How to Seek Compensation for Holiday Injuries

Holiday injuries in Valley Center and elsewhere in Southern California can be devastating. They can lead to emergency room visits during the busy holiday season, which is supposed to be a joyful time of the year. Even worse, holiday injuries can sometimes result in serious and permanent disabilities, as well as fatalities. How can you seek compensation for a severe holiday injury? It will be important to discuss the details of your case with an experienced Valley Center personal injury attorney who can work with you to determine liability and file a claim for financial compensation.

Common Holiday Injuries

Many different types of injuries can occur during the holiday season, but most of them are preventable. When an injury does occur, however, another party may be liable due to negligence or as a result of a product defect. What are some of the most common types of holiday injuries? UCLA Health identifies the following as the most frequently reported injuries during the holiday season:

• Falls from heights, usually due to climbing on ladders to hang decorations, and these injuries commonly result in bone fractures, concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and pulled muscles, according to UCLA;
• Injuries caused by toys, typically impacting kids aged 14 and younger, and these injuries usually result from defects (design defects and manufacturing defects, as well as marketing defects that result in children or parents not realizing the potential hazards associated with some toys);
• Burn injuries caused by cooking and baking accidents, electrical problems due to overloaded outlets, and Christmas tree fires;
• Lifting injuries from carrying packages, boxes, groceries, and more (and can result in strains);
• Motor vehicle crash injuries, typically caused by negligent drivers, including TBIs, bone fractures, organ damage, traumatic amputations, and other severe injuries;
• Laceration injuries resulting from using scissors, knives, and saws; and
• Food poisoning injuries resulting from improper food handling and food storage.

Determining Liability for Holiday Injuries

In order to file a claim for a holiday injury, it will be critical to work with an experienced injury attorney to determine who is liable. Liability is usually based on the type of injury and the circumstances surrounding the injury. Sometimes, more than one party may be liable. Examples of parties who could be liable for a holiday injury include but are not limited to:

• Negligent motor vehicle drivers;
• Product makers; and
• Negligent property owners.

Filing a Lawsuit Before the Clock Runs Out

To be eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation, you will need to file a claim before the clock on the statute of limitations runs out. Under California law, most holiday injuries will have a two-year statute of limitations. Accordingly, whether you were injured during last year’s holiday season or you suffered an injury this year, you may still be able to file a lawsuit. You should get in touch with an injury attorney as soon as possible to get started on your case.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Valley Center

Injuries during the holiday season are devastating, but it may be possible to file a claim with help from an experienced Valley Center personal injury lawyer. Contact the Walton Law Firm today for more information about how we can assist you.

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