11 common injuries that happen at Christmas

Typically, Christmas is a much busier time meaning people spend more time out and about, whether that be shopping, celebrating or just enjoying the crisp winter air. However, this also means it’s a more common time for accidents to take place. 

Below we have listed the eleven most common injuries that occur over Christmas that may mean you may be entitled to compensation:

1. Slips and Trips – over the Christmas period the weather is typically colder meaning there’s a higher chance of ice covering the pavements. This can make for a dangerous fall; it is the responsibility of the council or private business to ensure measures are put in place to reduce the risk of these accidents. Places are also typically busier around Christmas meaning overcrowding in places like shops is possible and could lead to a nasty fall particularly if floors are wet and slippery owing to a failure to mop adequately or at all.
2. Choking – more people tend to eat out at Christmas and eat more sweets. There is an increase in the number of choking incidents over the festive period. Any packaging or menus should have adequate warnings for any products that may cause choking.
3. Allergies and Food Poisoning – again more people tend to eat out over the festive period and an increased number of allergic reactions and food poisoning is recorded. Restaurants should ask if you have any allergies and should accommodate these when preparing your meal. 
4. Christmas Party – most workplaces host a Christmas party at a third-party venue. It’s likely that people will drink alcohol and whilst this alone may lead to accidents, without more, it would be no fault of the venue. However, if an accident occurs due to neglect and/or breach of statutory obligations by the venue, for example, a neglected item, slippery floors or broken glass then you may be entitled to a personal injury claim. See our Common Misconceptions that employees have at Christmas article by clicking here
5. Car Park Accidents – as more people head to the shops, car parks will become busier with pedestrians and cars making it more dangerous for pedestrians and cars alike. The festive period sees an increase in car and pedestrian collisions in car parks.
6. Road Traffic Accidents – more people travel over the festive period than any other time of the year meaning the roads are much busier. People also travel further to visit family meaning more people rely on sat-navs and become distracted. This leads to an increase in RTA’s over the festive period.
7. Drunk Driving – the number of drunk drivers on the road over the Christmas period almost doubles, this leads to an increase in the number of accidents due to drunk drivers.
8. Pedestrian injuries – given the number of people celebrating over the festive season, it is not always possible to secure taxis as and when needed and/or taxis are late or do not show up increasing the likelihood of people walking to any given destination. With footpaths being covered in leaves, there can be a temptation to walk closer to the edge of the road or on the actual road increasing the risk of being injured on unlit roads.
9. Electric Shocks / Burns – the festive period sees an increase in the number of electric shocks and burns. This is usually down to faulty lights, heaters, home appliances and extension cords. 
10. Defective Gifts – unfortunately, these injuries are most likely to happen to children as they are given toys or electronics that don’t work properly. However, it can also happen with things like jewellery and furniture.
11. Bikes/scooter accident – often seen as an exciting gift, the pleasure of receiving a bike or scooter can be short lived particularly if such gifts are not complimented with a suitable protective helmet and high visibility clothing and lights. Sadly, inexperienced owners of such gifts can be more vulnerable to significant and serious injuries.

Despite Christmas being a festive season, we understand not everyone will experience the festive spirit. That’s why our Personal Injury team are here to help or offer advice on any injury you suffered, which wasn’t your fault. Please contact our team on 01302 341414 or 0114 272 1884 or you can fill out our online enquiry form if you require any further assistance!

We have further articles on our website relating to personal injury, here are three that you may find helpful:

• How can a child bring a personal injury claim?
• How would I make a personal injury claim? 
• 6 tips: Bringing a personal injury claim

All of the staff here at Taylor Bracewell would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.