The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and festivities—but it’s also a time when decorating mishaps can lead to unexpected injuries. From faulty lights to precarious ladder placements, decorating dangers lurk where you might least expect them. At Hilton and Somer, we believe it’s essential to stay safe while celebrating. Here’s a closer look at the risks and your legal rights if you’re injured by holiday decorations.
Common Holiday Decorating Injuries
While decking the halls, people often overlook safety, leading to accidents such as:
- Electrical Shocks: Faulty holiday lights, overloaded power strips, or damaged wiring can cause electrical shocks. These incidents can range from minor burns to life-threatening injuries, depending on the severity.
- Falls from Ladders: Hanging lights on rooftops or trees often requires the use of ladders. Improper setup, poor balance, or defective ladders can lead to serious falls, causing fractures, sprains, or even traumatic brain injuries.
- Fire Hazards: Malfunctioning decorations or overburdened electrical systems can spark fires, resulting in burns or property damage.
- Trip and Fall Accidents: Extension cords stretched across walkways or unsecured decorations can create tripping hazards for residents and guests.
Who’s Liable When Accidents Happen?
If you’re injured while decorating, determining liability is critical. Here are the key parties who might be responsible:
- Manufacturers of Defective Products: If a faulty string of lights or an improperly designed ladder causes your injury, the manufacturer could be held accountable. Product liability claims often involve proving that the product was inherently dangerous or lacked proper warnings.
- Homeowners and Property Managers: If you’re injured as a guest at someone else’s home due to poorly installed decorations or hazardous setups, the homeowner may be liable for your injuries under premises liability laws.
- Employers: For professionals installing decorations as part of their job, injuries caused by unsafe work conditions may fall under workers’ compensation laws.
Steps to Take After a Holiday Decorating Injury
If you or a loved one is injured while decorating or due to someone else’s negligence, follow these steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by addressing injuries right away.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and any faulty decorations or equipment involved.
- Report the Injury: Notify the appropriate party, whether it’s the homeowner, product manufacturer, or employer.
- Consult an Attorney: Personal injury cases can be complex, and navigating liability laws during the holiday season can be challenging. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Protecting Yourself and Others
Preventing decorating accidents starts with being cautious. Inspect your lights and cords for damage before use, follow ladder safety guidelines, and ensure decorations are secured properly. Additionally, avoid overloading electrical outlets to minimize the risk of fires.
How Hilton and Somer Can Help
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury, don’t go through it alone. Help is available today. Get in touch with the Personal Injury Attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC today to discuss your case with one of our Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. Attorneys. You can contact us toll-free at (703) 560-0700.
References:
https://www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk/news/12-hazards-of-christmas
https://usafacts.org/data-projects/christmas-decorating-injuries
