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Fireworks are a fun and beautiful way to bring in the summer. However, they can also be dangerous and even deadly if handled the wrong way. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks resulted in over 12,000 emergency room visits in 2017, and children under the age of 15 years old accounted for 36 percent of those visits. If you were injured in an accident involving fireworks, you have options.
Body Parts Most Commonly Affected by Fireworks
The firework accidents that occurred in 2017 included injuries to the hands and fingers; head, face and ears; eyes; legs; and arms. Burns made up 53 percent of these injuries.
Tips to Stay Safe When Using Fireworks
The National Fire Protection Association states that on average, fireworks start 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, 16,900 outside fires as well as other fires. When using fireworks, it is important to keep these safety tips in mind:
- When lighting the fuse, never place any part of your body directly over the firework device. Also, you should only light one firework at a time, and move to a safe distance from the firework after you light it.
- Avoid attempting to relight a firework that has not ignited fully.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- If you have consumed alcohol or any drugs, do not attempt to ignite firecrackers.
- Have a bucket of water handy just in case a firework does not ignite correctly.
- If you are not sure about how to use fireworks, leave it to the professionals.
Fireworks Legal for Consumers to Purchase
Consumer fireworks are fireworks sold to the general public for use. They are usually smaller and weaker than display fireworks. Fireworks that are legal in certain states include bottle rockets, sparklers, firecrackers, and roman candles. Sparklers are considered by some to be safe enough for children to use but can still lead to burns. Sparklers alone burn at about 2,000 degrees. If you decide to give a child a sparkler, keep a close eye on them. Keep in mind that just because these firecrackers are legal, they are still dangerous and can lead to fatal injuries. Check with your state before purchasing fireworks.
M-Class Fireworks
M-80s, M-100s, and M-250s are extremely dangerous fireworks. These fireworks cause thousands of fatal injuries every year. Many states ban these fireworks because they exceed the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s limits for consumer fireworks.
Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyers Advocate for Injury Victims and Their Families
Fireworks can go from being a great form of entertainment to a deadly accident if not handled correctly. If you or someone you love has been injured due to negligent handling of fireworks, East Coast Trial Lawyers may be able to help. Contact a Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer today to discuss your legal options. For a free consultation, contact us online or call 757-352-2237. Our offices are in Virginia Beach, where we assist clients in Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, Virginia.
