The holiday season brings travel, family gatherings, packed stores, and celebrations that carry us straight into the New Year. It’s one of the busiest times of the year and, unfortunately, one of the riskiest. Between busy roads, rushed shopping trips, large parties, and increased tourism, personal injuries rise noticeably from late November through early January.
At Baron, Herskowitz & Cohen, we regularly see injury claims that stem directly from holiday circumstances. Here are the most common types of injuries this time of year, why they tend to happen, and what steps to take if you’re involved in one.
Car Accidents During the Holiday Season
Car accidents increase significantly during the holidays due to heavier traffic, distracted driving, seasonal travel, and alcohol-related celebrations. Between long road trips, unfamiliar visitors on Florida roads, and packed event schedules, the risk of collisions goes up for everyone.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving during errands and travel
- Impaired or buzzed driving after holiday gatherings
- Fatigue from back-to-back events or long drives
- Tourists unfamiliar with traffic patterns and roadways
Even low-speed collisions can result in injuries such as whiplash, back pain, or head trauma. Getting medical attention right away is important.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Stores, Hotels, and Public Spaces
Holiday shopping crowds and seasonal events often lead to unsafe conditions in high-traffic areas. Busy employees may overlook spills, cluttered aisles, or uneven flooring, and these hazards can quickly cause serious injuries.
Slip-and-falls frequently occur in:
- Malls and retail stores
- Hotel lobbies and pool areas
- Restaurants during holiday rush hours
- Airports and terminals
- Parking lots, sidewalks, and outdoor walkways
Property owners and managers must keep their premises safe, especially during high-volume months. When they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible.
Injuries at Holiday Parties & New Year’s Celebrations
From office parties to large New Year’s Eve events, celebrations create conditions where preventable injuries occur. Alcohol, crowded spaces, rushed setups, and makeshift decorations can all contribute.
Common holiday party injuries include:
- Falls from unstable steps or slippery floors
- Burns from candles, fire pits, or cooking equipment
- Injuries linked to overcrowded venues
- Accidents involving intoxicated guests
Hosts and venues have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for attendees.
Product and Decoration-Related Injuries
Holiday lights, new electronics, toys, and decorations can cause serious harm when they are defective or improperly designed. The rise in home decorating and gift-giving increases the likelihood of product-related injuries.
These often involve:
- Faulty holiday lights causing electrical shocks or fires
- Defective toys creating choking or cutting hazards
- Ladder falls while decorating inside or outside
- Malfunctioning kitchen appliances during holiday cooking
When a product causes an injury due to poor design or manufacturing, the manufacturer or retailer may be liable.
Dog Bites During Family Gatherings
Holiday gatherings can overwhelm pets, especially when homes fill with guests and children. Even friendly dogs may react unpredictably during chaotic or overstimulating situations.
Florida law generally holds dog owners responsible when their dog injures someone, even if the dog has no history of aggression.
Injuries While Traveling or Staying at Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Florida’s tourism season hits its peak during the holidays, which can lead to safety lapses at hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. Increased foot traffic and stretched staff contribute to overlooked hazards.
Injuries often involve:
- Unsafe stairways and balconies
- Poor lighting in hallways and parking areas
- Slippery pool decks or walkways
- Shuttle or transportation accidents
Travel-related injury claims can involve multiple responsible parties, making early documentation essential.
What to Do If You’re Injured During the Holidays
Whether the injury occurs in a store, at an event, during travel, or in a car accident, taking quick action can protect your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what to do:
- Seek medical care immediately, even for minor symptoms.
- Take photos or videos of the scene and the hazard that caused the injury.
- Report the incident to the business, property owner, or event organizer.
- Collect witness information, if available.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before getting legal guidance.
- Consult a personal injury attorney to understand your options.
Accidents during the holidays can be overwhelming, but taking these steps early can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim.
Need Help After a Holiday Injury?
Injuries are stressful any time of year but they can feel especially disruptive during the holiday season. If you or someone you love is hurt, Baron, Herskowitz & Cohen is here to help you navigate the process and understand your rights.
Our firm handles holiday-related injuries involving car crashes, unsafe premises, hotel accidents, defective products, dog bites, and more. We’re committed to helping you get the support you need so you can focus on your recovery.
