Fireworks Injuries

Fireworks are viewed by some to be an integral part of celebrations for both the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day. While these items can be exciting and pretty, they are still dangerous and are easily capable of doing damage to people or to structures.

According to the CDC, the majority of fireworks injuries occur in the times surrounding holidays that are traditionally celebrated with fireworks. For the Fourth of July, this includes the two weeks before the holiday and the two weeks afterwards. New Year’s has a slightly smaller window, due mostly to the cold temperatures of much of the country and the number of holidays around the same time.

In 2005, according to estimates, 10,800 people were taken to emergency rooms across the country to be treated for injuries due to fireworks. Injuries that were commonly treated included burns to the hands, eyes, the head, face, and the ears. It is also possible for other injuries to occur from fireworks besides burns. For example, holding a black cat in one’s hand after it is lit to throw the black cat has been known to remove a person’s fingers from his or her hand if the throw is not made in time.

While the risks to people are recognized widely, there is a huge chance of damage to property. This can be either to cars or to homes in the areas where fireworks are set off. The potential for damage to a home is greater if fireworks are set off during a drought.

Because of the dangers inherent in fireworks, the Federal government banned consumers from purchasing the largest, and therefore most dangerous, fireworks. Some states have gone further and banned fireworks completely.

Contact a Cincinnati Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured or suffered property loss by the negligent use of fireworks, contact the Cincinnati personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Shawn M. Stepleton today at 513-321-7733.