Reducing the Risk of a July 4th Fireworks Injury

Tonight thousands of Americans could suffer Fourth of July fireworks injuries caused by mishandling of fireworks or the use of illegal or unsafe fireworks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a series of safety tips to help avoid a fireworks injury and reduce the number of emergency room visits required this year as a result of fireworks accidents.

According to U.S. CPSC data, nearly 10,000 Americans required emergency room treatment for a fireworks injury in 2007, with nearly two thirds of these visits occurring during the one month period surrounding the Fourth of July. Over the last ten years, the number of fireworks injuries have been steadily increasing each year.

Burns are tthe most common firework injury, accounting for half of all emergency room treatments for firework accidents. Last year, approximately 2,000 people suffered hand injuries, 1,400 people suffered an eye injury and 1,200 injured their legs. The severity of the injuries ranged from minor problems to severe burns requiring skin grafts or other serious medical treatment. At least 11 people died last year as a result of a firework injury.

The federal government has been working hard to make sure that fireworks comply with federal regulations, but they remain a very dangerous product. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. CPSC, approximately 46% of the fireworks shipments tested last year contained illegal fireworks that could greatly increase the risks of an accident for Americans.

To reduce the risk of a Fourth of July fireworks injury, the U.S. CPSC has posted the following recommendations on their website:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don’t realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• 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 one item at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

FIREWORK INJURY LAWSUITS

The personal injury lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential cases for severe fireworks injuries which occur throughout the United States. If the negligence of another person or corporation resulted in a firework accident, compensation may be available through a legal claim. To review a potential firework injury lawsuit, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.