At Minton Law Firm, we care deeply about the safety of Arkansas families—especially during the holiday season, when excitement and activity are at their peak. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and decorating homes to create a festive atmosphere, but it’s also one of the most common times of year for falls, fires, and injuries related to holiday decorations.
Each year, thousands of people end up in hospital emergency departments because of trip hazards, electrical decorations, or unsafe holiday decorating practices. While many accidents are simply unfortunate, others happen because a property owner’s negligence created unsafe conditions. Knowing who’s responsible when holiday decorations lead to an injury is critical—especially if you need to seek compensation for medical bills or lost wages.
In this post, we’ll explore the common hazards associated with holiday decorations, how property owners can prevent injuries, and what your legal recourse may be if you’re hurt in a fall accident caused by unsafe seasonal decorations.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 12,000 people in the U.S. are treated each year in emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday decorating. Many of these injuries occur between mid-November and early January—a time when people are putting up lights, climbing ladders, and running extension cords both indoors and outdoors.
The CPSC and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have identified falls as a common cause of seasonal injuries. These accidents often result from unsafe or poorly maintained decorations, overloaded electrical outlets, or obstructed walkways.
In many cases, these incidents involve property owners who fail to maintain safe premises for guests, tenants, or customers. Under Arkansas premises liability laws, homeowners and business owners have a responsibility to keep their properties free from hazards that could cause foreseeable injuries.
Whether you’re visiting a friend’s home for dinner or shopping at a retail store decked out for the holidays, certain hazards become much more common this time of year. Here are the biggest dangers to watch for:
Overloaded electrical outlets, tangled extension cords, and improperly rated light strands can all lead to electrical shocks, fires, or trip hazards.
Cords that run across hallways or driveways are particularly dangerous, especially for small children or elderly guests who might not see them.
Falls from ladders are among the top causes of holiday decorating injuries. Many people use the wrong type of ladder or fail to secure it properly while hanging outdoor lights or other decorations.
Always use the right ladder for the job and ensure it’s on a stable, dry surface. The CPSC recommends having another person assist to reduce the risk of fall accidents.
Outdoor decorations, especially light fixtures and holiday lights—can create tripping hazards when placed along walkways or driveways. Loose cords, frayed wires, and improperly fastened displays can also cause electrical fires.
Make sure all outdoor lights and electronic decorations are rated for outdoor use and meet safety standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.
Decorative candles add warmth to any festive season, but they’re also a leading cause of home fires during the holidays. Always keep candles away from flammable objects, curtains, and holiday decorations, and never leave them unattended.
Even inside the home, holiday decorations can create potential hazards. Electrical cords, tree skirts, and scattered decorations can easily lead to a trip and fall. Rearranging furniture or adding seasonal decorations can disrupt normal traffic flow, increasing risk—especially for children and elderly guests.
Both homeowners and business operators in Arkansas are legally responsible for maintaining a safe environment for guests, visitors, and customers. This duty includes holiday decorating, which often introduces new safety risks.
Under premises liability law, a property owner must:
If a property owner failed to meet these standards and someone suffers an injury—such as a fall caused by tangled holiday decorations, that owner can be held financially responsible.
In cases involving retail stores, restaurants, or public venues, these obligations are even stricter because the property owners are inviting customers onto their premises for commercial gain.
If you’re injured because of unsafe holiday decorations, for example, tripping over a light cord or falling due to poor lighting, you may be eligible to file a premises liability claim.
These claims are meant to compensate victims for injuries caused by a property owner’s negligence, including accidents during the holiday season. Common recoverable damages include:
To succeed, your premises liability attorney must show that:
An experienced attorney can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to prove negligence in your case.
Prevention is always better than litigation. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, here are safety tips to help you stay injury free this holiday season:
Taking these steps can dramatically reduce the chance of injuries and property damage during the festive season.
If you or someone you love is hurt by holiday decorations, take these steps immediately to protect your legal rights:
An experienced family law attorney or more specifically, an Arkansas personal injury attorney, can review your case, explain your legal options, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
At Minton Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping injury victims across Arkansas during the holiday season and year-round. If unsafe holiday decorations, electrical hazards, or poor maintenance led to your injury, we’re here to fight for your rights.
We understand how medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress can take a toll on your family. Our legal team will guide you through every step of your personal injury claim, from investigating the cause to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
We believe every injured person deserves fair treatment, full accountability, and the resources they need to recover.
Let our experienced attorneys help you understand your legal recourse, protect your rights, and make your holiday season safe, secure, and stress-free.
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