Common Thanksgiving Injuries and Accidents — And How to Prevent Them
Thanksgiving is a cherished time filled with family gatherings, delicious food, and celebrations. However, amidst the joy and festivities, the holiday season also brings an increased risk of certain injuries and accidents. As a personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting your rights, The Jewkes Firm and Attorney Jordan Jewkes want to help you enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Understanding common Thanksgiving-related hazards and how to avoid them can keep you and your loved ones out of harm’s way.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common Thanksgiving injuries and accidents, why they happen, and what you can do to avoid them. If someone else’s negligence injures you or someone you love this holiday period, we’re here to help you understand your rights.
Motor‑Vehicle Crashes and Travel‑Related Injuries
Thanksgiving is among the peak travel times of the year. Increased traffic volume, fatigue, and sometimes impaired driving contribute to a higher risk of car accidents.
- The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that during the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday period, 439 people may die on U.S. roads.
- Driving incidents with injuries are especially elevated. One data set shows that roughly 8% of all annual car accidents with injuries happen during the Thanksgiving week.
- Alcohol‑impaired driving. On average about 35 % of fatalities during this holiday involve a drunk driver.
- Fatigue, distractions, unfamiliar roads, bad weather, increased congestion also contribute.
- Additionally, many hosts and guests travel long distances or during odd hours, increasing exposure to risk.
Common injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes include whiplash, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. Additionally, pedestrians and passengers are at risk when impaired drivers cause collisions.
Safety Prevention Checklist
To stay safe on the road:
- Plan travel times to avoid peak traffic hours.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions (no texting, phone calls, or in‑vehicle multitasking).
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Ensure proper use of seatbelts and child restraints.
- Take breaks to rest if driving long distances.
- Check vehicle condition (tires, brakes, lights, weather‑ready gear).
- Be aware of weather/road conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly.
Legal Considerations (Why You Should Call The Jewkes Law Firm)
In the event of an injury caused by another driver’s impairment or negligence, individuals may have a valid claim for compensation. Legal considerations include assessing whether:
- The other driver was either drunk or driving carelessly.
- You were properly wearing your seatbelt.
- The police gathered all evidence (police report, eyewitness accounts, vehicle data) in a timely fashion.
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Kitchen Fires, Burns and Cooking Hazards
One of the leading sources of injury during Thanksgiving is the kitchen. Cooking fires are responsible for approximately 52% of all reported home fires and 36% of home fire injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are more likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other time of the year. Common causes include unattended stoves and ovens, turkey fryers, grease ignition, overloaded counters, and children being near hot surfaces.
The rush to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously often leads to injuries such as:
- Cuts from knives or food processors
- Burns from hot oil, boiling water, or ovens
- Slips and falls due to wet floors or clutter
How to Avoid Kitchen Injuries
To stay safe in the kitchen, always remain present while cooking, avoid using turkey fryers which can be hazardous, and keep children and pets away from hot areas. Make sure smoke detectors are working, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. To minimize the risk of kitchen injuries:
- Use sharp knives carefully; dull knives can be more dangerous.
- Keep a first aid kit handy for minor cuts and burns.
- Use oven mitts when handling hot items.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent slippery surfaces.
- Maintain an uncluttered cooking area to move safely.
- Avoid distractions including ambient alcohol, guests, mobile devices that draw attention away from the active cooking process.
Fire-Related Injuries and Property Damage
Fire-related injuries and property damage often increase during Thanksgiving, primarily due to cooking fires. These incidents are frequently caused by unattended stoves, overloaded electrical outlets, and the use of candles and fireplaces. The most common injuries associated with these fires include burns, smoke inhalation, and, in some cases, carbon monoxide poisoning. To prevent such incidents:
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Keep flammable materials away from stoves and candles.
- Test smoke detectors and keep fire extinguishers accessible.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets with appliances.
- Monitor children and pets around fireplaces and candles.
Legal Considerations
If a fire or burn injury results from defective equipment (e.g., fryer, stove), negligent construction or maintenance (e.g., inadequate smoke alarms, faulty wiring), or premises liability (host fails to warn guests of hazardous conditions), you may have a product liability, premises liability, or personal injury claim. The Jewkes Firm can help assess manufacturer responsibility, property owner obligations, and your rights.
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Slips, Trips, Falls and Orthopaedic Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are more prevalent during Thanksgiving due to a combination of colder weather and crowded homes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights that injuries from holiday decorating, such as falls and ladder accidents, lead to numerous emergency room visits. Common injuries include:
- Ankle sprains, wrist fractures from falls.
- Lower back strains from lifting heavy turkeys or boxes.
- Knee injuries slipping on wet/muddy steps.
- Shoulder/neck strain from long hours of standing or bending over counters.
How to Avoid Slip and Fall Injuries
To mitigate the risk of such accidents, it is essential to maintain clear walkways and entrances, utilize non-slip mats in necessary areas, and keep outdoor steps and paths free from ice and snow. Additionally, ensuring adequate lighting both inside and outside the home can enhance safety, and encouraging guests to wear appropriate footwear can further reduce the likelihood of slips and falls.
- Keep walkways clear—both inside and outside. Remove clutter, bags, toys, cords.
- Mind the surfaces: Wet leaves, spilled liquids, icy steps — wipe and salt as needed.
- Ensure adequate lighting inside and outside the home.
- Use ladders properly when decorating or reaching; avoid standing on chairs.
- Lift with legs, not back when moving heavy items (turkey, coolers, luggage). Take breaks.
- Wear proper shoes indoors and outdoors with grip, especially if wet or uneven.
- Stretch and rest if you’re cooking or on your feet long hours.
Legal Considerations
From a legal perspective, falls caused by negligent property conditions, such as slippery floors or inadequate lighting, may lead to premises liability claims. If a person sustains injuries on another’s property because of unsafe conditions, they may seek legal help to assess the potential of a case.
Foodborne Illnesses and Cooking Injuries
Foodborne illnesses pose another concern during Thanksgiving celebrations, especially when people prepare large meals in advance and do not store leftovers properly. These conditions can lead to significant health issues, with common symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and severe dehydration that may necessitate medical intervention.
Common types of foodborne illnesses associated with Thanksgiving include food poisoning from undercooked poultry and contaminated surfaces, which can lead to severe gastroenteritis, dehydration, and even hospitalization. Additionally, cooking injuries such as knife cuts and burns are prevalent, often resulting from multitasking in the kitchen.
- Food poisoning (e.g., from undercooked poultry, contaminated surfaces).
- Severe gastroenteritis, dehydration, even hospitalization.
- Knife cuts, burns from multi‑tasking during cooking.
Prevention Guidelines
To prevent foodborne illnesses, it is essential to adhere to food safety guidelines, particularly when cooking and storing leftovers.
- Follow food safety guidelines for cooking and storing leftovers.
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
- Wash hands frequently during meal prep.
- Ensure meats reach recommended cooking temperatures.
- Thaw turkey properly (in refrigerator, not on countertop).
- Use a food thermometer to ensure poultry reaches 165 °F internal temperature.
- Avoid washing raw turkey in the sink (this can cause cross‑contamination).
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate, wash cutting boards/knives after contact with raw meat.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Stay sober (or moderate) while cooking; distraction leads to mis‑handling.
Legal Considerations
From a legal perspective, foodborne illnesses resulting from negligence—whether in commercial catering, restaurants, or private homes—can lead to product liability, negligence, or premises claims. Legal reviews often focus on adherence to safety protocols and the determination of liability for any resulting illnesses.
Alcohol‑Related Injuries (Beyond Driving)
Thanksgiving celebrations often see increased alcohol consumption, which raises the risk of various accidents and injuries. Impairment can lead to falls, cuts, burns, aggressive behavior, and impaired driving, posing dangers not only to the drinker but also to others on the road. Common types of injuries include:
- Falls from stairs, slippery surfaces, or intoxication.
- Injuries from fights, overexertion, or from the behavior of impaired individuals.
- Injuries from drunk drivers (rollover crashes, pedestrian incidents).
To prevent alcohol-related accidents, monitor your intake and that of your guests. Safety preventions include:
- Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation.
- Limit alcohol before activities that require coordination or full attention (e.g., cooking, ladder use).
- Monitor guests’ alcohol intake, especially when children are present or when guests plan to drive.
- Supervise and limit access to dangerous zones (kitchen, outside stairs) when guests are impaired.
Legal Considerations
If someone’s intoxication leads to your injury (e.g., drunk driver, host providing alcohol to a minor who then injures you), there may be liability. The Jewkes Firm evaluates whether dram‑shop laws, negligence, or other liability causes apply.
Sports, Horseplay and Orthopedic Injuries
Thanksgiving day activities, such as football games and wrestling, can lead to a variety of orthopedic injuries, including sprains, fractures, and dislocations, especially for those who aren’t used to physical activity. These injuries often occur because participants may not be physically prepared for sudden, intense activity, especially in cold conditions or on unfamiliar, slippery surfaces. Additionally, overuse injuries can arise from prolonged cooking or hosting duties, which involve repetitive movements like lifting and bending.
Common injuries associated with these activities include:
- Sprained ankles, twisted knees, shoulder dislocations, wrist fractures.
- Back strains from lifting heavy cookware or moving furniture.
- Muscle pulls or ligament tears from high‑intensity play without warm‑up.
To prevent injuries, it is essential to warm up and stretch before participating in sports or physical games. Choosing safe terrain, such as dry and level ground, and wearing appropriate footwear and protective gear can further reduce risk. Moderation is key; individuals should avoid pushing their physical limits when fatigued and take breaks during extended periods of hosting or cooking.
Legal Considerations
From a legal perspective, individuals injured during games on property they do not own may have grounds for a claim if the property owner failed to warn of hazards or if equipment was defective. This involves examining liability, contributory negligence, and potential compensation issues.
Pet‑Related Injuries and Hazards
Pet-related injuries and hazards often increase during holiday gatherings, particularly around Thanksgiving. The presence of extra guests and food can lead to pets being exposed to dangerous items such as bones, chocolate, and raisins. Additionally, the chaotic environment can result in pets slipping on tiled floors or getting underfoot, creating tripping hazards for both pets and people.
Common types of injuries include bites or scratches from excited pets, falls or trips caused by pets or their gear, and emergencies arising from pets ingesting hazardous items. These incidents can also pose indirect risks to humans. To prevent such injuries:
- Secure pets away from cooking zones and heavy foot traffic.
- Keep hazardous food items out of reach (turkey bones, onions, grapes/raisins, chocolate).
- Ensure pets have a safe, quiet zone to retreat from holiday commotion.
- Warn kids and guests about safe pet handling.
Legal Considerations
If a pet injures you due to owner neglect—such as known dangerous behavior or unsecured premises—you may have grounds for a premises liability or animal-bite claim. In such cases, documenting the incident, gathering witness statements, and obtaining medical reports are crucial for any potential legal action.
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What to Do If You or a Loved One Is Injured This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving should be a time of gratitude — not emergency room visits or legal headaches. By proactively managing risks in travel, cooking, home‑hosting, and celebration contexts, you reduce your chance of becoming the injured party. Whether it’s a car accident, kitchen injury, slip and fall, or any other holiday-related incident, we’ll help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let an accident ruin your holiday. If you or a loved one has been injured this Thanksgiving holiday, please contact us at (770) 771-5130 for a free consultation. Time matters in preserving evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and securing the justice you deserve.
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving from The Jewkes Firm!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Thanksgiving injuries?
Common Thanksgiving injuries include kitchen cuts and burns, slip and fall accidents, car collisions from holiday travel, and injuries caused by fires or food poisoning.
How can I protect my family from foodborne illnesses this Thanksgiving?
Cook food to the right temperature (especially poultry), avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. Keep food at safe temperatures and wash your hands regularly while cooking.
Why are car accidents more common around Thanksgiving?
Increased travel, longer drives, crowded roads, and sometimes impaired driving contribute to higher accident rates during the Thanksgiving holiday.
How can I avoid car accidents during Thanksgiving?
Plan ahead for travel, avoid distracted driving, use a designated driver if consuming alcohol, and check road conditions before you leave. Make sure to wear your seatbelt and adjust your driving speed based on weather and traffic conditions.
What should I do if I'm injured on someone else’s property during Thanksgiving?
If you're injured due to someone else's negligence (like a slip and fall on wet steps or improper safety measures), you may have a claim. Contact The Jewkes Firm to discuss your case and determine your legal options.
