The Most Common Seasonal Holiday Injuries
The holidays are a time of joy and celebration…and, according to research from Journalist’s Resource, injuries. Each year, emergency rooms see a surge in visits from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Here are the top causes:
- Decorating-related injuries are high on the list, with the Consumer Product Safety Commission reporting nearly 18,400 ER visits each year. Falls from ladders are especially common, making up 65% of these cases. Roof falls accounted for 30%. Head, torso, and spinal injuries were the most frequently seen.
- Swallowing holiday decorations is another risk, especially for young children. One study found that 84% of cases involved children under the age of 2. Another study of radiology reports revealed a variety of items swallowed, primarily by children under 5, including glass ornaments, metal hooks, dreidels, and foil-wrapped chocolate coins.
- Burns are also common during the holidays. At a Michigan church Christmas event, one woman’s robe caught fire when she stood too close to a candle. Hanukkah celebrations, often involving real candles for the menorah, also carry burn risks, and even traditional foods can lead to burns if too hot—like biting into a fresh, deep-fried donut.
- Alcohol consumption presents additional risks during the holidays. Aside from impaired judgment, alcohol can also lead to “holiday heart syndrome” or atrial fibrillation. Excessive drinking is associated with a range of hazards, including accidental injuries, violence, and DUI incidents.
- Allergies are a lesser-known risk that may lead to ER visits, triggered by poinsettias, Christmas trees, candles, or certain foods. Parents should remain vigilant with children, especially as data shows that 15-to-19-year-olds face a significantly higher rate of injuries on New Year’s Eve compared to other holidays.
Accidents happen, no doubt about it. But when injures come from defective products or items that are missing warning labels or manufactured improperly, that is another story. If you have been injured due to a defective product, why speak with top Philadelphia personal injury attorney to discuss your options? Contact us today.