Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog
Massachusetts politicians are exploring a proposal that would allow residents to sell and purchase fireworks. Currently, the Bay State is one of only four nationwide that bans the sale, The Boston Herald reports.
Boston Personal Injury Lawyers understand that fireworks can be a fun way to celebrate holidays, especially with Fourth of July upcoming. But while they may be fun, they can be dangerous. Boston Child Injuries, such as those created by the use of large-scale fireworks, can be tragic.
A state representative from Gardner has proposed a law change that would allow Massachusetts to break free from the minority of states, including New York, New Jersey and Delaware, that don’t allow the sale of fireworks. While residents can easily drive to surrounding New England states and purchase them, the proposal could be a cash cow for fireworks distributors.
The proposal would legalize fireworks statewide, but allow towns to issue local permits.The measure would make it legal to have fireworks, but require a permit to use them. One-day permits could be issued by local fire chiefs for no more than $25, similar to burn permits already issued by fire departments.
The bill would ban the sale of fireworks in roadside push carts or temporary stands in order to spark permanent jobs. The bill must next be reviewed by the Legislature’s Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
It’s not as if fireworks aren’t accessible to Massachusetts residents, but the bill would make them much easier to obtain. And with more access comes the possibility of more injuries, especially to children who don’t know how to operate them safely. Child injuries can lead to permanent disfigurement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008 seven people died and 7,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. And more than 4 out of every 10 people injured with fireworks were children under 15. Nearly 60 percent of those injured were under 20. Hands and fingers (1,400), eyes (1,000) and legs (900) are the body parts most often injured by fireworks, the CDC reports.
While fireworks are sometimes seen as a fun activity, especially during holidays, they can be dangerous — sparklers, for instance, burn at more than 1,000 degrees. They can catch clothes on fire and bottle rockets can fly wild and strike people in the eyes.
While it’s possible that human error is to blame for many of these accidents and injuries, some fireworks companies manufacture defective products in Boston and can lead to severe injuries. Investigating the design, construction and other factors related to fireworks after an accident can be important in determining whether the product was at fault.
If you have been injured in an accident in the Boston area, contact Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (617) 777-7777.
Additional Resources:
Pol’s fireworks bill sparks debate, by Dave Wedge, The Boston Herald