Camden County Personal Injury Attorneys Advise On Firework Safety
Summer months bring along with it many opportunities to gather with friends and family. One of these events just passed – the Fourth of July; however, Americans will continue to gather together this week to celebrate our country’s independence with picnics, parades, barbecues and beach parties. Often times, watching a beautiful display of fireworks is an integral part of these festivities. Unfortunately, many individuals will suffer tragic personal injuries due to firework-related accidents. The Camden County personal injury lawyers at Legome & Associates in Haddonfield, New Jersey urge you to keep in mind that fireworks can be extremely dangerous and in some cases fatal.
Statistics Warn of Need for Extreme Caution to Avoid Firework Injuries
United State Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Annual Report
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission released its 2011 Fireworks Annual Report last month. The Commission reports an estimated 9,600 firework injuries that were treated in hospital emergency rooms across this country last year. Not surprisingly, 65 percent of all the firework injuries occurred during the 30 days surrounding the Fourth of July holiday amounting to 6,200 injuries in that one-month period. There were four fireworks-related fatalities recorded, with all four deaths involving the use of illegal or homemade fireworks.
Fireworks accident injuries occurred more often in males than females and children aged 15 years and younger accounted for approximately 26 percent of all the injuries. More than half of these fireworks injuries were burns followed by contusions and lacerations. An individual’s hands and fingers were the most common body part injured, accounting for 46 percent of the injuries. Injuries to the eyes come in at 17 percent; likewise, another 17 percent of the firework injuries were to the head, face or ears of the victims. Some of the more common types of fireworks that cause injuries are sparklers, firecrackers, re-loadable shells, roman candles, and bottle rockets.
National Fire Protection Association Fireworks Report
In addition to personal injuries, firework accidents can cause extreme property damage. The National Fire Protection Association recently released its fireworks report, which provides fire and injury data related to the use of fireworks. According to the report, there were an estimated 15,500 fires reported in 2010 that were ignited as a result of fireworks. In addition to thousands of fireworks injuries and eight fatalities, these fires were reported to cause damage to property, vehicles, and other structures. In a typical year, there are more fires reported on Independence Day than on any other day of the year. Two out of 5 of those fires are caused by the use of fireworks. This organization urges the public to not in engage in the use of fireworks, but instead to firework shows conducted by trained professionals in a safe and controlled setting.
Take Extra Precautions during Independence Day Celebrations
If fireworks are going to take place at your Fourth of July celebration this year, the Camden County personal injury attorneys at Legome & Associates encourage you to use extreme caution. It is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. In fact, before participating in any firework activities, it is important to investigate whether fireworks are even legal in your state. Since most fireworks-related deaths occur from use of illegal and homemade fireworks, only purchase them from reputable dealers and do not alter or combine them.
Children should never handle any type of fireworks and always supervise children when fireworks are nearby. While many parents and caregivers think that sparklers are safe and don’t pose much of a danger, please be aware that sparklers account for many burn injuries to young children. Sparklers burn at temperatures between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fireworks should be used outdoors in a large open space and not in a backyard. They can cause fires to homes and automobiles. Be prepared with having water readily available with a bucket or hose in the event of an emergency.
When handling fireworks, wear safety goggles and follow the enclosed instructions. Never try to relight a firework that didn’t ignite on the first try.
Whether you are the person igniting the firework or just a spectator, keep your distance. Before disposing of any fireworks, soak them with water to ensure they are not still ignited. Adults handling fireworks should refrain from alcohol use.
Camden County Personal Injury Attorneys at Legome & Associates – Helping Victims of Firework-Related Accidents
The Camden County personal injury attorneys at Legome & Associates understand that watching a firework display can be thrilling for both adults and children; however, failing to following simple safety precautions can result in serious injuries that could have easily been avoided. We are concerned for your safety and hope you take the recommendations offered seriously. Moreover, while you can do everything possible to protect yourself and your children, please be aware that injuries can still occur as the result of another individual’s negligence in setting off fireworks.
If you or someone you love has suffered any kind of injury including burns, eye injuries, disfigurement, or loss of life in a fireworks accident; please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Camden County to discuss the details of the accident. Our skilled team of personal injury attorneys will investigate your case to determine if negligence played a part in your injuries. We will assist you throughout the complex litigation process, protect your rights, and seek the fair compensation that you are entitled to under the law. We represent clients throughout New Jersey, including the South Jersey communities of Burlington, Camden, Atlantic, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Call our Haddonfield office at 856-528-3284 to schedule a confidential and free consultation with one of our Camden County personal injury lawyers or contact us online.