The holidays are a time to gather with friends and family and enjoy
the wonders and joy of the season. But everyone knows that to get to
the relaxing part of the holidays, you must first endure the hustle
and bustle. For many, the holidays require weeks, maybe even months of
careful preparation. Unfortunately, though, sometimes in the midst of
all the dashing here and prancing there, accidents happen. To keep you
and yours safe this season, take note of the most common causes of
holiday accidents and how to prevent them from happening to you:
Fire and Flames. The holidays would not be the same without lights.
Whether it comes from candlelight, the lights of a Christmas tree, or
from the yule log crackling in the fireplace, the lights make the
holidays feel a bit brighter. While the lights make you feel all
aglow, they also can be the cause of burns, fires, and smoke
inhalation. One source of accidental holiday fires is tree lights.
Make sure that you replace your tree lights as needed and never string
together more lights than is recommended by the manufacturer. Also
never place anything flammable near open flames from fireplaces and
candles.
Cold Weather Slip and Falls. Oh, what fun it is to take a walk in your
very own neighborhood to see all the lights! But be warned, snow and
ice-covered walkways can be an accident waiting to happen. Slip and
fall accidents may seem to some like an injury that only bruises the
ego, but this is definitely not the case. Serious hip, back, leg,
shoulder, and head injuries can result from a slip and fall. To make
sure that no one is injured on your property, be sure to use salt,
sand, or a product designed to melt the ice.
Winter Weather Roadway Accidents. The same snow and ice that makes
walkways treacherous also wreaks havoc on roadways this time of year.
Before heading out in the snow, check road conditions so you can be
sure to take the safest path to grandmother’s house. Most roadway
accidents also involve excessive speed, so leave early and slow down
if necessary. You will also want to be on the lookout for drivers who
have participated in excessive celebration. Do not engage with any
drivers who are driving in an aggressive manner.
Decorating Falls. Part of getting ready for the holidays is decking
the halls! Hanging garland and lights often requires the use of a
ladder or standing on a chair to reach high places. Before using
either, make sure that the ladder or chair can handle your weight and
is placed on a level surface. If not, you could take a tumble. Holiday
falls can also be caused by tripping on extension cords and slipping
on tree skirts. To prevent an unwanted trip to the emergency room,
keep walkways clear, and make sure that extension cords are out of the
way.
The attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P., hope that you have a safe
holiday season. As always, if an accident does happen that you believe
is due to the negligence of another remember that our office is here
to help. The attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped
countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, and are ready
and are here to assist you. Our compassionate team of attorneys will
make sure that you receive top-notch legal services. To schedule an
initial consultation with one of our Kansas City Personal Injury
Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673.
