Celebrate Our Country’s Independence but Be Careful and Considerate with Fireworks

Every year, each 4th of July weekend, approximately 10,000 Americans are sent to the emergency room with serious injuries resulting from the use of fireworks. Frequently, these injuries are caused by the mishandling or negligence of the individual injured. However, often those that are injured are injured as a result of someone else carelessly using fireworks. Fireworks are dangerous, and precautions should be taken. Here is a list of some tips to prevent serious injury: 1. Keep a bucket of water nearby to soak any used or misfired fireworks before discarding. 2. Adhere precisely to the directions for use on the fireworks package. 3. Never allow children to use fireworks. Even sparklers have been known to cause severe burns when improperly used. 4. Do not ignite fireworks indoors or near any dry vegetation. While many firework injuries can be prevented, often an innocent spectator can be injured when either the firework malfunctions or the one igniting the fireworks is careless or negligent. When your injury is caused by a firework that was either designed or manufactured defectively, you may have a products liability case against that manufacturer. Unfortunately, many of these manufacturers are international companies and hard to pursue in U.S. courtrooms. Frequently, your best alternative is to pursue the local firework stand operator who sold you the defective fireworks. If a homeowner conducting a private show or a commercial operator putting on a large extravaganza does so negligently, carelessly, or without proper regard for the safety of the spectators, they may also be liable if that negligent conduct is what led to the injuries sustained. The 4th of July is a time to both celebrate our country’s independence and gather with family and friends at the height of summer. While fireworks can be fun, they are extremely dangerous and should only be used with the greatest of care. If you have been injured by someone who failed to practice such care, you can recover for your injuries. Contact the lawyers at Woodruff Johnson & Evans for a free consultation regarding any injury you sustain.