Be Cautious When Using Fireworks
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Its July 4th weekend and we all know what that entails – fireworks. In the state of Virginia (VA), consumers are allowed to use specific fireworks including sparklers, fountains, “pharaoh’s serpents,” “pinwheels,” and “whirligigs,” according to fireworks.com. If you plan to use any of these pyrotechnic devices, exercise caution and vigilance over friends and family who use them. Fireworks-related injuries are not uncommon.
Back in 2006, eleven people died and roughly 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in the U.S., according to the CDC.
Nearly one-third of all fireworks-related eye injuries led to blindness, according to The Virginian-Pilot.
Over two-thirds of all fireworks-related injuries occurred between June 16 and July 16, not really surprising considering the July 4th predilection for fireworks and the summertime weather.
You need to be very vigilant about who uses fireworks. One out of every three people injured were children 15 years of age or younger, and people under 20 years of age sustained close to half of all injuries from fireworks, according to the CDC. So, to be safe, don’t let young children use any type of fireworks.
As an injury lawyer who represents clients who’ve been severely injured using supposedly safe devices, I strongly recommend letting professionals handle fireworks. Instead of purchasing your own, simply enjoy a local fireworks display.
Here’s a video talking about fireworks safety…
Also, do not exercise poor judgment and try to purchase illegal fireworks. In Virginia, these include firecrackers, skyrockets, and any fireworks which explode, travel laterally, send any projectiles into the air, according to fireworks.com.
If you are responsible and cautious with fireworks, there’s a good chance you’ll have a fun, safe July 4th weekend devoid of serious injury to you and your loved ones.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
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