This weekend we celebrate the birthday of the United States of America.  Founded July 4th 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America is celebrating it's 234th birthday this year (2010.) 

The 4th of July is a time for the Red White and Blue, picnics, parades and marching bands. The 4^th is a time for beaches, BBQs and "Bombs Bursting in Air."

"Bombs Bursting in Air '' or fireworks, can turn a happy celebration into a potentially traumatic experience for both children and adults. While fireworks are a fun way to celebrate, they are also a cause of serious injuries to Connecticut minors and children. Fireworks can cause burn injuries, skin lesions, broken bones, brain injuries, eye injuries, permanent scarring, and other serious injuries.

There is no such thing as  safe kind of firework.  Sparklers, -the favorite of many children burn at a very high temperature.  Sparklers can reach temperatures greater than 1000°F at the tipand can cause serious burns not only by igniting clothing, but also by touching skin and cause corneal abrasions. About half of all children under five who sustain fireworks-related injuries are injured by sparklers. Since all fireworks and firecrackers create sparks and involve high temperatures, none of these products are child-safe.

For Connecticut firework injuries including burns resulting from sparklers, firecrackers, and fireworks, cool the skin with cold water and cover with a dry, clean sheet until medical professionals can take over.

For injuries involving the loss of fingers, amputations, deep lacerations, burns that cause blistering or worse, and any injury to the eyes, face, or neck, medical help is needed quickly. Call 911.

At the Law offices of McCoy and McCoy LLC., we wish all of you and your families a safe and happy holiday.