Fireworks Injuries Are Common During the Summer Months

 Posted on June 22,2018 in Lake County Injury Attorney

With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, many Illinoisans are preparing to celebrate with fireworks. But with the fun and excitement of fireworks comes inherent danger. If used irresponsibly, fireworks can seriously harm users, bystanders, or the surrounding environment. 

Earlier this month, a man in Cedar Rapids, Iowa lost multiple fingers in a fireworks accident. The 19-year-old man was seriously injured when a firework went off while he was holding it in his hand. Unfortunately, these types of injuries occur far more often than most would assume. If you or a loved one suffer a fireworks injury this summer, you should be sure to understand your options for pursuing compensation from any liable parties. 

Fireworks Injuries Nationwide 

In 2014 alone, emergency rooms throughout the United States treated 10,500 people for fireworks injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over sixty percent of these injuries occurred in June and July. 

The vast majority of fireworks injuries occur due to user irresponsibility. Unsurprisingly, over half of all fireworks injuries are burns. In addition, just under 40% of fireworks injuries in 2014 occurred in victims’ hands. 

Avoiding Fireworks Injuries 

While fireworks are inherently dangerous, there are some simple tactics that can help people avoid injury when using them: 

• Practice caution: When using fireworks, it is important to take extreme caution. Once a firework is ignited, be sure to separate yourself from the firework and keep your distance. When lighting fireworks with friends or family, it is critical to avoid pointing the fireworks at other people. 
• Keep water present: In 2013 alone, fireworks caused more than 15,000 fires nationwide. The next time you use fireworks, have a bucket of water and access to a hose nearby. If you see a firework that failed to ignite the first time, douse it with water and throw it away.
• Keep kids away: Much like the recent case in Cedar Rapids, a large percentage of fireworks accident victims are under the age of twenty. If you choose to enjoy the fun of fireworks this summer, keep them out of the reach of children. 

Contact a Lake County Fireworks Injury Lawyer

Summer is a time of festivity and fun, but with the parties come increased risk of injury. If you and your family elect to light fireworks this summer, practice extreme caution. In the event of an injury, it is paramount to seek medical attention and get the legal help your family deserves. Call Salvi & Maher, LLC at 847-662-3303 to set up a free consultation with one of our experienced Waukegan personal injury attorneys. 

Sources:

https://www.nfpa.org/~/media/files/news-and-research/fire-statistics/fact-sheets/fireworksfactsheet.pdf

https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/19-year-old-man-blows-fingers-off-hand-in-firework-accident-cedar-rapids-police-20180613

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/fireworks-safety-how-you-can-prevent-injuries-video/