Top Tips on Avoiding Personal Injury Over the Holiday Season

Reynolds and Reynolds Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Frisco TXIt’s the most wonderful time of the year… and the most dangerous.

The holiday season brings peace, love, joy, and a hectic schedule. This frenetic holiday energy often puts us in more of a rush to get everything on our lists accomplished, making us less careful.  In December 2015 there were over 14,000 hospital-treated injuries related to holiday decorations alone.  Avoiding personal injuries during the holidays is something else to add to the already lengthy list, but it will save time and money in the long run!  We’ve put together a list for you to give you a head start.

The first thing to consider during the holiday season concerning personal injuries is slowing down.  Everyone is busy, and there is so much to do that it is easy to rush through or skip essential steps during decorating or assembly.  Slowing down and being more cautious allows us to see things that could be dangerous in advance, instead of realizing the danger as it’s happening.  It is better to take an extra hour to hang your lights because you were not in a rush, then to spend four hours in the emergency room with an injury!  Choose restaurants wisely and in advance instead of last minute because you’re in a rush.  Food poisoning can put you out of commission for days and who wants to miss out on all the great holiday food?

Take the time to plan out your process in advance.  For example, plan your shopping route and timing to avoid the highest traffic locations and time of day.  Also, plan to have the proper height ladder to hang your lights in advance by contacting friends or investing in the right size.  Do outside decorating at the warmest time of day when there is less likely to be ice hiding on the roof and enough light to allow you to see what you’re doing correctly.  Plan to have an adult helper or two to hold the ladder, hand you tools that are out of reach, help you back into or out of a tight parking spot, etc.  For ladders in particular, for every four feet of height, you are going up the ladder, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the side of the house or wall.

Do not mix alcohol and holiday preparations.  It isn’t worth it.  Many holiday injuries involve alcohol and the lack of judgment that comes along with even the smallest glass of eggnog.  It is easy to get caught up in the spirit of celebration and allow yourself too many spirits in your glass, but there is plenty of time for celebration once you finish the work.  Also, be on the lookout for others who might not have the best judgment when it comes to alcohol.

Enjoy this holiday season by slowing down, planning ahead, and staying safe!

Reynolds & Reynolds Law Firm | Personal Injury Law Frisco TX | https://rrlfirm.com/