Illinois Injury Law Blog

A recent firework accident in Chicago left a 47-year-old man dead, according to The Republic. The actual cause of death is currently being investigated by the DuPage County coroner's office. Witnesses believe his death was a direct cause of the exploding firework.

The man was reportedly lighting fireworks in a parking lot when one exploded near the ground and killed the man. Others suffered injury from the explosion, according to the Addison Fire Department.

Our Illinois personal injury lawyers recognize that the 4th of July holiday is quickly approaching and we urge all residents to be cautious when lighting off fireworks. Oftentimes the holiday can result in serious, and even fatal, injuries. We ask everyone to make safety as a number one priority for the upcoming holiday. Leaving the fireworks to the professionals is always your best bet.

The National Council on Firework Safety offers you these firework safety tips to help you celebrate injury free:

-Only light fireworks outdoors.

-Always keep water, either a hose or a bucket, near you when lighting fireworks.

-Never relight a "dud." Wait 20 minutes and then allow it to soak inside a bucket of water.

-One use fireworks as they're intended. Do not try to combine them together or alter their function.

-Obey local laws pertaining to the use of fireworks.

-Don't drink and light fireworks. Always have a "designated shooter."

-If you are the designated shooter, wear glasses when lighting a firework.

-Do not allow those under the age of 12 to handle sparklers or any other firework.

There were an estimated 7,000 people who were treated in emergency rooms for injuries from fireworks in 2008. This number averages out to more than 19 people severely injured from fireworks every day. More than half of the 7,000 injuries were sustained by children. More than two out of every three of injuries in 2009 happened between June 20th and July 20th, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these injuries were to the hands and fingers, eyes and legs.

Most of the injuries from fireworks were caused by firecrackers as they resulted in approximately 900 injuries. Sparklers came in a close second as they caused roughly 800 injuries and firecrackers ranked third causing an estimated 500 injuries.