How to Avoid Injuries During the Holidays

During the holidays, people get extra excited because there is so much to do! From baking festive treats and setting up colorful lights, to bonfires with friends and family, the opportunities to enjoy yourself in Ohio are endless. However, because there is so much going on around this time, there is a higher risk of accidents.

Although the holidays should be happy and safe, injuries do happen and you may need help from an Ohio personal injury lawyer. Naturally, you want to do everything you can to prevent an accident over the holidays, but it’s also important to be ready should one occur. 

Common Injuries that Happen Around the Holidays

Our activities change around the holidays and we do things we wouldn’t usually do on a daily basis. Just a few of the many things people do for instance include festive decorating, hosting big parties, as well as traveling to see family and friends! 

Unfortunately, with all the heightened change going on, accidents happen. In fact, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that over 5,000 people experience some sort of injury around the holidays. 

5 common accidents Ohio personal injury lawyers have seen around the holidays involve:

• Drunk Driving – Driving while intoxicated sadly increases during the holidays. Always keep in mind that drunk drivers face both criminal and civil liability for their actions. So if you’re injured due to a drunk driver, contact an Ohio personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
• Winter Sports – Many individuals enjoy the winter season because of skiing, hiking, snowboarding, and other winter sports. These activities, however, carry the risk of injury and require more recovery time. The long healing process may also cause problems with your family and career.
• Turkey Carving – Since it really only happens once a year, injuries like this tend to happen more. It’s important to pay attention and be extra careful when carving a turkey. 
• Climbing ladders and chairs – Falls from ladders and chairs are a top cause for injuries during the holidays and can result in lacerations, broken bones and strains. The fall may be due to uneven surfaces, defective ladder designs, or even reaching to hang a decoration. 
• Holiday Visitors – Many visitors come to Ohio to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Although guests are welcomed and appreciated, they may also contribute to accidents due to a lack of local knowledge and not knowing local laws.

How to Stay Safe During the Holidays

At Rinehardt Injury Attorneys, we want you to know that there are many ways you can help yourself and others stay safe over the holidays. By staying informed and being precautious, you and your loved ones can start the new year off on the right foot! 

Here are some tips for avoiding accidents and injuries over the holidays:

Don’t drink and drive – “How much more risky is travel on Christmas Day?” is a frequently posed question. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that compared to the summer vacations, the days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve saw a higher number of fatal traffic incidents. By doing things like avoiding drinking and driving as well as wearing your seatbelt, you can help you and others stay safe during the holiday season. 

Watch out for water and ice – Holiday falls can result from spills in the home, on the sidewalks, or in a place of business. Looking out for water and ice can help you stay safe over the holidays, whether you’re setting up a ladder, hanging decorations, or going holiday shopping.

Follow guidelines – During the holidays, it’s common to do things you don’t do very often, like climbing a ladder. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises that you place the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet you have to climb, also known as the “4 to 1 rule.”

Make sure your equipment is working properly – A little prevention can make a huge difference when it comes to winter activities. It doesn’t matter if you’re climbing a ladder or carving a turkey, you should always make sure your equipment is in good working condition. If something broke recently, take the time to replace it or fix it before using it again.

What to do if You’re Injured During the Holidays

No one automatically expects to experience a personal injury during the holidays, but there are some things to keep in mind if you do.

• First, see a medical care provider for your injury. Even if your injury seems to be minor, seeking medical care can help you if you file a personal injury claim.
• Second, take notes and photos of the injury including how it occurred and any receipts in relation to the injury.
• Third, the Ohio personal injury attorneys at our firm will use this information to help build your case in a personal injury claim.

Contact Our Accident Lawyers in Columbus & Mansfield

If you or a loved one is injured in any type of accident during this holiday season, you deserve compensation and an Ohio personal injury lawyer at your side. 

Our team of experienced accident attorneys believe it’s our responsibility to protect our clients and the communities of Ohio. We want everyone to be as safe as possible this holiday season, but if you do experience an accident, please contact Rinehardt Injury Attorneys for a free consultation and quality representation.