1 2 Blog The Fourth of July is one of the most iconic and festive holidays in the United States, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. From firework accidents to car crashes, injuries tend to spike during Independence Day celebrations. In fact, recent Fourth of July injury statistics reveal alarming trends that highlight the hidden risks of the holiday. Whether you’re driving to a BBQ, lighting fireworks, or spending time outdoors, it’s important to understand how these dangers can lead to serious personal injury — and what rights you have if something goes wrong. 🔥 1. Sparklers: Small Fireworks, Big Injuries Sparklers remain the leading cause of fireworks-related injuries, especially in children. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), sparklers accounted for 900 injuries treated in emergency rooms in July 2023 alone. They can burn at 2,000°F — hot enough to melt metal — and often lead to severe burns and hand injuries, especially in children. Legal Note: Burn injuries caused by faulty fireworks or unsafe supervision may result in liability claims. 👨 2. Men Suffer More Fireworks Injuries Than Women Year after year, males make up the majority of fireworks injury victims. The CPSC reports 65% of all fireworks injuries in 2023 (the most recent year with statistics available) involved men, highlighting the importance of extra caution, especially when handling larger explosives. ✋ 3. Hands and Fingers: Most Commonly Injured Body Parts Injuries to the hands and fingers are the most frequent, followed by eye and face injuries. Many result in permanent disfigurement or loss of function. What the Fourth of July Injury Statistics Reveal About Safety Risks While fireworks are a leading cause of injuries on the Fourth of July, they’re far from the only hazard. Fourth of July injury statistics also highlight a sharp rise in alcohol-related car accidents, grilling injuries, and even heat-related illnesses — especially in states like New Jersey where summer temperatures can soar. These risks not only lead to emergency room visits, but in many cases, they result from negligence, reckless behavior, or failure to follow safety guidelines. Understanding these patterns can help prevent accidents — and can also be crucial if you or a loved one suffers an injury and needs legal support. And now the list continues…. 🚗 4. Deadly Roads: The 4th of July Is One of the Worst Days for Driving According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Fourth of July regularly ranks among the top three deadliest holidays for motor vehicle crashes — alongside Memorial Day and Labor Day. You can read more about the specific dangers on the roads in a previous blog here. 🍺 5. Alcohol + Driving = A Lethal Combination Drunk driving is a leading cause of fatal crashes on July 4th. In 2022, 40% of all traffic fatalities during the holiday involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher (NHTSA). Legal Note: If you or a loved one is injured in a crash involving a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation beyond insurance limits. 🚑 6. 2025 Predictions: Over 400 Deaths Expected Nationwide The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated 437 deaths over the 2025 4th of July holiday weekend. With increased traffic expected again in 2025, personal injury and wrongful death risks remain high. 🧨 7. Homemade Fireworks: Illegal and Extremely Dangerous Homemade or modified fireworks are responsible for a disproportionate number of severe injuries and deaths. Moreover, several incidents with these fireworks involve explosions resulting in amputations, severe burns, and tragically even fatalities. Legal Note: Injuries from illegal fireworks or unsafe conditions may fall under premises liability or product liability claims. 🧒 8. Children at High Risk Children under the age of 15 account for nearly 30% of all fireworks-related injuries. Supervision and safety gear (like eye protection) are critical. 🏠 9. Backyard Parties and Premises Liability Slip and falls around pools, grilling accidents, and unsafe conditions at backyard parties are common. Property owners may be held liable if negligence leads to injury. 🌭 10. Food Poisoning: A Hidden Holiday Risk Improperly handled picnic food in summer heat leads to a rise in E. coli and salmonella cases each July. Undercooked meat, mayonnaise-based sides, and warm beer can all contribute. Legal Note: Restaurants or caterers may be liable if food poisoning results from negligence in preparation or storage. Stay Safe This Independence Day From all of us at Mintz & Geftic, we wish you a safe, happy, and injury-free Fourth of July. If the unexpected happens, our team is here to help. We handle serious injury cases across New Jersey — including burn injuries, car accidents, and wrongful death claims. Call or text are team anytime at 908-352-2323 for a Free Consultation. Elizabeth, New Jersey Injury Lawyers All personal injury negligence cases require NO FEE unless we are successful in securing you a recovery to compensate you for your injuries and pain and suffering. We give personal attention to all of our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident call or text us today at 908-352-2323. Did you suffer with serious injuries in a truck accident, car accident, construction accident, train accident, or were injured in a pedestrian accident, call or text our Elizabeth, New Jersey accident lawyers today at 908-352-2323. If you or a loved one has been hurt at work and suffered work-related injuries call Elizabeth, New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers today or text our attorneys at 908-352-2323. Our injury lawyers serve clients throughout New Jersey. This includes the cities of Newark, Elizabeth, Union, Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston and Jersey City. We cover Morris, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union and Middlesex counties. Our accident lawyers have offices in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Short Hills, New Jersey and in New York City. We represent clients suffering with spinal cord injury, back injury, burn injury, broken bones and traumatic brain injury. If you are enduring physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, lost wages, medical expenses or any other hardship resulting from an accident please contact us today for a free consultation. If you prefer contacting our Elizabeth, New Jersey personal injury lawyers via email, please click here. All personal injury negligence cases require NO FEE unless we are successful in securing you a recovery to compensate you for your injuries and pain and suffering. WE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU! sources nsc.org nhtsa.gov 2 Motor Vehicle AccidentsNew Jerseypersonal injury Related Posts Put Down The Cellphone Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers When you get behind the wheel, think about putting down the cellphone and listening to some music. The National Safety Council has estimated that 1 in 4 car crashes involve cell phone use. 0 0 0 18 Aug 2015 $240,000 For Motorcycle Accident Injuries $240,000 personal injury settlement for our client who suffered back injuries from a serious motorcycle accident. The motorcycle accident in Kenilworth NJ resulted in multiple rib fractures, comminuted fracture of the distal left clavicle, comminuted fracture of L3, as well as other sprains, strains, and bruises. Our client was hospitalized for many days incurring substantial medical bills. The motorcycle accident case settled prior to the filing of a lawsuit. MINTZ & GEFTIC – TOP-RATED MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAW FIRM All cases involving a rear-end accident, truck accident, car accident, motorcycle accident, slip and fall accident, or work-related accident require NO… 0 0 0 02 Dec 2022 $100,000 For Back Injuries From Accident Involving a Truck $100,000 personal injury settlement for our client who suffered back injuries (herniated discs) from a serious car accident. Our client’s vehicle was struck by a truck causing serious injuries. These accident-related injuries included herniated discs in her cervical spine. She ultimately underwent a series of epidual steroid injections to ease her pain and suffering. MINTZ & GEFTIC FREE CONSULTATIONS AND NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE All cases involving a rear-end accident, truck accident, car accident, slip and falls accident, or work-related accident require NO FEE unless we are successful in securing you a recovery to compensate you for your injuries and pain and… 0 0 0 24 Jan 2022 Video Blog: Workers’ Compensation – What You Need to Know Watch today’s video where Elizabeth, New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer Bryan Mintz explains the important facts about workers’ compensation. Get helpful legal tips from an experienced Elizabeth, New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer. 0 0 0 01 Jun 2016 $250,000 for slip and fall injuries at restaurant Jeffrey M. Strauss’s client suffered a knee injury that will likely require knee replacement surgery when she slipped and fell. The serious injury occurred at the Cheesecake Factory in Freehold, New Jersey. Bryan H. Mintz assisted Mr. Strauss with motion practice and ultimately at trial before The Honorable Owen C. McCarthy. The case settled after three days of trial for $250,000. (Monmouth County, 2019) MINTZ & GEFTIC FREE CONSULTATIONS AND NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE All cases involving truck accidents, car accidents, slip and falls accidents and work-related accidents require NO FEE unless we are successful in securing you a recovery to compensate… 0 0 0 11 Nov 2019 $1.1 Million settlement involving a fall from scaffolding work injury $1,136,500 settlement for an individual who fell from scaffolding while at work suffering a work-related injury. The settlement included a recovery of $1,000,000 for negligence and $136,500 for workers compensation benefits. (Essex County, New Jersey 2015). 0 0 0 11 Aug 2015 $4.2 Million Settlement in Class Action vs American Traffic Systems $4.2 Million settlement of a class action against American Traffic Systems, Inc. and 18 New Jersey municipalities alleging a failure to comply with New Jersey laws governing red light cameras. (Bryan H. Mintz, with co-counsel, District of New Jersey, 2013). 0 0 0 23 Jul 2015 Election Day – The Top 5 Weirdest Ballot Initiatives Ever Mintz & Geftic Law Firm is here with some BREAKING NEWS–there’s a big election going down this week! Kidding, of course. In fact, even a New Jersey resident currently living under a rock has reportedly been complaining about this election getting too much coverage. We urge everyone to get their ballots in ASAP and ensure that their voices are heard. It is not hyperbole to say that this is one of the most important elections we have ever faced as a nation. The choice for president is clearly the most discussed element of the 2020 election (and with good reason). However, in some cases… 2 0 2 01 Nov 2020 $187,500 for Work-Related Burn Injuries Our client, a New Jersey worker, suffered from burn injuries he received on the job. The worker received the burns when he was electrocuted while performing gutter installation at an apartment complex. His case settled while at mediation with Ret. Judge Carey for $187,500. (Middlesex County, 2019) MINTZ & GEFTIC FREE CONSULTATIONS AND NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE All cases involving truck accidents, car accidents, slip and falls accidents and work-related accidents require NO FEE unless we are successful in securing you a recovery to compensate you for your injuries and pain and suffering. We represent seriously injured victims of accidents. These injuries… 0 0 0 11 Nov 2019 $150,000 Settlement for Pedestrian Accident $150,000 settlement for our client injured in a pedestrian accident. Our client was a pedestrian crossing Routes 1 & 9 in Elizabeth when he was struck by driver. He suffered serious injuries including pelvis fracture and scapular fracture, and underwent open reduction and internal fixation of both fractures. Sadly Mr. Johnson passed away during the lawsuit of causes unrelated to his accident. The case was ultimately resolved by his estate before trial. (ELIZABETH, Union County, New jersey 2022) MINTZ & GEFTIC FREE CONSULTATIONS AND NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE All cases involving truck accidents, car accidents, slip and falls accidents and work-related… 0 0 0 01 Dec 2022 $250,000 for Negligence on part of a Medical Transport Company Our client sustained severe injuries in this negligence case. He suffered a fractured hip resulting in surgery as a result of the neglgience on the part of a medical transport company. On the way to dialysis, the medical transport company failed to properly strap in our client and his wheelchair within the van. After stopping short, our client unfortunately was tossed from his wheelchair and sustained serious injuries. MINTZ & GEFTIC FREE CONSULTATIONS AND NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE All cases involving truck accidents, car accidents, slip and falls accidents and work-related accidents require NO FEE unless we are successful in securing you… 0 0 0 05 Jan 2022 $125,000 for Serious Injuries from Multi-vehicle Accident Involving Truck Mintz & Geftic’s client, a New Jersey worker, was involved in a multi-vehicle accident. While driving his truck for work, our client was struck by a car that was pushed forward after it was struck by a truck. Our client suffered with serious injuries as a result of the accident. Injuries included herniated C4-5 and C5-6 discs in his neck. Our client underwent epidural injections for pain, as well as physical therapy. The case settled shortly after a settlement conference at Union County Courthouse for $125,000. Our client also received a settlement from this corresponding workers’ compensation case. (Union County, 2019) MINTZ & GEFTIC … 0 0 0 11 Nov 2019 Driving in Snow and Ice – Facts vs. Fiction New Jersey is bracing for a major snowstorm. At this point it seems forecasters have narrowed the potential snowfall down to somewhere between flurries and two feet of snow. In addition to the wind and snow, apparently this storm could also develop into a (cue the Jaws music) ………BOMB CYCLONE!!! Did some news editor decide that the term nor’easter wasn’t getting them enough clicks anymore and just replace it with the coolest word they could think of? If so, great job by that guy (or girl)! While we’ve had some snowy days around the state this winter, this storm is going to be the… 1 0 1 27 Jan 2022 Portable Generators – Benefits, Dangers & Lawsuits The effects of Hurricane Ida were major! From its first landfall along the Gulf coast to its arrival here in New Jersey, Ida’s path was destructive. Several families have endured catastrophic damage and some have even lost loved ones as a result of Ida. While Ida may not have been considered a major hurricane (or even a hurricane) by the time it worked its way to our area, the effects on the people of New Jersey were clearly major to say the least. Our hearts go out to all of the families affected by these recent events. There were millions of customers without… 0 0 0 07 Sep 2021 RED LIGHT RUNNING DEATHS AT 10-YEAR HIGH Most New Jersey drivers have had it happen to them at least a couple of times. You’re sitting at a red light and it turns green. You step on the gas pedal. Just as your car starts to move. a vehicle comes speeding through the intersection from your left or right, completely ignoring their red light. You (hopefully) hit your brakes just in time, avoiding a major accident. You then utter to yourself (or maybe shout out the window), “you could have killed somebody driving like that!”. Perhaps you also included an expletive or two. Well, that statement is even more true now than… 0 0 0 20 Nov 2019 Leave a comment Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment.
