Jacksonville Firework Injury Lawyer

Fireworks Injuries

Fireworks are enjoyed by everyone each Fourth of July and for celebrating the New Year. There is nothing quite as amazing as watching them explode over the sky in an arch of color. Unfortunately, the same fireworks that provide hours of entertainment to many people also injure many spectators as well.

In 2006, 11 people died and almost 10,000 people were treated in hospitals for injuries from fireworks. Of those injuries, 5% required hospitalization. The injuries most frequently seen were burns. In fact, more than half of the injuries that were treated were burn injuries. Injuries from fireworks can also cause blindness, third degree burns, and permanent scarring.

The hands, eyes, and rest of the head were the most common areas of the body burned or injured in firework accidents. Injuries to the head that are caused by fireworks most commonly include lacerations and contusions. Injuries to the eyes may occur if a foreign body caused by the fireworks enters in the eye.

Two-thirds of all of the injuries in 2006 occurred between June 16th and July 16th. This is because fireworks are most frequently used for the Fourth of July and New Years. While two-thirds seems high for one holiday, it is important to keep in mind that people don’t get together for block party celebrations for New Year’s.

Of the fireworks that caused injuries, firecrackers were responsible for 1,300 injuries in 2006. Sparklers contributed 1,000 injuries, and rockets were the culprit behind 800 injuries. More than one-third of the deaths attributed to fireworks were caused by fireworks that were sold illegally to individual consumers when they should have been sold to professionals.

If you have been injured by a firework, contact Jacksonville firework injury lawyer Donald Guthrie at 904-296-1088 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.