Personal Injury Attorneys in DC, VA & MD Discuss
No one knows better than our personal injury attorneys that DC, Virginia, and Maryland highways can be treacherous during the holidays. But other, often overlooked dangers also lurk during this festive season.
UrgentCareLocations has published a list of common (and not so common) holiday accidents.
- Foodborne illnesses affect one in six in the United States each year. These illnesses last from several hours to a week, and cause a variety of symptoms ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to fever and fatigue. Prevent illness by ensuring that meats are cooked to appropriate safe temperatures, cold foods are kept cold, and warm foods are kept hot.
- 13,000 people seek medical attention each year from injuries related to holiday decorations. Exercise caution when hanging decorations and watch out for broken ornaments that may cause lacerations.
- 13 percent of house fires each December are caused by candles. Never leave candles unattended and always be sure to extinguish all candles before you to go to bed.
- Over 1,000 injuries related to space heaters occur each winter. Make sure any space heater you use carries the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) Keep the heater in an open area and keep pets and children away from it.
- Nearly 2,000 people are treated each winter after tripping over extension cords. Keep extension cords out of high traffic areas, and inspect cords for any damage prior to use.
- Over 55,000 people each year sustain serious back, neck, and shoulder injuries as a result of carrying luggage. When possible, ship packages and avoid extra luggage. Exercise proper lifting strategies, and get help when transporting luggage whenever possible.
- Turkey fryers can reach 350 degrees and cause third degree burns. Use fryers in an open area, away from decks and trees. Make sure the bird is thawed and dry before putting it in the fryer. Wear goggles and oven mitts, and never leave fryers unattended.
- Up to 20 percent of people get the flu each year, with peak flu season occurring in January and February. It’s not too late to get a flu shot! And if you do begin to exhibit symptoms of the flu, such as high fever and body aches, see a physician as soon as possible. Often they can give medication to help lessen the severity of the flu.
We here at Cohen & Cohen understand how injuries can affect both your physical and mental wellbeing. We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and celebrate safely with friends and family. And if you do experience injuries as a result of the negligence of others, remember the personal injury attorneys who put your health first- call on Cohen & Cohen.
