Don't Get Burned by Fireworks This 4th of July

Fireworks injuries are no joke. They happen fairly often, too, especially on and around the Fourth of July.

The truth is, as exciting and fun as fireworks are, they can lead to serious consequences if not used properly or carefully.

So this year, have your fun, but remember to stay safe. To help you prepare, here are a few types of fireworks injuries that have happened to others -- and that you will definitely want to avoid:

• Disfigurement. Be careful when setting off fireworks because you could end up disfigured. Improperly handling fireworks or standing too close to them can result in unwelcome contact with dangerous shrapnel and can lead to lost limbs, severed hands, and even affect your family jewels. Yes, you read that right, no body part is safe from the dangers of fireworks if you're not careful.
• Burns. Burns are the most common kind of physical injuries to result from fireworks. They're usually first or second degree burns, typically on hands or feet. While usually not life-threatening, they are still fairly painful. Be especially careful to keep your children far enough away from fireworks as they're being set off.
• Permanent scarring. In some cases, fireworks-related burns can result in severe tissue damage and permanent scarring. Be sure to see a doctor immediately to get your burns treated. This is especially important if someone else (or even a product defect) is to blame for your fireworks injury, so you can sue to get reimbursed for medical bills and lost wages.
• Death. Unfortunately, fireworks don't just cause serious injuries, they can also cost you your life. This can result from both illegal and legal fireworks if you're not careful.
• Lawsuits. That's right, your fireworks-related injury might not be to your body, but to your bank account and reputation. In addition to suing others, others may sue you if your negligent or reckless use of fireworks somehow causes their injury. If this happens, you'll want an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.

Here's hoping that fireworks injuries don't take the sparkle out of your July Fourth holiday. Perhaps the safest course of action: Leave fireworks to the professionals, and just enjoy the show.

Related Resources:

• Fireworks Injuries (FindLaw)
• Avoid Fireworks Injuries With These Safety Tips (FindLaw's Injured)
• 4 Fireworks Laws to Know for July Fourth (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Fraternity Fireworks Fight Leads Cops to Find Drug Stash (FindLaw's Legally Weird)