Mark Casto | December 16, 2025 | Personal Injury Lawyer Near Columbus, Georgia
Holiday decorating is meant to be festive, but it sends thousands of people to emergency rooms every year. Slips, falls, cuts, and electrical injuries are especially common during the weeks leading up to Christmas.
In Columbus, homeowners often underestimate the risks involved with ladders, lights, and heavy decor. Understanding which Christmas decorations cause the most injuries can help families take practical steps to stay safe throughout the season.
Why Christmas Decorating Injuries Are So Common
Decorating often involves activities people do not regularly perform, such as climbing ladders, lifting heavy items, or working with electrical cords. These tasks are frequently rushed and done in poor lighting or cold, wet conditions. When safety precautions are skipped, injuries become more likely.
Emergency room data consistently shows spikes in decorating-related injuries in late November and December. Many of these injuries are preventable with better planning and awareness.
Ladders and Falls Cause the Most Serious Injuries
Falls from ladders are a leading cause of Christmas decorating injuries. Hanging lights, placing ornaments on tall trees, and installing roof decorations all increase the risk of a fall. Even a short fall can result in broken bones, head injuries, or spinal damage.
Common ladder-related hazards include:
- Using unstable or damaged ladders
- Placing ladders on uneven or slippery surfaces
- Overreaching instead of climbing down and repositioning
- Climbing while carrying heavy decorations
- Decorating alone without someone to assist
To reduce risk, always use a ladder designed for the task, place it on stable ground, and have someone hold the base. Never stand on the top rung or lean too far to one side.
Christmas Lights and Electrical Hazards
Holiday lights add warmth and charm, but faulty wiring and improper use can lead to burns, shocks, or fires. Older light strands and overloaded outlets are especially dangerous.
Electrical injuries often happen because:
- Light strings are damaged or frayed
- Outdoor lights are used indoors or vice versa
- Extension cords are overloaded
- Decorations are plugged into wet or damp outlets
- Lights are left on unattended for long periods
Always inspect lights before use, replace damaged strands, and use outdoor-rated lights for exterior decorating. Plug decorations into surge-protected outlets and turn lights off when leaving the house or going to sleep.
Glass Ornaments and Sharp Decorations
Glass ornaments, tree toppers, and decorative figurines can easily break during setup or storage. Broken glass can cause deep cuts, especially when handled quickly or without gloves. Children and pets are also at risk if ornaments fall or shatter.
Injuries commonly occur when:
- Ornaments are dropped during placement
- Decorations are stored loosely and break when unpacked
- Sharp hooks are used without care
- Broken pieces are cleaned up improperly
Using shatter-resistant ornaments and wearing gloves when handling delicate items can help prevent cuts. Keep fragile decorations out of reach of children and pets whenever possible.
Heavy Decorations and Strain Injuries
Large trees, outdoor displays, and storage boxes can be surprisingly heavy. Lifting or carrying these items incorrectly can lead to back injuries, muscle strains, or herniated discs.
Strain injuries often result from:
- Lifting decorations without bending the knees
- Carrying items that are too heavy for one person
- Twisting while holding weight
- Decorating for long periods without breaks
Ask for help when lifting large items, use proper lifting techniques, and take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
Outdoor Decorations and Trip Hazards
Yard decorations, extension cords, and inflatables can create tripping hazards, especially at night. Wet leaves, rain, or frost can make outdoor surfaces even more dangerous.
Common outdoor hazards include:
- Cords stretched across walkways
- Stakes or anchors sticking out of the ground
- Decorations placed near steps or uneven surfaces
- Poor lighting around display areas
Secure cords along edges, mark walkways clearly, and ensure paths are well lit to reduce the risk of falls.
Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Christmas decorating should bring joy, not injuries. By recognizing the most common holiday hazards—such as ladder falls, electrical risks, sharp decorations, and trip hazards—Columbus families can take simple steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.
If you or a family member is injured while decorating and someone else’s negligence played a role, you may have legal options. The Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus personal injury lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808, Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030