of electricity are surprisingly common during the holidays. From overloaded outlets to frayed wires, there are a variety of ways that you can shock yourself. Be mindful of how many items you are plugging into one outlet, and look for frayed wires before you plug any lights in. If you are going to be hanging lights outside, make sure they are labeled for exterior use and use the appropriate extension cord.
- Poisoning
From plants to food, people end up in the hospital every year because they have been poisoned. Make sure that your meals are cooked properly and know which of your household holiday plants are toxic. Small children put everything in their mouths. Pets are also at risk of poisoning. Be careful as you prepare meals and decorate your home.
- Sports Injuries
There are few things more enjoyable than the annual family football game in the backyard. Before you grab the pigskin and head out, make sure that you are in good enough shape to take part in this year’s game. Don’t overexert yourself and if someone starts to get a bit overzealous in their pursuit of bragging rights, calm them down quickly.
- Auto Accidents
The holidays bring with them congested roads and impatient drivers. They also bring out drunk drivers. Keep this in mind as you travel this holiday season. Leave earlier than you need to, take an extra dose of patience before you start the engine, and consider taking care of the things you need to during the day when drunk drivers are less likely to be on the road. It is more important now than ever before to be a defensive driver.
Don’t let an injury ruin the holidays. When you take proactive steps to avoid common injuries, you are less likely to be spending any time in the hospital. Use this list of most common holiday accidents as a sort of guide to making your holidays as safe as they can be.
If you are injured this holiday season, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the details of your injury. If you or a family member is injured, call our offices as soon as you can. Our personal injury attorneys in Austin will review the details of your case at no charge to you and advise you as to the best next steps. We are here for you and your family.
