With the Holidays Come Higher Risks of Fires and Burn Injuries

The fall and winter holidays are celebrated with festivities, and family gatherings, but they also see a notable increase in fires and resulting burn injuries. This spike is due to the widespread use of fireplaces, cooking appliances, space heaters and decorative lights, all of which pose heightened fire risks when used improperly or negligently. Understanding these risks and their consequences is important for preventing accidents and taking appropriate action when injuries occur.

Fireplaces and chimneys are popular during colder months, but they are significant fire hazards if not maintained. A buildup of creosote in chimneys can ignite, leading to chimney fires. Faulty dampers or improperly disposed ashes may also result in home fires. Space heaters pose significant risks, especially when placed near flammable objects like furniture, curtains or holiday decorations. Many space heaters lack automatic shut-off mechanisms, increasing the risk of overheating and igniting.

Home cooking fires are common during the holidays, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Turkey fryers, for instance, require using large amounts of hot oil and can cause grease fires if they spill over or tip over. A unit can explode if the turkey is frozen or inadequately thawed. Kitchen oven fires are also more common, with the potential of severe burns and smoke inhalation.

Christmas trees and holiday lights add beauty but also are potentially dangerous. A dry natural tree can ignite quickly if adorned with hot incandescent lights or faulty electrical cords. Overloaded electrical outlets and frayed wires can spark fires. Inflatable decorations and electric-powered displays in yards, when improperly set up or subjected to inclement weather, further contribute to fire risks.

Injuries resulting from holiday fires can range from minor to severe burns. Minor burns may involve redness and swelling, while severe burns can cause deep tissue damage and permanent scarring. Victims may also suffer from smoke inhalation, leading to respiratory issues, or require extensive skin grafts if the burns are extensive. Psychological trauma is another consequence, especially for children and individuals involved in such incidents.

Burn victims may pursue legal claims against various parties responsible. A homeowner may be held liable for injuries sustained by guests if fire hazards were foreseeable, such as an uninspected fireplace or a poorly secured or improperly placed space heater. Manufacturers of defective products like space heaters or faulty lights that malfunctioned and caused fires may face product liability lawsuits. Landlords can be held accountable for failing to maintain or repair fire safety equipment like smoke detectors. An experienced New York personal injury attorney can advise you about what remedies you may have.

If you or a loved one suffers injuries in an accident caused by other people’s negligence, you deserve financial compensation. At Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP in St. James, New York, we have nearly eight decades of combined experience handling such claims for clients across Long Island. To learn how we can help you, contact us online or call us at 631-360-0400.