Washington, D.C. – As holiday decorating season ramps up across the country, Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) is issuing a consumer awareness alert to help families enjoy Christmas festivities without the stress of unexpected legal trouble.
From elaborate light displays and inflatable characters to ice-covered walkways and trip hazards, the holidays bring both joy and risk. Across the country, everyday holiday activities — from hosting Christmas dinners and office parties to decorating, traveling, and entertaining guests — have become targets for litigation, as personal-injury law firms openly advertise holiday-related claims and encourage consumers to turn seasonal mishaps into lawsuits.
“Whether you’re attending a potluck, hosting a holiday party, decorating your home, or expecting Christmas carolers, billboard lawyers are ready to pounce and turn seasonal mishaps into lawsuits,” said Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of PACT. “From slip-and-fall claims and party injuries to food poisoning allegations and snow-covered sidewalks, it’s clear that America’s lawsuit culture doesn’t take a holiday. Families deserve to celebrate Christmas without fearing a legal ambush at their front door.”
Personal-injury law firms across the country now specifically market legal services around Christmas and holiday-season incidents, reminding hosts and businesses that once you invite guests or open your doors, you may also be opening yourself up to liability.
Recent Examples of Christmas-Season Lawsuit Advertising Include:
- Hosting a party? One firm highlights legal rights and liability for those injured at holiday parties, including slip & fall accidents, and crowded venues — effectively marketing legal services around injuries that occur at Christmas events.
- Decorating your house? One firm advertises that “tangled holiday lights, overloaded electrical outlets, and cluttered living spaces” could be grounds to sue.
- Going to a Potluck? One law firm notes that if your friend gets food poisoning as a result of your potluck dish, “private homeowners can also be held liable for causing food poisoning injuries.”
- Expecting Christmas Carolers? Make sure to clear your sidewalks. One law firm notes that if sidewalks are not cleared, “negligence in addressing dangerous conditions can lead to legal consequences.”
PACT Urges Consumers, Hosts, and Small Businesses to Take Common-Sense Precautions This Christmas Season:
- Inspect your home. Clear snow and ice, secure rugs and cords, remove tripping hazards, and ensure walkways and staircases are well-lit.
- Be mindful when hosting parties. Overcrowding, cluttered spaces, and poorly maintained areas increase the risk of injury claims.
- Practice food safety. Whether cooking at home or using catering, follow basic food-handling guidelines to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
- Check your insurance coverage. Ensure homeowners, renters, or business liability policies are up to date before hosting gatherings or events.
- Decorate safely. Make sure holiday decor does not obstruct walkways or create hazards for guests.