Faulty fairy lights and Christmas product liability claims

Every year there are devastating media reports of homes that have fallen victim to house-fires caused by faulty Christmas lights and many product liability claims follow suit. Around 600 million is spent on Christmas decorations every year, amongst which close to 10 million sets of fairy lights are purchased.

We love our homes to look beautiful, bright and festive and will display lights on our trees, around our window frames and in any space that we can find, really. But when it comes to decorating the outside of our abodes they soon become far from humble. It seems that we have joined the frivolities of friends across the pond in a bid to create the biggest and brightest display of twinkling lights that ever there was. Neighbours, relatives and friends compete for the largest lit-up Santa Claus balancing precariously on the roof tiles or dazzling present-clad sleigh resting on the front lawn.

However, 14 million neighbours have said that Christmas decorations have gone way over the top and excessive flashing lights can easily drown Christmas spirits. The Halifax has also warned consumers against the potential dangers of fairy lights as electrical fires in the home increase by 33% around Christmas time.

Insurance companies receive claim upon claim from householders whose homes have been consumed by fires caused by Christmas lights, candles, open fires and accidents while cooking. We also receive countless personal injury compensation claims from people who have sustained burn injuries or worse in such accidents.

YouClaim's Christmas light safety advice
Remember these top tips to avoid sustaining personal injury from faulty tree lights and the need to make a product liability claim this festive season:

• Purchase lights which have a British safety standard mark e.g. BS Kitemark.

• Purchase lights from a reputable shop such as a chain store that you regularly buy from.

• Purchase new lights if possible, but if you do buy second-hand lights make sure that they are checked over by an electrical specialist first.

• Only use lights designed for exterior use outside your homes.

• When using lights outside, make sure you have a timer designed for exterior use.

• Regularly check cables and bulbs for any damage.

• Never use lights with damaged leads or cables; replace or dispose of them safely and sensibly.

• Don't overload plugs, only fit one plug per socket unless you have a bar adaptor lead.

• Never replace bulbs when the lights are switched on.

• Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• Use a Residual Current Device for extra protection against shock.

• Never run cables under carpets or anywhere they can be damaged.

• Make sure that cables aren't anywhere that they could cause a tripping accident.

• Keep lights well clear of decorations and other flammable materials.

• Always switch the lights off before you go to bed and when you leave the house.

• Don't allow children to play with or animals to chew on lights.

• Keep lights stored safely, securely and out of the reach of children.

• Don't keep lights in damp or excessively hot conditions.

Make a product liability claim through YouClaim today
If you have sustained personal injury as a result of faulty Christmas lights, a faulty gift or any other faulty product then you could make a product liability claim through YouClaim.

We are the accident claim specialists and have an excellent success rate. Our association with a panel of highly qualified, Law Society approved personal injury solicitors guarantees that you will receive the best legal service on a no win no fee basis.

When you make a product liability claim through us you can claim for pain and suffering, lost earnings, medical expenses and more. None of this will cost you a single penny as we do not charge for our services, regardless of whether our customers' cases are a success or not.

Got a question or want free legal advice? Simply drop us a call back request so that our claims team can get back to you at a time that is convenient for you or have a chat to one of our advisors online.

To make a product liability claim today fill out an online claim assessment form with details of your compensation claim or call our 24-hour helpline on 0800 10 757 95.