Holiday Cheer Requires Increased Safety Precautions

Parents of toddlers beware! The holiday season is a time of great joy, but can also be a time of great tragedy if proper precautions are not instituted. Authorities in Ohio say "a toddler fell into a septic tank and was critically injured while being watched by a woman putting up outdoor Christmas lights." (Waterford Ohio AP, 11/24).

Fortunately the toddler survived, although he was not breathing when he was rescued. However, Christmas lights can pose many hazards to toddlers – distractions to parents, and, if within their reach, another object to put in their mouths.

As a personal injury lawyer in Chicago, I urge all parents of young children to take certain precautions when decorating for the holidays. Keep small objects (like ornaments) and lights out of toddler's reach. Additionally, menorah candles pose another risk if within the reach of children, and children must always be supervised adequately.