The holidays are a wonderful time of fun and family. Unfortunately, they’re also known as a common time of the year for personal injuries due to a wide range of factors. The good news is, with some tips, you can avoid personal injury claims this season.
3 Common Holiday Personal Injury Claims & How to Avoid Them
Many types of personal injuries happen throughout the year. During the holidays, three of the most common include car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents and injuries caused by defective gifts.
Car Accidents
Car accidents often occur around this time due to wintry weather, increased traffic, and drivers operating their vehicles under the influence after attending holiday parties. To protect yourself from injury due to these accidents:
- Wear your seatbelt: You should always buckle up, even if you’re just going to a holiday party around the corner.
- Avoid driving in the elements: If the weather is dangerous, do what you can to stay put. Even the smallest amount of ice on the road can cause serious accidents.
- Don’t drive distracted: When driving, put your phone down and avoid other distractions. You need to be able to act fast to avoid an accident while on the road.
Slips and Falls
Slip-and-fall accidents often occur due to ice, but they can also happen after you spill your eggnog. These accidents can cause a variety of serious injuries such as fractures, burns, contusions and more. To avoid these injuries:
- Wear the right shoes: When out in the elements, wear slip-resistant shoes made for outdoor wear.
- Use snow-melting salt on surfaces: For the surfaces around your home such as your front steps and sidewalk, use ice melt salt to alleviate slick surfaces.
- Avoid visibly wet surfaces: Remember to clean up spills immediately. If the surface you plan to walk across looks wet, avoid it if you can. When out and about, pay attention to wet floor signs.
Defective Gifts & Toys
Believe it or not, some gifts and toys result in injuries during the holidays. For example, batteries used in toys and electronics may cause burns if not used properly. Small parts can become choking hazards for small children. Here are ways to keep your family safe from defective toys this holiday season:
- Buy age-appropriate gifts: When shopping for children during the holidays, pay attention to age labels, typically located on the outside of the item’s packaging.
- Be on the lookout for safety instructions: As the recipient of a gift, make sure you read the safety instructions included. This will help you avoid injury by showing you how to use the product correctly.
- Examine gifts for tampering: If you pick up a box or item that looks damaged or defective, don’t purchase it. It may have been returned defective or suffered damages while on the shelf.
Hurt During the Holidays? Reach Out to the White & Associates Team.
Have you or a loved one suffered a holiday injury relating to a slip and fall, defective gift, car accident or something else entirely? We’re here to help. To learn more about our legal services, give us a call at 763-241-0477 or send us a message.
