Top 5 Most Common Christmas Injuries

The Christmas season is a time of joy, celebration, and spending quality moments with loved ones. However, amidst the festivities, it is crucial to be mindful of potential safety hazards that can cause harm to yourself and others. Read below to find out more about the top five most common Christmas injuries and how you can ensure you and your family have a very merry and safe Christmas.

If you are injured this Christmas season because of another’s carelessness, a personal injury attorney can help. Contacts us right away at (225) 761-3822 or through our secure online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers at Joubert Law Firm. Happy holidays!

1. Fall-la-la-la:
   • Picture this: your house, adorned in lights of all shapes, sizes, and colors, when suddenly dad falls off the ladder. In 2019, 14,800 people went to the emergency room because of holiday decorating injuries. If you are using a ladder to decorate this year, make sure you are practicing proper ladder safety or if you are able to, just pay a professional! We love this review guide by insider.com of their favorite tested ladders in 2023. To further prevent slips and falls, use non-slip mats, secure decorations properly, and be cautious of icy surfaces.
2. Toy Troubles:
   • Around the world, children sleep restlessly waiting for Santa Claus to bring them new toys to play with on Christmas morning, but many can pose dangers. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s latest toy-related deaths and injuries report found that there were 11 deaths, and an estimated 145,500 emergency department-treated injuries in 2022 associated with toys for children 12 years and younger. Children choking on small parts, balls, or balloons was the majority cause for the deaths. Manufacturers that fail to place adequate warnings on their product packaging can be held liable when these types of choking accidents occur. The CPSC strongly encourages famililes to follow age guidance on toy packaging, get proper safety gear for riding toys, and closely monitor young children when playing.
3. Scary and Bright:
   • The festive glow of holiday lights is a delightful sight, but poorly maintained or damaged electrical decorations can lead to electrocutions and fires—talk about a shocking twist! Inspect all lights and wiring for any signs of wear and tear before use. Don’t overload electrical outlets, and consider using flameless candles as a safer alternative. If you love to pick out a real tree during the holidays, make sure you are taking proper care of it, and look for the “Fire Resistant” label if buying an artificial tree. The smell of fresh fir is much better than that of smoke!
4. Jingle Jail Rock:
   • Gathering with family and friends to share food, drinks, and memories is a major part of any holiday. Travelling around the holidays can be extremely stressful, especially when others are intoxicated. According to the NHTSA, the time frame between Christmas and New Year’s Day is the most dangerous time for motor vehicle accidents and crash fatalities. Nearly twice as many fatal car accidents take place during this period of time. These deaths are 100% preventable by making a plan ahead of time for how to get home and reporting any possibly impaired drivers to local law enforcement. Rideshare apps such as Lyft and Uber are available in most cities, and if you are unsure of whether you are under the legal BAC limit, there are foundations such as Think Twice which sell single use breathalyzers. Give the gift of sober driving, it can save lives.
5. Rocking around the ER:
   • Ever had a run-in with a rogue ornament? We’ve all been there. Glass ornaments, sharp hooks, and fragile decorations can lead to cuts and lacerations which can end up in a trip to the emergency room. When handling these items, wear gloves to protect your hands and keep them out of reach of children. Consider creating a designated “Ornament Handling Zone” for a fun and simple solution. Additionally, carefully unwrap and store decorations to avoid accidental injuries while decorating or packing them away. Check out this article from The Homes I Have Made for tips and tricks for packing your Christmas decorations away to make your future holiday endeavors a breeze!