The 12 days of Christmas could prove highly memorable this year
- for all the wrong reasons. In all, more than 80,000 people
could be paying a visit to their local A&E department in the run
up to the big day - with an unfortunate 6,000 feeling very
un-merry in hospital on the day itself.
According to RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents) all manner of unforeseen events could prove
disastrous, from kitchen mishaps to slipping on discarded
wrapping paper.
And, as gorgeously festive as it looks, did you know that around
1,000 people a year end up in hospital thanks to their Christmas
trees - and the dangers inherent with fairy lights are almost
enough to have you leaving them in their box this year.
According to the society, other typical Christmas accidents
include:
* Parents who end up stabbing themselves with scissors that
they've attempted to use instead of a screwdriver to assemble a
toy
* Any number of cuts and burns associated with preparing the big
feast
* Children riding their new bikes a trifle over-excitedly, or
tumbling off their longed-for rocking horse
* Relatives and guests, imbibing the old Christmas spirits with
a touch too much enthusiasm, slipping down the stairs or missing
their seat at the dinner table
* Trips over trailing wires from new electrical gadgets and toys
It's almost enough to make you yell "Bah humbug" and forget the
whole silly season, isn't it? But things needn't get that bad,
says Jeremy Newson of The Claim Solicitors (online personal
injury solicitors
www.the-claim-solicitors.co.uk) "Christmas is
all about having fun, but being safety-aware is always sensible.
We have represented many clients over the years in circumstances
which, while beyond their own control, could have been avoided
if others had exercised a little more responsibility."
Jeremy Newson points out that it is important for hosts over the
Christmas holidays to be aware that they have a duty of care to
visitors in their home. "Make sure that your guests are not
likely to come to harm in your home, otherwise you could find
yourself subject to a personal injury claim. Simple actions such
as keeping the floors and stairs free from toys and other items
that could be tripped over and making sure that decorations are
safe and are not likely to come crashing down on heads.
"And always remember that children and kitchens just do not mix.
Kitchens can be very dangerous places with hot fat and knives
amongst the biggest threats and excited children are not likely
to be paying much heed to safety."
So, when making your final Christmas preparations, why not spend
an extra half hour or so making sure that your home is as safe
as it is welcoming. Just a little extra care can prevent most
personal injury accidents from happening and your day will not
be spoiled by a trip to casualty.
About the author:
Editorial notes: The Claim Solicitors specialise in bringing
accident compensation claims for people hurt through no fault of
their own. No win no fee arrangements are always available and
free legal advice is available 24 hours a day. For more
information call 0800 197 3232 or visit
www.the-claim-solicitors.co.uk
Author: Donna McCann. For more information call 0800 197 3232 or
visit
www.the-claim-solicitors.co.uk
