• Severe burns (most common on the hands, face, and legs)
• Eye and other facial injuries
• Loss of fingers

In 2010, 8,600 people were treated for injuries related to fireworks accidents. The majority of those injured were young males. Smaller fireworks, such as sparklers and firecrackers generally cause the most injuries.

The safest way to see fireworks is by going to a community sanctioned event where fireworks are handled by professionals. But varying types of fireworks are also readily available to the public. If you choose to purchase and light off fireworks yourself, be sure to follow these 5 safety tips:

1. Never let small children use fireworks. If older children wish to light them off, let them do so only under adult supervision.
2. Don’t put any part of your body (fingers, arm, head, etc.) over a firework when lighting.
3. Always keep a bucket of water nearby to douse any fire that may spring up.
4. After lighting a firework, immediately back up a safe distance to watch.
5. Never point a firework at another person.

However you choose to celebrate the fourth of July this year, please remember to celebrate safely.

Related Sources:

CDC

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1. Burn Injuries- Burns are some of the most difficult injuries to treat successfully, and often leave permanent scarring, impacting the abilities and emotional health of the victim. These injuries can be the result of explosions, car accidents, electrical accidents, toxic exposure, and other incidents.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries- The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that sends signals from the brain to all other areas of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, the results are often permanent, leading to paralysis.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries– Brain injuries are extremely dangerous. Although medical science has made great strides, the brain remains a mystery. Some fully recover while others suffer permanent damage, and the prognosis in a traumatic brain injury is usually uncertain.
4. Ankle & Foot Injuries- There are a variety of accidents that can lead to ankle and foot injuries. Ankle and foot injuries make it difficult to engage in usual daily activities, and can also result in permanent disabilities.
5. Broken Bones- A broken bone is a very serious injury. It can easily become infected or fail to heal correctly. The pain involved can be extensive, particularly in fractures in which the bone is broken in several places, requiring several surgeries to repair.
6. Eye Injuries- Injuries to the eye can cause permanent loss of vision. These cases affect the victim so extensively that compensation for damages is usually very high.
7. Ear Injuries– Hearing impacts every area of life. Those who have suffered such an injury deserve to have legal representation that knows how to fight for the compensation deserved.
8. Leg & Hip Injuries- Injuries to the leg or hip can cause a great deal of pain, trouble, and stress. These injuries are common in a variety of types of accidents, including car accidents, truck accidents, as well as slip and fall and workplace accidents. The recovery time varies widely, based on the victim’s general state of health.
9. Knee Injuries- A knee injury can be difficult to fully resolve. If you have suffered a serious knee injury that will require extensive medical intervention, surgery and rehabilitation, you want to ensure that your settlement reflects the costs that you will be dealing with.
10. Shoulder, Arm & Elbow Injuries- There are a number of accidents that lead to serious shoulder, arm, or elbow injuries, including slip and fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. These injuries are painful, and may require surgery, rehabilitation, and make it impossible to go to work and earn a living.

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1. Have suffered any kind of serious personal injury, and
2. Seek compensation or damages

The majority of personal injury and workers’ compensation claims are resolved through settlement or paid out through an award. Individuals who receive these settlements or awards are almost always paid in the form of one lump sum payment. This is true, whether the individual was injured at work or injured through another activity such as an automobile accident or a slip and fall.

Any lump sum received from a personal injury settlement is considered a non-taxable event. This means that generally, the money received through settlement or award from a workers’ comp or personal injury claim will not need to be reported as income for the injured person and is therefore not taxable. The lump sum is a maximum value asset.

The injured individual then becomes an excellent candidate for estate planning because the lump sum gives the injured person a maximum dollar value. This offers injured persons a rare opportunity to have a large amount of money, received all at one time. While receiving such a maximum value asset can be helpful in difficult financial times, it also presents a risk. Such a large lump sum provides opportunity for individuals to spend, or fail to save, the money appropriately. Estate planning can combat this tendency. Estate planning can protect the injured individual over the long run, and protect their loved ones.

The severity of the personal injury can even make the need for estate planning more urgent than the above practical justification. If an individual is severely injured in such a way that their injury may reduce their life expectancy, estate planning almost becomes a necessity. Individuals who have suffered a personal injury and have or will receive compensation for their injury should seriously consider estate planning as a way to protect their money and their loved ones.

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1. DO be honest with your doctor – Your doctor is an essential element in your PI case. Tell your doctor everything about your injury and the circumstances surrounding it. You can trust them.
2. DO gather evidence – Take photos of everything and keep written documentation of your daily symptoms as well as any activities you are unable to partake in because of your injuries.
3. DO file your lawsuit before it’s too late – Each state has a statute of limitations—a guideline that determines how long after an accident you have to file a lawsuit. Your case can be discarded immediately if it does not fall within the statute of limitations.
4. DON’T expect to go to court – Many PI cases are settled outside of court during the “discovery period.” Evidence is gathered during this time such as: witness statements, medical bills, photos of the accident scene, and interviews with those involved in the case. The evidence can often lead to a settlement outside of the courtroom.
5. DON’T expect a clear answer – Personal injury cases aren’t usually straightforward. Your settlement depends on several factors such as hospital bills, lost wages, and emotional strain.

The above tips are helpful to get you started on your personal injury claim, but these cases are very complex. Askillful Personal Injury lawyer can help you through the process and explain your rights and obligations every step of the way.

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