I have proudly been a personal injury lawyer TN trusts for more than three decades. As winter approaches, I want to share with you the most common types of holiday injuries I see. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent these injuries. Read on for tips about how to keep you and your family safe.

Slip and falls on ice and snow

Ice is difficult to spot, both in broad daylight and at night. This is why slip and fall accidents on ice and snow are so common. The most common injuries that result from these types of accidents include:

  • Bruises
  • Sprains and ligament strains
  • Broken bones
  • Back injuries
  • Head or brain injuries, including concussions

To help prevent these types of accidents, make sure to always wear weather-appropriate footwear any time you go outside. In addition, when the temperatures drop below freezing, move slowly when you are outdoors and avoid running or taking longer steps. I like to remind myself that it’s okay to take extra time with outdoor chores in order to be safe.

Holiday fire hazards

Other common holiday injuries come from home fires. These types of accidents can happen when a dry Christmas tree is placed too close to a heating source, like a candle, furnace, or fire. Likewise, the colder temperatures mean many of us will be using space heaters. Watch out for space heaters that may be tipped over by a pet while you aren’t in the room, or heaters that have faulty safety switches. A space heater not placed properly can turn into a fire hazard very quickly.

Make sure to check that your space heater’s safety features are working, and that your tree is placed a safe distance away from any heat source.

Winter sports injuries

Ice hockey, skating, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding are among the most popular ways to stay active during the coldest months of the year. But they can be dangerous without proper safety measures in place. Winter sports accidents can result in the following forms of injury:

  • Sprains, strains, and fractures
  • Broken bones
  • Back injuries
  • Head or brain injuries, including concussions

To make sure you stay safe while enjoying your favorite winter sports, start by always wearing appropriate protective gear. Helmets are a must. Keep your equipment well maintained, and listen to what your body is telling you. Recognizing your limits and honoring them will help to prevent injuries every time.

Winter car accidents

Snow, ice, and decreased visibility are hazardous conditions for drivers. According to some studies, car accidents during winter storms have killed almost 4,000 Americans over the past five years.

Here are some important tips for wintertime driving safety:

  • Never drive until the roads are safe.
  • Leave at least three times the usual distance between you and the driver ahead of you.
  • Avoid braking on icy roads. If you have to brake, do so with caution.

Remember: there is no such thing as driving too slowly on an icy road. Use your hazard lights to increase your visibility to other cars while you drive carefully.

Get help from a personal injury lawyer TN trusts.

If you sustain an injury because of someone else’s negligence or a manufacturing defect, you could be eligible for compensation. Our experienced team is here to help. Call (901) 327-2100 or contact us online to see if you have a claim.

I hope these tips have helped you. Stay safe, and happy holidays.