Attorney
Every year on the Fourth of July, as Americans celebrate the anniversary of their independence, thousands of them are hurt in fireworks-related accidents. In 2008, hospitals treated approximately 7,000 people in emergency rooms for such accidents. More than half of those treated were children. Seven people died that year in fireworks accidents. A Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer can advise you on how to seek compensation if the negligent handling of fireworks has hurt you or a loved one.
Fire officials from neighboring areas recently held a conference in Washington, D.C. to warn people about the dangers of fireworks. The officials used watermelons to demonstrate how powerful and dangerous certain fireworks are. The fireworks blew up or melted large portions of the watermelons. The officials used Roman candles, which are fireworks that shoot out exploding shells. Roman candles are very popular and are usually illegal. The officials showed how easy it is to set grass and dry vegetation on fire.
Fireworks laws vary from state to state and city to city, but residents should learn what they are and adhere to them. Legislators outlaw certain fireworks for a reason – they are dangerous. People using fireworks should allow plenty of space between them and the firework and other people. Parents and adults need to be particularly vigilant when children are around fireworks. Children are curious by nature and lack the experience and maturity to know how to properly handle and behave around fireworks. Sparklers, one of the most popular and widely available fireworks, burn from 1800 to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the negligent use of fireworks has injured you or a loved one, contact Marc Fiedler, a Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P to learn how you can obtain compensation for injuries.