The Fourth of July is just a week away and people throughout the state of Pennsylvania are stocking up on their fireworks supply. As much fun as it is to put on a great fireworks display, it is also crucial to be safe about using pyrotechnics. In 2016 alone, there were four fatalities related to fireworks as well as an additional 1,100 injuries treated in hospitals throughout the country. About 92 percent of the injuries were burns from the explosives. Individuals under the age of 20 years old accounted for nearly 40 percent of these injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
While it is understandable that fireworks are fun for the whole family, it is crucial to keep children away from them. Children should never be able to play with fireworks. Many children enjoy playing with sparklers but should only do so under adult supervision. When setting off fireworks, it is important to be aware of one’s surroundings and ensure that no one is close enough to be injured by a misfire. It is also important to keep a bucket of water on hand to soak all used fireworks before disposing of them. If a firework is a dud, make sure not to relight it. Another thing to take into consideration is to make sure all pets are accounted for. Fireworks can cause pets to run off and into harm’s way.
If you or a loved one gets injured by a firework, it is important to seek medical attention. If there was negligence involved, you may have a personal injury case. Contact us today.
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
