Home décor indoors and out can add curb appeal to your home and make your home look more attractive for yourself and visitors. At this time of year, homeowners are often thinking about decorating their homes for upcoming holidays. However, whether you are a visitor at someone’s home or are decorating your own property, you should be aware that décor items can and do cause serious personal injury and property damage.
When you buy something at a home décor store, you expect it to be safe. With so many products online and on the market, not all products are carefully tested for safety. Just because you can purchase something from an e-retailer or a store, it does not mean it is safe. When you visit homes and even stores which have been decorated in Miami-Dade County, you could be at risk of injury.
Common Hazards with Home Décor
In your own home and when you visit other properties, be aware of these dangers:
- Walkway obstructions: When decorating your own home, make sure that items are not falling onto walkways or obscuring stairs, entranceways, and any areas where people walk.
- Poor lighting: Dim lighting can create a lovely ambience, but low lighting can also increase the risk of trip and fall accidents and injuries.
- Electrical cords: In your home and outdoors, avoid using extension cords and long electrical cords which drape over any area where people walk. This poses a trip and fall risk but multiple extension cords also pose a fire hazard.
- Dangerously sharp décor: Check edges to make sure any products you use to beautiful your home don’t have edges which can cut into the skin.
- Burn hazards: Regularly check the condition and the cords on your home’s decorations and replace any items which are frayed, have loose cords, or overheat. All of these can pose a fire risk and burn injury risk.
- Falling objects: Use extra caution when hanging items, both indoors and out. When small items like lights, candles, or other objects fall, they can cause serious injury. Always take care to correctly fasten tall or high items so they cannot easily fall.
- Toxic exposure: Some décor items such as candles have been found to contain lead and other toxic components, and even natural items such as poinsettias can be hazardous if children or pets consume them. Unfortunately, not all décor items have a clear listing of what is included in the item.
Injuries from home décor items can include poisoning, head injuries, burns, cuts and abrasions, fall injuries, and other harm. Home décor can also cause property damage, including stains, fire and smoke damage, mold, water damage, and other damage.
Have You Been Injured by Décor Items in Miami-Dade County?
Whether you have been injured by an unsafe product you have brought into your home or have been injured by negligently arranged décor in a public space or private home, you may have a claim To learn more, call Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free, no obligation consultation with a Miami-Dade County personal injury claims attorney.