Christmas is a family holiday and a chance to get some rest and spend time with the family and the loved ones. At the same time, for some people it is quite a hectic period with all the Christmas preparations and the various obligations business, family and social. Over the years we have noted that, every year, there is an increase in accident calls and compensation claims, either against insurance companies or other parties.

We have prepared for you a brief note regarding the 4 most common accident claims we are used to taking on as accident compensation lawyers (or solicitors, if you like) in Cyprus, during the Christmas period.
 

1) Christmas Shopping Accident Hazards

Often times an activity as simple as Christmas shopping can become a real health and safety hazard.

Masses of people storm out in large numbers in order to purchase all gifts on time. When shops have bargain prices and especially during the weekends there can be a real danger. The floors of large department stores and malls can usually be slippery or wet either due to the rain outside or due to the need for repetitive mopping of the floors which is necessary during these times. Often times the premises may not be well maintained and the necessary health and safety assessments may not have been carried out as the law provides. All the above, coupled with the crowds which are usually holding bags and are in a harry cause accidents.

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In order to minimise the possibility of accidents, it might be a good idea, if possible, to entirely avoid doing your Christmas shopping during peak hours, such us weekends or just a few days before Christmas. Better be an early bird and make sure that you schedule your shopping early on and during working hours in possible, where there is less people out in the shops.


2) Seasonal Road Traffic Accident Compensation Claims

Shops may present a health and safety hazard during the Christmas season but car accidents and road traffic crashes are no less common during this period. Winter time, all through December to February is quite a dangerous period for drivers. Not only the days are shorter and the nights longer and darker, there are also other potential hazards such us slippery roads due to rainfall, humidity or sometimes ice. The heavy road congestion common in cities such as Nicosia and Limassol during the Christmas season only makes things worse.

Pedestrian Crossing Accident Compensation Claim against Insurance Companies

Despite all campaigns by the police and the heavy penalties involved, during the Christmas period in Cyprus, we commonly witness driving either without any rest or proper sleep, or even worst, under the influence of alcohol. There are family gatherings, corporate parties, the odd night out with friends, younger people go out clubbing and many other reasons to go out during the Holiday season. And, unfortunately, the concept of the designated driver is not yet that well entrenched in Cyprus. Christmas is the period that we take in most road traffic accident compensation claim calls either for fender bender whiplash injury accidents during heavy traffic or for more serious injuries that usually happen later in the night.


3) Dangerous Toy Injury Liability and Compensation Claims

Christmas is the season for giving. Parents want to be able to provide their children with with things we didn't have growing up, and generally its an opportunity to express appreciation for our loved ones. For many importers and retailers, this is the period that will secure their income for the months to come.

Unfortunately, despite strict European Laws on consumer protection and safety the allurement of easy profit achieved by selling unmarked products of questionable safety and quality sometimes is too great to resist for some. This is why consumers should ensure that they purchase toys that have the CE marking which is the manufacturer's declaration that the toys meet the essential requirements of the European Toy Safety Directive (TSD) 88/378/EEC, and that such toys are therefore entitled to free movement throughout the European Union & EFTA member states. Often times we will find many toys that look like real bargains but, in reality, may be dangerous and not meet the minimum safety standards.

Faulty product accidents either from toys or other products are not uncommon in Cyprus. Make sure that you check the health and safety standards of the procucts you purchase and always keep your receipt as proof of purchase.

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4) Medical Negligence Compensation Claims

It has happened in the past: hospitals can be understaffed during the holiday season. Alas, this is in combination with the very well-known trend that emergency rooms and hospitals see an increase in patient volume during Christmas. Influenza and flu like symptoms are at its highest, Holiday celebrations often result in overindulgence in alcohol or other stimulants, road traffic accidents spike. All these factors cause a higher volume of visits to the ER in hospitals. And this, increases the chances for inproper medical health care and some times medical negligence. Make sure that you are aware of your rights as a patient and you know what you should to in case of medical negligence in Cyprus. 


Start Your No Win no Fee Injury Compensation Claim Today

Call us today at our law office in Nicosia at +357 22 020130 or email us for a free assessment of your case. If you are unable to visit us at our office we may arrange for a home or hospital visit.

Our law office is in Nicosia and we take on cases and appear before all district Courts in all cities of Cyprus, Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta and Paphos.

We do not charge for the initial consultation. The decision of whether you wish to proceed is entirely yours. We will advise as to the merits of your case, the chances of success and the amount you may expect as compensation. We offer no win no fee funding agreements which means there is no financial risk to you.