Consumer safety experts are warning that playing with sparklers and other fireworks during the July 4 holiday can result in serious burn injuries. According to a news report in The Associated Press, fireworks sent more than 5,000 people to the emergency room in the 30 days around the Fourth of July in 2012. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that about 60 percent of the estimated 8,700 people treated for injuries in 2012 were hurt between June 22 and July 22.
Here are some of the highlights of the most recent CPSC fireworks injury study:
- More than half of the 5,000 injuries in the month around July 4 involved burn injuries to the hands, head, and face.
- Approximately 1,000 of the reported injuries involved sparklers and bottle rockets.
- The total number of treated injuries in 2012 was slightly down from the previous year.
- About 200 people received emergency treatment for fireworks injuries during this one-month period.
Experts say there is no such thing as “completely safe” fireworks and that even a small mishap can result in serious injuries and lifelong disabilities. They urge that the safest thing to do this July 4 is to watch a professional fireworks display, which is managed by experts who have the right type of training and experience when it comes to handling these explosives. If children are setting off fireworks at home, they should be watched at all times by an adult.
If you are injured in a fireworks accident this July 4 as the result of someone else’s negligence, please contact the experienced Oklahoma personal injury lawyers at the Maples Law Firm at (405) 705-5050. We provide free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations to injured victims and their families.
