Burn Injuries During the Holidays: Causes and Legal Remedies

The winter holidays are a cherished time, marked by sparkling lights, family gatherings and cherished traditions. However, nestled amidst the joy and excitement is a hazard that often goes overlooked — burn injuries. Each year, emergency rooms across the country see an uptick in burn-related accidents from December through early January. It is vital to understand why burn risks increase during this time and what legal remedies are available should an unfortunate incident occur.

The winter holidays transform our homes into bustling centers of activity. Kitchens overflow with cooks and helpers, living rooms are crowded with guests and the atmosphere is energetic. These factors combine to create circumstances where burn accidents are more likely, such as the following:

• Kitchen mishaps — Preparing large meals brings together boiling water, hot oil and heated surfaces, all of which can lead to burns from spills, splatters or accidental contact.
• Candle fires — Candles add ambiance but pose a fire risk, especially if left unattended or placed near flammable wreaths and fabrics.
• Electrical hazards — Overloading outlets with strings of holiday lights can cause overheating and potential electrical fires. Christmas tree fires are frequently caused by lamps or bulbs.
• Fireplaces and heaters — Whether lighting a wood-burning fireplace or using space heaters, direct contact or flammable clothing near flames are common causes of burns.
• Hot drinks — Spilling coffee, tea or hot chocolate can cause painful scald burns.
• Outdoor activities — Around campfires, fireworks and sparklers, lack of precaution heightens the risk of serious burns.

Burn injuries can devastate victims physically, emotionally and financially. Fortunately, the law offers multiple avenues for recourse:

• Personal injury lawsuits — Where negligence on the part of a host, manufacturer or individual causes injury, victims can seek compensation for their losses.
• Premises liability claims — Property owners may be liable if unsafe conditions, such as faulty wiring or unguarded fireplaces, result in injury.
• Product liability — Defective products from holiday lights to space heaters may give rise to claims against manufacturers or retailers.
• Insurance claims — Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies may cover certain burn injuries that occur on the premises.

Victims may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma and, in egregious cases, punitive damages. If you or a family member has suffered a burn injury, an experienced Long Island personal injury lawyer can determine if you have a viable claim and if so help you obtain fair compensation.

At Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP in St. James, New York, we have deep experience bringing damages claims for injured accident victims across Long Island. To learn how we can help you, call us at 631-360-0400 or contact us online.