The Fourth of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. The combination of summer vacations, hot weather, ample sunshine, and patriotic sentiment make for extremely fun and relaxing celebrations. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured in accidents caused by the negligence of others on this holiday each year. However, when these accidents cause significant economic and noneconomic losses, victims may be able to recover financial compensation from the person or party responsible for the accident.
Several common activities, accidents, and products may result in serious injury around July 4th.
Fireworks – Fireworks are highly regulated under Wisconsin law and safety advocacy groups have been advising people against their use for decades. In spite of the obvious signs that these are dangerous products, fireworks continue to be an integral part of Fourth of July celebrations. These devices can cause serious injury when improperly designed, manufactured or handled.
Barbeque Grills – Grilling is a tradition for many Wisconsin residents around the Fourth of July holiday. Open flames always involve a risk of injury and can cause serious burns. Sometimes, grills may be defective and can malfunction, starting fires and causing injuries. In other situations, children may injure themselves on grills due to a lack of supervision by socializing adults.
DUI Accidents – Holidays are known for festive parties and get-togethers with families and friends. These occasions are also closely associated with the consumption of alcohol and, unfortunately, too many people who get behind the wheel of a car after drinking. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Fourth of July has more fatal car accidents than any other day of the year, and an estimated 40 percent of those crashes are attributed to drunk driving.
Boating and Water-Related Accidents – To celebrate the holiday, many people head to one of Wisconsin's many beautiful lakes or rivers to swim, participate in water sports, or simply spend the day relaxing on a boat. While water-related activities can be a great way to spend a weekend, they all come with a high risk of drowning or other accidents. Inexperienced, impaired, or distracted boat drivers can cause collisions and injuries. Additionally, children who are not properly supervised or do not have adequate flotations devices can easily drown.
Contact a Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
Individuals who are injured in preventable accidents during Fourth of July celebrations or at other times may be entitled to significant compensation. With four offices located in Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh, our dedicated Green Bay personal injury attorneys and Appleton personal injury attorneys at [[title]] are committed to helping each client obtain the maximum available settlement or award, and we will work hard to hold negligent parties legally liable. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, please call our Appleton office today at 920-739-7366.