Ah, December. Christmas carols playing on the radios and in shops; finding the perfect gift for the ones you love; spending holidays with family and friends. Whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah or another holiday celebration you're enjoying this month, it's also one of the busiest months for emergency rooms. Thanks to trees and household decorations, shopping cart accidents, and the inevitable holiday party where there's just a little too much fun to be had, this time of year can be hazardous to your health!

Here at Heintz Law, we'd like to offer you a few ideas on how to avoid some of the potential pitfalls of the holiday season:

• Be careful when putting up your decorations. The top step of a ladder is not designed to hold you. And please, DO NOT use a ladder when alone.
• Certain plants can be dangerous for humans and animals. Consider your household when choosing live plants to display.
• Some decorations could cause cuts or swallowing hazards to small children and pets. Watch where you display them on the tree or around your home.
• Candles and lights are fire hazards. Watch not only where you place them, but also when you leave or go to bed be sure to extinguish them beforehand.  You should also check for frayed cords and other damage before putting string lights up each year.
• Watch out for the shopping carts and escalators... Small children should always be supervised and make sure there aren't any untied shoes or pants that drag the ground!
• Know your surroundings. This is, sadly, a time of year for criminals to take advantage of the unsuspecting or overloaded shopper.
• Last, but certainly not least, always designate a driver. If you don't have a sober driver, please call a cab, get a ride with a sober friend or co-worker or use one of the many tow services that offer free DUI preventative rides.

The injury attorneys and staff at Heintz Law would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday. Should you or someone you know or love become injured through the fault of another, please contact us at (941) 748-2916 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with one of our lawyers.