The Fourth of July, for many, is a favorite holiday. Between fireworks, cookouts, and all other festivities, the Fourth of July certainly is a good time for all. However, though fireworks are great fun, they can also become very dangerous if improperly handled. Please continue reading to learn more from our New Jersey personal injury attorneys about firework safety, and how we can help you if you have been injured in a firework accident.
What should I know about firework safety?
There are few things more exciting than watching a good firework spectacle, however, for fireworks to stay fun for all, you must ensure you follow all necessary safety precautions to help ensure nobody gets hurt. If you are lighting off fireworks this Fourth of July, please follow these safety measures:
- Never stand directly over a firework before lighting it off.
- If a firework is a “dud,” or it doesn’t light on your first attempt, do not try and relight it. Many people are injured this way every single year.
- Do not light off fireworks until you are positive that all guests and spectators are a safe distance away.
- Before you throw fireworks away after lighting them off, ensure they are cool, as oftentimes, a hot firework can start a fire in a trash can. That is why it is best practice to douse the firework with cool water.
- Do not purchase illegal fireworks. Ensure you first look up whether fireworks are legal in your area, and which fireworks are legal.
- Adults should be the only individuals who handle fireworks. Children should never be in charge of, or left alone with, fireworks.
- Keep your pets inside, as oftentimes, the loud fireworks can cause them to panic, run away, or otherwise behave abnormally.
- Ensure you have a fire extinguisher, as well as a garden hose, on standby. If anything goes awry, you must ensure you have the necessary tools on hand to handle the situation.
- Before lighting fireworks, ensure you have protective glasses on.
What should I do if I am injured in a firework accident?
If you are a guest at someone’s house and you are injured due to their negligent handling of fireworks, there is a very good chance you may have a premises liability claim against them. If you are injured, you must retain the services of a knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury attorney who can gather and present all evidence needed to satisfy the burden of proof. Our firm is here to help.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt due to another party’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.
