Ahead of Independence Day, Missouri Attorneys Urge Fireworks Safety

    COLUMBIA, MO, July 01, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On average, more than 7 Americans lose their lives and nearly 12,000 are treated in emergency rooms every year because of injuries related to fireworks, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Missouri injury attorneys Wally Bley and Mark Evans said that most of these injuries are preventable if people follow safety guidelines.

"The 4th of July is an honored tradition that unites Americans," said Mark Evans, partner at Bley & Evans Law Firm. "Fireworks are obviously an important part of that tradition, but people should know that thousands of fireworks-related injuries happen every year."

In 2015, more than one-quarter of all fireworks injuries occurred among children under the age of 15. Forty-two percent of fireworks injuries treated in emergency departments occurred among those under the age of 20.

The attorneys said that it's not just the larger, more spectacular fireworks that cause injuries. For example, sparklers caused around 1,900 injuries treated in emergency rooms in 2015, more than double the number of similar injuries caused by bottle rockets.

"Like most injuries, fireworks-related injuries are often preventable," said Evans. "Making Independence Day safer for children should be a collective effort. Everyone from our lawmakers to parents to hosts of 4th of July parties share the responsibility for safety."

The attorneys remind people of a few tips to minimize the risk of fireworks injuries. They include:
- Keep fireworks out of the hands of children.
- Make sure that all spectators are stationed far from the display.
- Keep water sources or fire extinguishers available in case of a fire.
- Always read instructions on fireworks and follow them closely.
- People responsible for lighting fireworks should never be under the influence of alcohol.
- Wear proper safety attire, including protective glasses, while lighting fireworks.
- Never attempt to relight a dud device.
- Safely dispose of all fireworks by spraying them with water and placing them in a metal container far away from buildings and flammable materials.

The attorneys said that while there are risks for injuries during major holidays like the 4th of July, hazards can be reduced through proper planning and placing an emphasis on safety.

About Bley & Evans
Wally Bley is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been a trial lawyer in Missouri for over 35 years. Mark Evans has a career that spans over 25 years, including working at one of the nation's largest defense firms. Find out more about Bley & Evans by visiting their website - http://www.bleyevanslaw.com/.

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