Our Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss Injury Risks During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy spending time with friends and family. However, certain injury risks become more prevalent during the holidays; and, unfortunately, these risks lead to serious and fatal accidents each year. In this article, our Columbus personal injury lawyers discuss some common holiday-related injury risks and explain what accident victims and their loved ones can do to assert their legal rights.
Common Injury Risks During the Holidays in Ohio
All types of accidents can lead to serious injuries. During the holiday season, some of the biggest injury risks include:
Traffic Accidents
As the roads become more congested with shoppers and travelers, the risk of auto accidents increases. Not only is increased traffic a concern during the holidays, but the increased risk of distracted driving is a concern as well. With more drivers trying to find their way and coordinate plans while doing so, distracted driving is a major concern during the holiday season.
Weather-Related Accidents
Snow and ice present various risks during the holidays. They can make the roads extremely dangerous, and they can make sidewalks, parking lots and driveways dangerous as well. Weather-related collisions and falls often result in serious injuries—from concussions and spinal trauma to soft tissue injuries and broken bones.
Ladder Accidents
From removing snow to putting up lights, many people find themselves using their ladders during the holiday season. While ladders should be safe for their intended use, design flaws and other defects can present significant safety hazards. Borrowing a neighbor’s ladder that is in poor condition can lead to an unexpected fall as well.
Cooking Accidents
Frying, baking, roasting, simmering and sauteing are staples of holiday food preparation. Similar to ladders, while cooking appliances should be safe, this isn’t always the case. Gas leaks, electrical malfunctions and other issues can lead to fires, explosions and other accidents, and these accidents can leave victims suffering from severe traumatic injuries.
Accidents at Work
Whether due to limited staffing or co-workers being anxious to get home for the holidays, work-related accidents are a significant concern during the holiday season. Many jobs, particularly those that require workers to ensure the elements outside, can become more dangerous during the winter months as well.
Asserting Your Legal Rights After an Accident During the Holidays
If you or a loved one gets injured during the holidays, what should you do? Most importantly, you should seek medical attention right away. If possible, you should also take photos of the scene of the accident, and you should take detailed notes about what happened. You should then schedule a time to speak with a Columbus personal injury lawyer. While you will need to remain involved in your case, your lawyer will be able to handle most of the legwork while you focus on doing your best to enjoy the holiday season.
Speak with a Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer for Free
Do you need to speak with a Columbus personal injury lawyer? If so, we encourage you to get in touch. Call 888-444-7440 or contact us online for a free consultation.