Common Holiday Household Injuries (and How to Prevent Them)

The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and make memories. But they’re also one of the busiest times of year for emergency rooms. From decorating mishaps to kitchen fires, injuries tend to spike during the holiday season. The good news is that most of these accidents are preventable. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common holiday injuries and what you can do to keep your home and loved ones safe.

Home Holiday Injuries: What the Data Show

Holiday activities, while fun, come with added risks for homeowners and guests. Many of the things we do this time of year, such as hanging lights, setting up trees, or deep-frying turkeys, aren’t part of our everyday routines. It’s easy to overestimate our abilities or underestimate potential hazards.

Here are a few noteworthy statistics from the CPSC and USAFacts:

Around 160 decorating-related injuries occur every day during the holiday season.
In 2023, more than 14,900 people visited emergency rooms for decorating-related injuries.
Cooking fires spike on Thanksgiving, with an estimated 1,400 fires reported that day alone.
About 10% of ER-treated holiday injuries involve children under age 4, often from swallowing or choking on decorations.

Even small moments of inattention, such as using the wrong ladder or rushing to get things done, can quickly turn a joyful day into a trip to the ER. Taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference.

Hidden Hazards You Might Not Think About

Some risks are obvious, like leaving candles burning unattended, but others are easier to overlook. Here are a few hidden hazards to keep in mind when decorating your home this season:

Avoid placing extension cords under rugs. They can cause tripping hazards and may spark fires if they overheat.
Secure stocking holders. Curious kids have been known to pull on stockings, causing heavy holders to fall and cause injuries.
Keep entryways dry and well-lit. Wet floors, clutter, or dim lighting can easily lead to slips and falls.
Use a sturdy ladder instead of furniture. Chairs and countertops are tempting shortcuts but can lead to dangerous falls.
Keep lights and cords out of reach of children and pets. Chewing or tugging on wires can lead to shocks, burns, or choking.
Don’t overload outlets or extension cords. Too many devices on one circuit can cause overheating or electrical fires.

The best prevention is to slow down and stay mindful. A little extra caution can help keep your home festive and safe for everyone.

Alcohol and Holiday Gatherings

While we’re on the topic of holiday injuries, it’s worth talking about alcohol. Most of us know the dangers of drinking and driving, but there are other risks that come with festive gatherings. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more people are killed in drunk driving crashes in December than in any other month of the year. Alcohol-related crashes account for about a quarter of all traffic deaths during the holidays.

Social Host Responsibilities

In Washington, hosts can be held partially responsible if they serve alcohol to minors or to guests who are visibly intoxicated and later cause harm. If you’re planning to serve alcohol at your holiday party, do so responsibly. Make sure guests have safe ways to get home. If someone has had too much to drink, help them arrange a rideshare or offer them a place to stay. The best gift you can give your guests is helping them avoid a dangerous situation on the road.

Alcohol and Other Activities

Alcohol doesn’t just impair driving. It slows your reaction time and affects balance and coordination, which increases the risk of falls and other injuries. If your evening involves drinking, save tasks like hanging lights, climbing ladders, or deep frying a turkey for another day.

THC and DUIs

In Washington State, driving under the influence isn’t limited to alcohol. THC can also cause impairment, and drivers can be charged with a DUI if it’s found in their system. If you plan to offer edibles or other THC products at your gathering, treat them with the same care you would alcohol. Make sure everyone who partakes has a safe way to get home.

For more details, you can read our post on Driving High in Washington State.

What to do if You’re Injured in Someone Else’s Home

What happens if you or a loved one is hurt in an accident at someone else’s home during the holidays? While every situation is different, here are a few general steps to take:

Get medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s best to get checked by a healthcare professional. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and support your recovery.
Document what happened. If possible, take photos of your injuries and anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as a loose railing or wet floor.
Reach out for legal guidance if needed. Many household accidents are minor, but if you’re seriously injured, such as needing an ER visit, surgery, or extended physical therapy, it can help to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your options.

We understand that it can feel uncomfortable to file a claim when a friend or family member owns the home. Remember, these claims are typically handled through homeowner’s insurance, not directly out of your loved one’s pocket. Filing a claim simply ensures that your medical expenses and other losses are covered so you can focus on healing.

Injured During the Holidays? Talk with a Tacoma Injury Attorney

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If you or someone you love was hurt because of a hazard in someone’s home or another preventable situation, you may have options for recovering compensation. Common holiday injuries like falls, burns, or other household accidents can lead to medical bills and missed work that quickly add up.

At Ladenburg Law, we offer free, no-obligation consultations. Call us at 253.272.5226 or fill out the short form on our website to learn how we can help.