Fourth of July Safety: Personal Injury

Posted on June 30th, 2020

Last weekend, emergency personnel were called to a home in Scranton after a man died as a result of a “firework mishap,” according to reports. Officials believe the man died instantly after the firework exploded while he was trying to light it. With many families preparing for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Kalinoski Law Offices P.C. has some advice to keep your loved ones safe while avoiding injury this holiday.

Most Common Personal Injury Cases During the Fourth of July

For the last month, you’ve likely been noticing the sounds of fireworks at night, maybe you have spent more time by the pool, or are just spending more time outdoors than usual. Fourth of July holiday activities tend to start in mid-June and continue on for days after the holiday has actually passed.

But when your family fun on Independence Day weekend turns into tragedy, you need to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones. And know who to call when personal injury strikes–Kalinoski Law Offices.

Firework Accidents

Did you know that the average sparkler can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to third-degree burns? Because these fireworks are often given to children who may not be coordinated enough to hold the sparkler without being burned, it’s best to leave them in the box.

In addition to burns, eye damage, hearing loss, and more may occur depending on the firework being set off and the accident which ensues.

How can you protect yourself from firework accidents this year? Leave the ignition to adults who are experienced. You’ll also want to create a designated area where fireworks will be let off so children are not nearby and that the sounds are not too extreme. To avoid property damage, you should also consider having a water supply on hand in case a fire emerges.

Pool Accidents

The holiday weekend almost always has beautiful weather that is perfect for swimming. But just because you may be in the safety of your own backyard does not mean that accidents will not occur.

The most common swimming pool accidents include:

Slip and falls
Traumatic brain injury
Drowning

To keep your family safe this holiday, keep a close eye on younger swimmers, establish rules by the pool, and always have adult supervision.

Boating Accidents

Nothing says “Happy Independence Day” like setting sail on your lake. However, with many boaters on the water, accidents can happen. In 2018, 13 recreational boating accidents resulted in 14 fatalities.

To stay safe on the water this weekend, practice safe and sober boating. If you suspect a reckless boater is on the water, dock your boat or move away from the other boat if possible. Like car accidents on the rise during the holidays, boating injuries will also be prominent. If you wouldn’t drive your car in your current condition, don’t operate a boat.

Car Accidents

During a five-day span last year during the Fourth of July holiday, Pennsylvania State Police reported that nine people died in eight crashes. Statewide, there were 975 crashes during the 2019 holiday period.

If you’ll be on the road this Fourth of July weekend, be mindful of drunk drivers, reckless drivers, and heavy traffic. Getting to a family picnic on time is no reason to speed.

Don’t let your independence be taken away this Fourth of July weekend. But if you are involved in an accident, call personal injury attorney Craig Kalinoski.