One reason that the holiday season is “the most wonderful time of the year” is because of the festive decorations. Many families make memories and carry on traditions when it comes to trimming a holiday tree, putting up outdoor lights and decorating the mantel.
However, the fun can become dangerous if an accident occurs while decorating. If you’ve ever watched National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation” starring Chevy Chase, then you know what we’re talking about…
Below are five injuries that commonly occur while decorating and tips on how to avoid them.
- Ladder injuries. Getting on a ladder can be dangerous. The best way to avoid injury is to make sure you aren’t alone. When hanging lights, make sure the ladder is on level ground and that someone is outside with you, ideally holding the bottom of the ladder and handing you the lights.
- Back injuries due to heavy lifting. Don’t you dread those big, heavy boxes full of ornaments, lights and Santa Clause figurines? Before lifting any heavy boxes, make sure to have proper form – bend your legs and lift as opposed to putting all of the strain on your back. If the box is too heavy, ask for help rather than trying to do it on your own.
- Lacerations from broken ornaments. Ornaments are beautiful, but many are made of glass and other fragile materials which, if broken, can give you a nasty cut. It’s also important to make sure broken pieces are cleaned before children are tempted to put them into their mouths. Use caution when handling or cleaning up broken ornaments.
- Fires from holiday candles. Candles give off a beautiful ambience, but can also be very dangerous. It’s best to use fake candles rather than real ones that can cause your house to go up in flames if knocked over or placed too close to something flammable.
- Electrical fires from faulty Christmas lights. Defective plugs or exposed wires can cause a short, creating an electrical fire in your home. Inspect all Christmas lights thoroughly before using them. If they’re old, it’s best to replace them.
If you have been involved in a holiday decorating accident caused by the neglect of another individual, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you in this situation.