Décor Disaster: The Most Common Christmas Injuries
The holiday season is meant for joy, celebration, and a little sparkle. Unfortunately, for thousands of families each year, decking the halls takes an unexpected turn into the emergency room. According to national estimates, more than 16,000 people are injured annually in the U.S. due to holiday décor mishaps -- adding up to over 312,000 ER visits in the last two decades.
A Growing Problem: What the Data Shows
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) monitors ER visits through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. CNN analyzed that data, drawn from 100 hospitals across the nation, plus actual visits from 2004 through 2023. The analysis revealed that holiday injuries have increased over time. In 2004, around 14,400 people were hospitalized due to Christmas décor. By 2022, that number rose to 15,600. The year 2020 saw the highest spike, with over 20,000 hospitalizations during the height of the pandemic.
Where the Injuries Come From
Injuries were categorized by electric and nonelectric decorations, artificial trees and tree lights.
1. Nonelectric Decorations: The Biggest Culprit
Items like ornaments, wreaths, and other nonelectric décor account for about 8,000 injuries per year. Many involve lacerations, especially from broken glass ornaments.
2. Artificial Christmas Trees: The Fewest Injuries
Artificial trees were involved in around 1,600 injuries each season, fewer than other décor categories.
3. Ladder Injuries: A Holiday Classic
Ladders are responsible for 17% of ER visits. Men are twice as likely as women to get hurt while climbing, even though overall décor injury rates are higher among women (54% to 46%).
Common Injuries Seen in the ER
Pets, young children, and even alcohol can play a role in turning a festive setup into a dangerous situation. The CNN study cites instances where owners are scratched or bitten while pulling a cat out of a tree or attempting to take an ornament out of a dog’s mouth. One preschooler placed a holly ball up his nose. An older man slipped on a plastic snowflake and a young woman tripped over a Christmas tree.
Common injuries include:
- Strains and sprains
- Cuts and lacerations
- Fractures
- Contusions and abrasions
- Ingested objects (particularly among children)
- Lower back injuries
- Head, upper back, shoulder injuries
When a Holiday Injury Isn’t Just an Accident
While many mishaps are due to overreaching on a ladder or stepping on a rogue ornament, others stem from defective products -- poorly designed lights, unstable decorations, or hazardous materials. These incidents can lead to life-changing injuries and, in the worst cases, devastating loss.
If you or a loved one were injured by a holiday product that malfunctioned or failed to warn of risks, you may have legal options. Tom Duffy is considered one of the top Philadelphia attorneys for product liability cases. Defective product cases are complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Contact us if you would like to set a time to speak about a possible lawsuit.