The Fourth of July is commonly observed with barbeques, pool parties, and, of course, fireworks. However, if you planning to host a fireworks display on your property, it is essential that you understand how to safely do so for the sake of all those who attend. Continue reading to learn the most important fireworks safety tips to consider and how an experienced Hillsborough County personal injury lawyer at Merricks Law Group can assist you in the unfortunate event that you find yourself in a fireworks accident.
What are some helpful fireworks safety tips?
Read through these helpful fireworks safety tips before your Fourth of July party commences:
- Before starting the show:
- Ensure all pets are inside. The bright lights and loud sounds can cause them to run away or behave erratically.
- Do not consume drugs or alcohol if you plan on lighting the fireworks.
- Ensure that the fireworks did not come in brown paper. These are professional-grade fireworks that may be dangerous if you are not an expert.
- Ensure that you have a fire extinguisher or garden hose on standby in case of a fire.
- Ensure that the specific type of fireworks you have are legal in the state of Florida.
- When setting off the fireworks:
- Wear protective glasses.
- Do not keep the fireworks in your pocket.
- Do not let children handle the fireworks. Only allow responsible adults to do so.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Never light a firework in your hand.
- Always light the fireworks outdoors.
- Never stand over the fireworks, and back away quickly after lighting a fuse.
- Ensure that everyone else is a safe distance away.
- Never throw or point fireworks at another person.
- Never relight “dud” fireworks that do not initially go off. This may lead to burns.
- At the end of the show:
- Do not immediately throw out the fireworks in the garbage. Instead, douse them in cool water and let them sit for a while. Hot fireworks can start a fire when thrown directly into a trash can after combustion.
What should I do if I am injured in a fireworks accident?
If you have been harmed in a fireworks accident due to another property owner’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation in a premises liability lawsuit. For this, you should first collect as much evidence as possible, including photos, witness statements, a police report, and medical documentation and bills, among others.
On the other hand, if you believe you were injured due to a negligently manufactured or designed firework, you may have a valid product liability claim. If this is the case, do not throw the defective product away, as it will be essential to your case. Then, contact a skilled Tampa product liability lawyer as immediately as possible.
Contact Our Experienced Florida Firm
Merricks Law Group handles a wide array of injury claims, including injuries sustained in auto accidents, slip and falls, and more. Contact Merricks Law Group today.