Some fireworks injuries may not be result of operator error

In my neighborhood fireworks have been going off constantly. Noon, or midnight, light or dark, it doesn't seem to matter, someone is hosting a backyard firework display. Now, with the Fourth of July holiday finally wrapped up for 2012 I'm wondering if the bangs and crackles will start to subside? I'm doubtful, though.

The new firework law in Michigan has opened the doors to new business opportunities but has also brought along with it, injuries and of course lots and lots of noise. Just last week three Michigan residents were severely injured while operating fireworks. One incident involving fireworks led to a Mid-Michigan church being burned down.

Exercising caution and good judgement should be a priority when using fireworks or other flammable novelties such as sparklers and bottle rockets. Improper use could lead to injury. This article from Reuters has valuable tips for firework safety.

In some cases, injuries resulting from fireworks are the fault of the manufacturer due to some defect in the product. If you or someone you know has been injured due to a defective firework, seek legal representation, you may have rights to a liability case.

Attorney Erwin F. Meiers, III can help.

Fourth of July Safe Travel Tips

Hot dogs, cold beer and fireworks sound like a traditional all American 4th of July celebration and that's exactly right. Statistics show 252 million pounds of fireworks are sold for personal use and 150 million hotdogs are consumed each 4th of July. With 87% of American households owning their own grill, many of us will choose to celebrate at home but some will travel to visit with friends and family. If your plans include travel, keep in mind that drunk driving enforcement is typically greater over holiday weekends and that in 2009 Fourth of July drunk driving accidents accounted for 410 deaths nationwide.

Travel safely, choose a designated driver and pack alcohol away while traveling. If you find yourself facing drunk driving charges following the holiday weekend, call the office of Attorney Erwin F. Meiers, III.

Happy 4th of July!

Whats the catch with bigger fireworks?

A state law enacted recently will allow Michigan residents to purchase and use "in the air" fireworks. The state legalized the fireworks earlier this year in hopes that the profits from firework sales would stay in state and aid in creating more jobs. In the past, Michigan residents have been known to drive to surrounding states such as Ohio and Indiana to purchase the fireworks. So why is this a legal matter? The state enacted the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act to regulate fireworks in Michigan and there are fines if you are caught selling fireworks without a license, selling fireworks to minors, or setting off fireworks on public property without permission of the property owner. 

If you find yourself in trouble this summer contact us!