Avoid A Connecticut Personal Injury Accident When Using Fireworks This Summer

There is something so magical about seeing the sparkle of fireworks up in the air as they boom overhead and ring in another wonderful celebration.  It is exciting to see them after someone else has lit them, but it can also be exhilarating to light them yourself.  However, setting off fireworks in your own yard or someone else’s yard has the potential to lead to a Connecticut personal injury accident.  

At this point it is important to note that fireworks are illegal in Connecticut and should not be handled by anyone that is not a trained professional and has been licensed to hold a fireworks display.  To further clarify the law, only sparklers are permitted to be used in the state of Connecticut and only by persons over the age of 16 years old.   Sparklers and fountains, which produce sparks when lit, are not considered fireworks as they are considered to be non-explosive, non-aerial devices.

So, if you are using sparklers (fireworks that are legal in the state of Connecticut) you should be aware of some measures you can take to safely light and enjoy them as part of your celebration.

1. The safest thing you can do is to avoid purchasing and lighting fireworks of any kind in your own personal use.  With celebrations a plenty throughout the summer months there are many places you can go to see a trained professional put on a fireworks show.  This is the safest way to enjoy fireworks as it allows you distance from the dangerous devices themselves.

2. If you plan to purchase and use sparklers of any kind that are legal in Connecticut you should only light them when you have water nearby in case of an accident.  Without water you will have no way to respond to a firework gone wrong and therefore injury may occur.  

3. Use an oversized lighter or match to light your sparklers to make sure that you have enough distance from the element and avoid having your hand burnt or further injured.

4. Never use fireworks of any kind while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

You will undoubtedly be bombarded with advertisements trying to sell you fireworks throughout the state of Connecticut.  It is very important to know that fireworks are not considered legal in the state and there are very specific regulations surrounding their use.  If you do not follow these regulations you can be in legal trouble and you also might find yourself with a Connecticut personal injury accident.

If you do become injured in the course of a celebration that you may be having this summer, you may wish to reach out and speak to an experienced attorney.  One of our attorneys will speak with you and discuss your long-term interests.