By: Angelo Theodosopoulos, Esq.
Friends, family, food, and firework displays are the hallmarks of Fourth of July celebrations. Whether your celebration involves fireworks, cookouts, sporting events, parades, travel, or simply gathering together, the goal is the same: to enjoy the day and return home safely. Unfortunately, hospitals across the United States experience the single largest boom in average emergency room visits on July 4 and 5.
I have spoken to countless people over the years whose Fourth of July celebration became the subject of an insurance claim, hospital visit, or a courtroom dispute. The most common theme was that the inciting event or injury these people suffered did not arise because someone intended them harm. Once I’ve filed their lawsuit, we learn that the story begins with small decisions that seem harmless at the time – a shortcut is taken, a warning is ignored, and someone decides that a safety rule is unnecessary “just this once” – and these seemingly small choices unfold into life- changing consequences.
Personal injury law stems from common sense – people, generally, have a responsibility to act reasonably under the circumstances.
- What does this mean? It means people should avoid taking an action that creates an unnecessary risk of harm to others. It means, to the extent you are able, avoid people who create these risks.
- Why does it matter? I tell my family and friends to be alert for people behaving unreasonably and making risky decisions on the holiday to protect your friends and family.
Fourth of July safety begins long before the party starts. Good planning prevents bad outcomes. Consider where guests will park, whether children have adequate supervision, whether emergency phone numbers are readily available, and whether basic first aid supplies are nearby. If alcohol will be served, transportation plans should be made before anyone has their first drink. If fireworks will be used, those responsible should understand how to operate them safely and ensure that children remain at a safe distance.
Holidays naturally involve excitement, conversations, music, and activity. These are distractions and they can cause the most careful individuals to overlook a danger that would otherwise be obvious.
Try to remember that this holiday, like others, is about people and not activities. Remind others that fireworks, food, decorations, games, and traditions should enhance the celebration but cannot become the focus at the expense of safety. The best holiday celebrations often end uneventfully; everyone returns home safely. Children should remember laughter and closeness rather than fear.
Our law firm becomes involved in a client’s life after an injury has already occurred. Lawsuits and insurance claims may determine who bears financial responsibility for an injury or loss, but they cannot erase the past, heal permanent injuries, or restore a loved one’s life.
Have fun but be safe and encourage others to do the same. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe Fourth of July celebration.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/07/03/hospital-emergency-room-visits-fourth-of-july/
“Forecasting Daily Patient Volumes in the Emergency Department” Jones, Mstat, Thomas, PhD, Welch, MD, et al Academic Emergency Medicine, Vol. 15, Issue No. 2, February 2008.