What Is The Most Common Injury On Christmas?

Sprains and strains are the most common injuries during the Christmas season, largely due to the increased risk of falls, overexertion, and improper lifting associated with holiday activities.

People most often sustain sprains and strains during Christmas in the following ways:

These injuries most commonly affect the back, shoulders, knees, ankles, and wrists and may require medical treatment such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.

If you are unsure whether an injury may give rise to a claim, you may want free accident lawyer advice. At AK Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations to help injured individuals understand their legal options.

The Most Common Injuries During The Christmas Season

While many types of accidents occur during the holidays, sprains and strains remain the most common Christmas injuries overall. Emergency rooms also treat other injuries related to falls, burns, crashes, and household hazards during this time of year.

Busy schedules, travel, decorating, and crowded gatherings all increase the risk of accidents during the Christmas season. Here are the most common injuries:

Slip-And-Fall Injuries

Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the leading causes of Christmas injuries. These accidents most often result in sprains and strains, which are the most common Types of injuries overall during the Christmas season.

Sprains and strains are soft-tissue injuries, and there is a distinct difference between the two. A sprain involves injury to the ligaments, which are the bands of tissue that connect two bones at a joint. A strain occurs when a muscle or the tissue connecting a muscle to a bone is stretched or torn. Although these injuries may seem minor, they are frequently reported during the holiday season and can still require medical care.

During Christmas, everyday environments become more hazardous due to increased foot traffic and temporary decorations. Common holiday-related slip-and-fall hazards include:

• Wet or slippery floors caused by rain, snow, or spills.
• Loose cords, rugs, and holiday decorations.
• Cluttered walkways in homes, stores, and public venues.
• Crowded gatherings that reduce visibility and balance.

Falls most frequently cause sprains and strains affecting the ankles, knees, wrists, shoulders, and lower back. These injuries often occur when joints twist, muscles overextend, or ligaments stretch during a sudden or awkward fall.

In addition to falls, people commonly sustain sprains and strains during the holiday season through everyday holiday activities, including:

• Lifting and Carrying — Holiday shoppers, retail workers, and hosts may strain their muscles while lifting heavy boxes of decorations, groceries, or gifts. Improper lifting can place significant stress on the lower back, shoulders, and arms.
• Repetitive Activities — Routine holiday tasks, such as meal preparation, gift wrapping, extended periods of standing, or long drives, can lead to repetitive strain injuries. Working through the busy holiday season may also increase this risk. In work-related situations, a workplace accident lawyer can help determine whether a claim may be available.
• Winter Sports and Activities — Cold weather reduces muscle flexibility, increasing the likelihood of strains during winter sports and seasonal activities. Sudden movements or falls during these activities can further increase the risk of injury.

Holiday decorating further increases the risk of sprains and strains. People often sustain these injuries when they:

• Fall from ladders, stools, or chairs while hanging lights or decorations.
• Lose balance while reaching overhead or overextending.
• Slip on slick or cluttered surfaces, including lawns or walkways crowded with cords, stakes, or inflatable holiday yard decorations, and land awkwardly.

More severe slip-and-fall accidents may also result in fractures or head injuries, particularly among older adults. If a fall occurred because a property was not kept reasonably safe, a slip-and-fall lawyer can help review the circumstances and explain whether legal options may be available.

Burns And Smoke-Related Injuries

Electrical problems and faulty holiday lights can cause house fires during the holidays. Cooking and fireworks accidents can also lead to fires. These incidents often result in burns or smoke inhalation injuries.

Burn injuries may range in severity, including:

• First-Degree Burns — Mild burns that cause redness and discomfort, such as a sunburn.
• Second-Degree Burns — More serious burns that affect deeper layers of skin and may cause pain, swelling, and blisters.
• Third-Degree Burns — Severe burns that damage tissue beneath the skin. These burns may initially cause slight pain due to nerve damage.

Burn injuries and smoke inhalation can lead to expensive medical treatment and long recovery times. Many people in this situation wonder how much compensation a burn injury claim is worth. This often depends on factors such as the severity of the burn, medical needs, and the circumstances surrounding the fire. If someone else’s carelessness caused the fire or burn, a burn injury lawyer can review your situation and explain whether legal options may be available.

Electric Shock And Electrocution Injuries

Christmas lights and decorations can cause electric shock injuries if cords, outlets, or devices are damaged. Electric shock occurs when electricity passes through the body, potentially causing burns, nerve damage, or muscle injuries. Hanging lights or handling decorations without proper safety checks can increase this risk.

Electrocution is different from electric shock. Electrocution refers to a fatal electric injury. While not every electrical incident is fatal, exposure to high voltage or faulty wiring can lead to electrocution in severe cases.

During the holidays, electrical hazards may include:

• Electric shock while hanging or adjusting holiday lights.
• Damaged or poorly maintained Christmas decorations in stores or public spaces.
• Faulty electrical outlets or appliances at homes, malls, or holiday events.

If you suffered injuries from an electric shock or if an electrocution occurred on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, there may be legal options. Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. A premises liability attorney can help explain how these rules may apply to your situation.

Cuts And Lacerations

Cuts and lacerations are common during the Christmas season, especially when decorating or handling holiday items. Glass ornaments and decorations can shatter, causing sharp injuries if dropped or broken. Decorations with sharp edges or small parts can also pose a risk.

These injuries often happen when people:

• Handle broken ornaments or decorations.
• Use tools or sharp objects while decorating.
• Clean up damaged holiday items.

Some cuts may require stitches or medical care, particularly if they are deep or become infected.

Contusions

These are bruises caused by a direct impact on the body. They occur when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged, allowing blood to collect in the surrounding tissue.

Contusions can happen during common holiday-related incidents, such as:

• Falling while decorating.
• Tripping in crowded store aisles while shopping.
• Slipping on icy or wet sidewalks.
• Being struck by a blunt object during games or activities.
• Being involved in a traffic collision, including drunk driving crashes.

While many bruises heal on their own, severe contusions may cause significant pain or swelling and may require medical evaluation.

Choking Injuries

Choking is an accident that occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked. While choking itself is not an injury, it can cause serious injuries and medical complications if oxygen flow is restricted. Young children face a higher risk during the holidays due to food, toys, and small decorations.

Choking accidents may result in the following injuries or outcomes:

• Loss of consciousness due to lack of oxygen.
• Brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation.
• Damage to the throat or airway.
• Aspiration injuries occur when food or fluid enters the airways and reaches the lungs.
• Cardiac complications in severe cases.
• Fatality if the blockage is not removed promptly.

Common choking hazards during the holidays include:

• Food items or small objects such as toys or decorations that can be easily swallowed.
• Swelling in the mouth or throat which may occur after allergic reactions to foods.
• Fluids, including vomit or blood, which can block the airway if a person becomes intoxicated or injured.

Choking-related injuries can escalate quickly. Immediate medical attention is critical to reduce the risk of permanent injury or death.

Chemical Or Toxic Exposure

Chemical exposure occurs when a person comes into contact with a harmful substance through swallowing, inhalation, or skin or eye contact. Depending on the substance and level of exposure, it can cause serious medical injuries and health conditions. Some harmful substances cause immediate symptoms, while others may take time to develop.

In rare cases, contact with dangerous materials can lead to illnesses that appear years later, such as mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. However, most Christmas-related toxic exposures involve short-term or delayed symptoms that appear hours, days, or weeks after the incident.

Familiar sources of harmful chemical contact during the holidays may include:

• Gift wrappers or decorations that contain lead or other heavy metals.
• Certain cleaning products or chemicals.
• Gases from faulty heaters, fireplaces, or appliances.
• Toxic plants used as holiday decorations.

Holiday-related toxic exposure often happens suddenly. For example, a person may inhale fumes from a malfunctioning heater, splash a cleaning product into their eyes, or a child may ingest medication or a household substance.

These instances may result in injuries or medical conditions such as:

• Breathing difficulties or airway irritation.
• Chemical burns to the skin or eyes.
• Poisoning-related organ damage.
• Neurological symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
• Delayed health effects that worsen over time if exposure is not treated.

Many consumer products commonly used during the holidays contain regulated chemicals that consumers may not fully understand. These products may include:

• Cosmetics
• Furniture
• Toys
• Food packaging
• Christmas decorations

If exposure to a toxic substance resulted in injury due to a defective or unsafe product, you may be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” A product liability attorney can help review whether a claim may be available based on the circumstances.

Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including puncture wounds, tearing of the skin, and damage to underlying tissue. These injuries may be painful and can worsen if an infection develops.

Dog bite injuries may expose you to bacteria, which can lead to medical complications. Treatment for dog bite injuries may include:

• Antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.
• Tetanus or rabies shots when medically necessary.
• Wound care or surgical treatment is required in more severe cases.

Under California law, dog owners are generally strictly liable if their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property. This means liability may apply even if the dog has not bitten anyone before. A dog bite attorney can help explain how these rules may apply based on the specific circumstances.

Crash-Related Injuries

Traffic volume increases during the Christmas season as people shop, travel, and attend holiday gatherings. As a result, drivers, pedestrians, and shoppers face a higher risk of being involved in a crash. Many people turn to a holiday season driving guide for general safety reminders, but accidents can still happen even when precautions are taken.

Common Christmas-related collisions include:

• Car accidents near shopping centers and busy retail areas.
• DUI accidents following holiday parties.
• Pedestrian accidents involving holiday shoppers.
• Vehicle accidents in and around Christmas tree lots.

Crash-related injuries may range from mild to severe and can include:

• Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries.
• Concussions or other head injuries.
• Broken bones.
• Brain or spinal cord injuries.
• Emotional or psychological trauma.

Some accident-related injuries require long recovery periods and may result in lasting limitations. If you were injured in a collision caused by someone else’s carelessness, a car accident lawyer can help explain what legal options may be available.

How To Avoid Accidents And Injuries This Christmas

People have a particular place in their hearts for the holidays. Unfortunately, accidents might still occur during this period. To lower your risk of accidents, consider taking the following basic precautions:

• Stay Safe While Decorating — Plan when decorating to avoid falls and other unintentional injuries.
• Avoid Getting Bitten by a Pet — Refrain from petting unfamiliar dogs during gatherings. Some may tend to bite due to overstimulation.
• Prevent House Fires — Never leave stoves, candles, or fireplaces unattended. Inspect your Christmas lights to ensure they are in working condition.
• Keep Your Home Safe — As a host, your guests’ safety should be a priority. Neglecting safety measures can lead to liability.
• Take Precautions to Avoid Slipping — Slip-and-falls on snow and ice are preventable. To stay safe while walking, you can wear slip-resistant footwear, watch your steps, and avoid distractions.

Legal Considerations For Christmas Injuries

Accidents on Christmas may raise concerns about liability and your right to seek compensation. Consider consulting an experienced injury attorney. They can help you identify who may be liable.

Usually, the kind of injury and the circumstances surrounding it determine who is liable. There are situations when multiple parties could be held accountable. The following are a few examples of parties who might be held responsible for a holiday injury:

• Motor Vehicle Drivers — When careless driving, distraction, speeding, or impaired driving leads to a crash during holiday travel or shopping.
• Manufacturers — When a defective or unsafe product, such as toys, decorations, or appliances, causes injury during normal use.
• Property Owners — When unsafe conditions, like slippery floors, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways, contribute to a slip-and-fall or other injury on their property.

Establishing Negligence

To establish grounds for a claim, you need to demonstrate that the other party was negligent. An attorney can assist you in establishing the four key elements of negligence:

• Duty of Care — It is the at-fault party’s duty to act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others.
• Breach of Duty — The person who is at fault has failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.
• Causation — The breach of duty directly caused your accident.
• Damages — Due to the at-fault party’s negligence, you have suffered losses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Holidays present unique risks that can lead to a range of accidents. Being aware of the dangers can help you stay safe. Below are answers to some of the common questions about Christmas injuries.

Are There More Accidents Around Christmas?

Yes, certain types of accidents tend to increase around the Christmas season. While not every kind of accident becomes more common, the holiday season creates conditions that increase the risk of specific incidents, especially those related to travel, decorating, and large gatherings.

Here are Christmas-specific factors that contribute to more accidents:

• Electrical hazards can lead to damage or house fires when outlets are overloaded or holiday lights malfunction.
• Traffic on the roads typically increases during the Christmas season. People traveling to see friends and family or take vacations contribute to this rise.
• Certain toys can be hazardous due to their small parts, which pose choking hazards.
• Slip-and-fall accidents can occur due to icy surfaces and improperly secured holiday decorations.
• Decorations that are not properly maintained or installed can pose a danger. Heavy ornaments, falling Christmas tree branches, and other items can cause injuries to people.

What Day Has The Most Christmas Injuries?

There is no specific day. Driving during the holidays presents the highest fatality rate per passenger mile among all major transportation modes. According to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts, crashes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day claim hundreds of lives annually. Alcohol impairment accounts for approximately one-third of these deaths.

What Is The Most Dangerous Christmas Activity?

Decorating for Christmas is one of the most dangerous holiday activities. Falls from ladders, stools, and rooftops account for many Christmas-related injuries.

Even a short fall can cause serious harm, including concussions, broken bones, and sprains or strains, especially when people lose balance while hanging lights or decorations.

How Many Decorating Injuries Happen Each Year?

According to the CSPC, approximately 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries occur each day during the holiday season. Nearly half of these involve falls. About 14,900 people received treatment in hospital emergency rooms in 2023. These involved injuries sustained while decorating for the holidays.

What Is The Most Common Injury On Christmas?

The most common Christmas injuries are sprains and strains, usually caused by falls and overexertion during holiday decorating and seasonal activities. These injuries often affect the back, knees, ankles, shoulders, and wrists. Although they may seem minor, sprains and strains can still necessitate medical treatment and time off work.

Consult An Attorney For Christmas-Related Injuries

Accidents at holiday events can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Choosing the right attorney for your case can be crucial if you’ve sustained injuries during the holidays.

Consider seeking legal advice if you or someone you know has suffered harm due to carelessness. Call AK Law Firm at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free initial consultation.