Fourth of July celebrations are synonymous with backyard barbeques and fireworks. As exciting and entertaining as fireworks are, they can be as dangerous as they are beautiful. Every year around this time, fire officials across the country post warnings about the hazards of fireworks use. Statistics indicate that on average, 180 people are treated in hospital Emergency Rooms every day in the month around the 4th of July holiday.[1] Over half of the reported injuries involve burns, and 61% of those involve the hands, face, and eyes.[2] In 2018, the latest year for which statistics are available, it is estimated that fireworks caused approximately 9,100 injuries, 5,600, or 62% of which occurred during the time immediately before and after the 4th of July.[3]
Because of the cancellation of many public fireworks displays this year related to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer sales of fireworks have increased substantially and officials anticipate that even more people will be injured this year than in the past.
Safety Tips When Using Fireworks
Follow these safety tips when using fireworks[4]:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees ‑ hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re‑light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Get Help from Experienced Orlando Fireworks Accident Attorneys
The attorneys at Bailey Fisher have represented both children and adults in cases involving fireworks-related incidents resulting in serious burns, scars, facial injuries, and eye injuries. We have the skill and experience necessary to help you pursue compensation to which you are entitled to for injuries sustained because of a defective fireworks product or because of the negligence of someone using fireworks.
If you believe that an unsafe fireworks product caused, or contributed to, injuries you suffered, or have been injured because of the negligence of someone carelessly using or displaying fireworks, you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit against the party (or parties) responsible. We are dedicated to ensuring that the victims injured by fireworks are fully and fairly compensated for the injuries or loss they have suffered.
Call us at 407-628-2929 or submit our online form today. One of our experienced Orlando fireworks injury attorneys will evaluate your case for free. For viable personal injury to wrongful death cases, we will follow up with the necessary legal action to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence and recover the financial compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and losses.
[1]https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety‑Education/Safety‑Education‑Centers/Fireworks
[2]Id.
[3]https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs‑public/Fireworks_Report_2018.pdf
[4]https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety‑Education/Safety‑Education‑Centers/Fireworks
