Avoid Slips, Trips, and Falls This Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Unless you need to take an unexpected visit to the local emergency room due to a slip, trip, or fall at home. The holidays are actually the most pronounced time for preventable accidents around the home. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports the average number of emergency departments visits each year nearly reaches 13,000 and happens while patients are busy spreading good cheer thru the months of November and December. Holiday-related activities such as slipping on entryway ice, falling off a faulty or unsteady ladder, or tripping over front door packages and those jolly decorations lining your walkway, impact most injured within the age group of 25 to 55.

To prevent yourself or a visitor from an injury in your home this holiday season, take some time to review these the most common hazards and how to prevent them. And, please share them with your friends and family members.

Holiday Slips, Trips, and Falls

Taking a nasty slip, trip, or fall can happen any time of the year, but around the holidays they seem to occur more often from the many irregular activities, such as hauling boxes and Christmas trees, or using a ladder to hang lights, wreaths, and other holiday decorations. As the weather gets cooler, the chance for black ice along driveways and unkept doorways can quickly become an issue for homeowners and visitors as well.

1. Keep Walkways Clear of Clutter and Ice. Inside and outside of your home, keep walkways clear of extra electrical cords and decorations. Avoid putting things on or near stairs or in the way of common foot traffic. Have your ice melt products ready even when you think you won’t need them. It only takes a bit of moisture and freezing overnight temperatures for ice to form.
2. Watch Your Step and Avoid Overloading. Never carry something that obstructs your view of where you’re going or is too heavy to deliver in one load. Instead, take several trips or ask for help.
3. Inspect Your Ladder. Too many people fall off ladders or chairs while decorating their home or Christmas tree. Be sure to inspect your ladder to make sure it is in good condition and wasn’t involved in a recall before using it. Always place it on firm, level ground away from debris and maintain three points of contact at all times while climbing. Once your task is finished, move the ladder to the next position rather than overreaching.

Holiday slips, trips, and falls often cause more serious injuries like broken bones, strains, and even traumatic brain injuries (TBI). They can also create personal injury or wrongful death, and even product liability claims. Don’t let this happen to you, your family, or your guests by following our tips listed above and help everyone enjoy a safe and spirited holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Owensboro and Madisonville Personal Injury Lawyers — No Recovery, No Fee

If you do find yourself injured at a home this holiday season, we can help. With offices in Owensboro and Madisonville, Rhoads & Rhoads represents personal injury and accident victims throughout Western Kentucky. We offer free initial consultations, and all cases are taken on a contingency fee basis. There is no payment required up front and we get paid only if we win or settle your case. There is NO RISK involved.

Call us at 888-709-9329 or contact us by e-mail to schedule an appointment with one of our Madisonville or Owensboro personal injury attorneys.