Holiday Decorations Gone Wrong: Common Injuries and Who May Be Liable

The countdown is on: Christmas is only a few days away.

The hustle and bustle of last-minute decorations and preparations is a prime time to be injured. Keep everything festive and merry by planning now to avoid these common injuries related to holiday decorations.

Around 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries each day have been recorded during the holiday season by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This article will cover the most common decoration-related injuries and how to avoid them, plus where to go for legal help if you or someone else is injured on your property. 

Common Decorating-Related Injuries To Avoid

During the winter holiday season, the following injuries are increasing due to decorating factors: 

Fire-related Injuries 

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has recorded an increase in fire incidents during the Christmas season. The most common causes are Christmas trees and candles, which have resulted in property damage, burns, injuries, and even deaths. 

To avoid such incidents, do not put candles near flammable objects and buy a “fire-resistant” Christmas tree, if possible. Avoid overloading outlets as they may also catch fire. It’s recommended to only connect up to two sets of incandescent lights on the same outlet.

Slips and Falls

Nearly half of the CPSC’s recorded decorating-related injuries involve falls. These incidents are associated with using ladders when decorating the Christmas tree or climbing the roof. 

To prevent ladder injuries, have someone hold the ladder or put a heavy support on it so it won’t slip. Don’t try to climb ladders or decorate rooftops during rainy or icy weather, as this puts you at increased risk.

Product-related Injuries

The CPSC has listed recalled products that may impose a risk to human safety and health. These include Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Tree Ornament—Cad Bane—Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett, and Wireless Decorative Tree Light Controllers. These products have not passed or violated product regulatory standards, so it’s not safe to buy and use them, as they may cause poisoning, injuries, or death. 

By being aware of these recalled items and following the product recommendations, you can avoid injuries that these products may cause. But, while these tips lessen the risk of injury, you can do everything right and still be injured by holiday decorations.

Homeowners and Manufacturers’ Liability 

A homeowner or property owner may be held liable for decoration-related injuries if someone gets hurt because of their unsecured decorations. It is their responsibility to ensure safety among the ornaments and other decorations surrounding their property. 

Manufacturers, on the other hand, may be liable if their products have caused injury to the consumer. It may be due to a defect or a harmful material used in it. 

In situations where you find yourself confused about your case, you can consult a lawyer. Carabin Shaw has a product liability lawyer who can help you understand if you have a case. 

Unmerry Holiday Injury? Call Shaw

No one wants to celebrate Christmas with an injury. If you or your loved ones got a decoration-related injury anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Ambulance Costs,

• ER Treatment,

• Surgeries,

• Medical Bills,

• Pain and Suffering,

• Property Damage,

• Missed Work,

• Wrongful Death,

• And More.

We can help you find out for free.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our product liability attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We put our clients first because we care.

We look forward to serving you.