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Articles Tagged with fireworks

FireworksFourth of July typically means barbecues, picnics, parades, and fireworks, but every year amateur fireworks do more than just entertain. According to the National Fire Protection Association, they cause thousands of serious injuries and fires every year. In fact, in recent years, fireworks have been one of the leading causes of injuries serious enough to require a trip to the hospital, resulting in 12,900 emergency room visits in 2017 alone.

Fireworks can result in severe burns, fractures, scars, loss of vision, disfigurement, and even death. In addition, fireworks-related fires are responsible for an average of $43,000,000 in property loss annually, with many of these fires involving bottle rockets or other fireworks rockets. Even sparklers can reach temperatures of 1000 degrees or more.

Unfortunately, our personal injury attorneys at The Collins Law Firm see the results of the careless use of fireworks. We recently settled a case for a woman who suffered burns and a serious head injury when she was hit by a neighbor’s bottle rocket, an accident that could easily have been avoided.

Co-authored by Cassidy Carroll of The Collins Law Firm, P.C.

Summer is in full force with Fourth of July this weekend and we are all excited to celebrate our Independence Day with parades, barbeques, and family gatherings. However, there is one thing that defines the Fourth of July in everyone’s mind—fireworks. While we all enjoy the vibrant colors, the inspiring displays, and the way they light up the night sky, fireworks—if used carelessly—can turn a fun experience into a tragic event.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that fireworks killed 11 people and injured 10,500 people in the last year alone.1 In the weeks leading up to and following the Fourth of July, an average of 230 people go to the emergency room every day for firework-related injuries.2

The 4th of July is just around the corner, and that means fireworks. Everyone loves going to big fireworks displays with their family. But, sadly, some people still also enjoy setting off their own fireworks — amateurs playing with dangerous explosives in an uncontrolled environment. The dangers of fireworks, especially when it comes to personal injuries, would seem obvious. However, based on the statistics compiled by the National Fire Protection Association, apparently, the injury dangers are not clear to everyone:

  • In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 total structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries, and $36 million in direct property damage.
  • In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries; 57% of 2010 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 37% were to the head.
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