New Jersey Injury Attorney Blog

Two drivers were killed in a head-on car accident in Salem County recently. According to Today’s Sunbeam, the fatal car crash occurred on Route 45 south of Lincoln Road in Pilesgrove Township. Both drivers were killed when an Acura Integra and an older Chevrolet pickup truck collided head-on. There were no passengers in either vehicle. It is not clear at this time which vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic or what may have caused this tragic collision.

It is often challenging to determine the cause of a head-on collision. In any similar car accident, there are a number of questions that must be asked. Was one of the motorists violating New Jersey Statute 39:4-86 by crossing into oncoming traffic to pass another vehicle? Did a dangerous roadway condition force one of the drivers out of their lane of traffic? Did a motorist lose control because of a defective auto part? Did fatigued, distracted, or drunk driving play a factor in the crash? Drivers whose negligence results in a head-on collision may be held liable for the damages suffered in the crash.

The family of a deceased New Jersey car accident victim would be well-advised to seek the guidance of an experienced lawyer to better understand their legal rights and options. In some cases, compensation may be available by filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Families may pursue compensation for losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost future income.

The experienced car crash lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully helping injured victims and their families receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that involved a negligent driver, call our law offices at 609-240-0040 today.

A number of car accidents in New Jersey often result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can be life-changing, not only for the victim, but also for their family. Brain injuries can also result from slip-and-fall accidents, construction accidents, sport-related injuries, bicycle accidents, workplace accidents, and more. Even though great advancements have been made in recent years with regard to brain injury treatments, many symptoms are permanent. An injured victim may never be able to return to their pre-accident state again.

The types of symptoms suffered by a brain injury victim will depend upon the severity of the trauma and the location of the damage. For example, damage to the front of the brain (frontal lobe) could result in paralysis, loss of flexibility, thinking, an inability to focus, personality changes, and difficulty expressing language. Damage to the back of the brain (occipital lobes) could result in issues with vision, colors, reading, and writing.

Victims of head trauma to the side of the brain (temporal lobes) may have difficulty recognizing faces, understanding words, or exhibit aggressive behavior. When someone suffers trauma near the back and top of their head (parietal lobe), they may have trouble distinguishing right from left or have difficulties with hand-eye coordination.

There is a multitude of symptoms brain injury victims can suffer and the resulting medical and rehabilitation expenses can be financially crippling. The experienced Princeton brain injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims and their families obtain fair compensation for the losses they have suffered. To discuss your potential claim, call 609-240-0040 today. We always offer free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations to injured victims and their families.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost one fifth of the 4.5 million dog bite incidents that occur every year require medical attention. Victims of dog bite attacks in New Jersey often require expensive treatments beyond the initial emergency room visit. In fact, the CDC reports that in 2006, more than 31,000 people required reconstructive surgery following a dog attack in the United States. Surgeries required after a dog attack are not always covered by insurance and victims are often left wondering how they will ever pay those substantial costs out of their pocket.

The expenses following a New Jersey dog bite attack can add up fast. First, you have the diagnosis and treatment related to the emergency room visit. After that, it is common for victims to need follow up visits in order to determine how the injuries are healing and whether or not they contracted rabies. Many victims also suffer from serious infections. In the most severe cases, injured victims may require reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery.

Reconstructive surgery may be needed following a dog bite attack to repair lacerated tendons or shattered bones. Plastic surgery is often required as well to repair the cosmetic damage caused by the dog's teeth and claws. Victims of New Jersey dog bite attacks often suffer permanent facial injuries and scars that can only be minimized with expensive plastic surgery. Some of the scars are permanent and can never be repaired, even with cosmetic procedures.

The experienced dog bite attack attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of victims who have suffered due to a dog bite attack in New Jersey. We understand the financial burdens injured victims face and we know how to hold dog owners accountable for their negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey dog bite attack, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

A 22-year-old woman was killed and six others were injured in a car accident recently. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal crash occurred at mile marker 111.3 on the Garden State Parkway in Middletown. A black Acura carrying five people crossed into the center lane and collided into a Dodge Durango carrying two people. Both vehicles ended up crashing into the left guardrail. A passenger in the Acura was killed and four other occupants were injured. A driver and passenger in the Durango were injured as well. It is unclear what caused the fatal collision or if anyone will be cited or arrested.

When passengers are injured or killed in a New Jersey car accident they may be left wondering how to pursue compensation. It is common for injured victims to worry that their friend or family member who was driving the vehicle may be held liable for the damages suffered. It is important that injured victims and their families remember that the insurance policy of the at-fault driver will cover most of the damages suffered. In cases where the at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance, compensation may be available through the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause of the victim's own insurance policy.

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that allows the family of someone killed in a car crash to seek financial compensation for their losses. A personal injury claim allows a surviving injured victim to seek compensation for losses such as medical bills, pain and suffering, and time away from work. Anytime someone is injured in a car accident in New Jersey, it may be in their best interests to seek legal guidance from a skilled attorney.

The reputed Princeton car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of successfully handling serious injury and wrongful death cases in New Jersey. We fight for our clients' rights and ensure that they receive fair and full compensation for all injuries, damages, and losses. To discuss your potential claim, call our law offices at 609-240-0040 today.

Early estimates for statistics on fatal highway car accidents in New Jersey show that fatalities are on the rise. According to NJ.com, there has been a 9.8 percent increase in deaths this year on New Jersey highways. There have been a total of 314 vehicle accident fatalities in New Jersey already in 2011, while 556 people were killed on New Jersey roads last year. Essex County led all counties with 32 fatalities, followed by Burlington County and Middlesex counties with 28 traffic fatalities each. Also, 27 traffic fatalities were reported in Camden and 25 people died in Ocean County.

One reason why the numbers appear so high is because the number of traffic fatalities in New Jersey in 2010 was the lowest they had been since the 1940s. Instead of maintaining a downward trend, the number of traffic accident fatalities has simply been on the rise. According to the article, it is believed that recent police layoffs may have also played a part in the increase of fatal car crashes in New Jersey.

When someone is killed in a car accident, the victim's family may seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. At-fault drivers may be held liable for damages including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, and loss of companionship.

The experienced car accident lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling wrongful death claims related to car accidents. We know how to prove liability and how to ensure the rights of victims' families are protected. If you have lost a loved one in a car crash in New Jersey, call our law offices at 609-240-0040 right away for a free consultation.

Two people were injured recently in a car crash that involved a Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority Truck and a freight train. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the accident occurred at Chapel Avenue and Caven Point Road in Jersey City. It is not clear what led to the dump truck being struck by the train. Two occupants in the dump truck, the driver and a passenger, were both injured in the collision. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the train crash.

Investigators of train accidents in New Jersey typically have to search for a number of answers. Did the intersection have working warning lights and railroad crossing barriers? Was the train operator distracted or speeding? Did the driver of the vehicle drive dangerously around the railroad crossing gate? Did the train operator fail to warn traffic by using the horn? Train accidents often lead to complicated civil lawsuits. Injured victims of New Jersey train accidents would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a knowledgeable attorney.

Depending upon the circumstances of the accident, financial compensation may be available for the injured victim. A skilled lawyer can help ensure the at-fault party is held accountable for the injuries suffered in the crash. Damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and past and future suffering may be considered in a successful civil lawsuit.

The Princeton personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have had a long and successful track record of handling serious injury accidents in New Jersey. We provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to anyone who has suffered a loss due to someone else’s negligence. Call us today to find out how we can help.

A 68-year-old man was injured in a house fire that occurred at a duplex. According to The News of Cumberland County, the fire occurred on Buck Street in Millville. The other family members who reside in the building were able to escape unharmed, but the 68-year-old man became trapped in the burning house. The victim was not burned, but he was airlifted to a nearby hospital for inhaling heated gases. A couple of dogs and a cat were killed in the fire as well.

Any time there is a home, duplex, or apartment fire, there are a number of questions that must be asked. What caused the fire? Did the building have an adequate number of working smoke alarms? Did the building have built-in sprinklers? Did the residents have fire extinguishers in the house? Was the building constructed to code? Did the electrical wiring in the home contribute to the fire? If it can be proven that the owner of the building was negligent in any way, financial compensation may be available for the injured victim.

Injured victims may file a civil lawsuit to recover damages such as medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is not, however, always easy to prove liability for a fire. An experienced personal injury attorney in New Jersey may be needed to hold a property owner or other potentially liable party responsible for the injuries and losses suffered by a victim.

The skilled lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have had a long and successful track record holding negligent parties accountable and helping injured victims receive the compensation they need to recover. To discuss whether or not you are able to receive compensation for the damages you have suffered, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

A child was injured in a car crash recently that involved a fatigued driver who fell asleep at the wheel. According to The News of Cumberland County, the accident occurred on Buckshutem Road in Fairfield Township during the early morning hours. A woman was driving two of her grandchildren, one in the front seat and one in back, when she fell asleep at the wheel. Her green Isuzu Ascension veered off the road, struck a utility pole, a mailbox, a street sign, and a second utility pole before coming to a stop. The child in the front seat suffered leg injuries and was trapped in the vehicle. The driver and the infant in the backseat were hospitalized as well for minor New Jersey car accident injuries.

Driver fatigue is a common problem that can put everyone on the roadway at great risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 56,000 drivers are cited every year for driving while fatigued. Approximately 40,000 people are injured and 1,550 people are killed every year as a result of drivers who fall asleep at the wheel. One alarming statistics from the NHTSA is that 37 percent of drivers surveyed nationally say they have nodded off for a moment while driving at some point.

Victims of accidents caused by drowsy drivers may pursue financial compensation for their injuries and accident-related losses through insurance claims or civil litigation. The parent of a child injured in a car accident in New Jersey may seek financial compensation on their child's behalf. The at-fault driver's insurance should cover losses such as medical bills.

The experienced car accident lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling car accident cases in New Jersey. We protect the rights of our clients while making sure they get fair compensation for the injuries they have suffered. We also offer free consultations at 609-240-0040.

One of the most devastating and life-changing injuries you can suffer in a motorcycle accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). One way to help prevent a brain injury in New Jersey is to wear a helmet. To help encourage helmet use, New Jersey has helmet laws in place for both motorcyclists and bicyclists.

New Jersey Title 39:4-10.1 requires every bicyclist under the age of 17 to wear a safety helmet while riding. On August 1, 1998, skateboarders and skaters were included under the law as well. Additionally, not just any helmet is sufficient. Helmets must meet the federal safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Both motorcycle and bicycle helmets must fit snugly and they must be strapped on at all times.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:3-76.7: “No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a securely fitted protective helmet of a size proper for that person and of a type approved by the director. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof.”

Serious head and brain injuries can be suffered even when a motorcyclist or a bicyclist is wearing a proper helmet. Injured victims may pursue financial compensation for the injuries they have suffered as a result of someone else's negligence by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Damages that may be covered include medical expenses, past and future suffering, and time away from work.

The experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of getting our clients the compensation they need and rightfully deserve following an accident caused by another person’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle or bicycle accident in New Jersey, please call us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A 4-year-old girl was hospitalized following a New Jersey swimming pool accident that occurred at a municipal swimming pool. According to a news report in The Independent Press, the drowning accident occurred at the Summit Family Aquatic Center in Summit. A lifeguard pulled the motionless child out of the water and began administering CPR. The girl responded to the actions of the lifeguard and a registered nurse who happened to be at the facility. The extent of the child's injuries is not known, but she was transported to a nearby hospital. It is unclear how long the girl was in the water or who was supervising her.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 3,443 unintentional drowning fatalities in the year 2007. That number means that about 10 people died everyday from drowning. More than one-fifth of all drowning victims are under the age of 15.

Companies, property owners, and club owners who operate swimming pools have a legal obligation to make sure their pools are safe for use. Proper supervision must be provided at all times. Whenever someone is injured in a swimming pool accident, it must be determined if negligence played a part in the incident.

The skilled New Jersey child swimming pool accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling swimming pool accidents. If your child has been hurt in a swimming pool accident it may be in your best interest to call our offices to determine your legal rights and options. We provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to personal injury victims in New Jersey and their families.

New Jersey dog bite accidents can result in devastating injuries. Victims of New Jersey dog attacks often suffer severe physical, mental and financial burdens. It is impossible to prevent all dog bite injuries, but there are steps that individuals can take to help in New Jersey dog attack prevention. These tips are applicable for children and adults alike.

• First of all, it is never a good idea to approach an unleashed dog, especially one with which you are unfamiliar. Even if the dog seems "gentle" or "harmless," there is the potential that it is hungry or scared.
• If the dog begins to approach you, it is not in your best interest to scream or run. Instead, it is safer to be still like a tree. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends "lying like a log" if the dog knocks you to the ground. It may also be in your best interest to avoid eye contact.
• Dogs should never be interrupted while sleeping or eating. Even normally safe pets can lash out if they feel startled or threatened.
• Dogs that are caring for puppies should also be left alone.
• If you intend to pet a dog, you should first give the animal ample time to sniff your hand.

The experienced dog bite injury lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein serve all of New Jersey. We help injured victims of dog attacks get the compensation they need for medical bills, surgeries, lost earnings and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a New Jersey dog attack, please call us at 609-240-0040 to better understand your legal rights and options.

There are a number of causes of New Jersey car accidents. One form of dangerous driving that can lead to a serious injury accident is making an unsafe lane change. It is common in these types of collisions for a driver to deny responsibility and for the victim to have to prove who was responsible for the collision.

It is the responsibility of all New Jersey motorists to check their rear view mirrors and to monitor their vehicles' blind spots before making a lane change. Drivers who change lanes without signaling or consciously looking for traffic can cause rear-end collisions, sideswipe collisions and rollover crashes. If the injured victim is a motorcyclist or bicyclist there is an even greater chance of a catastrophic injury or fatality.

Victims of unsafe lane change accidents would be well advised to call the authorities, exchange information with the other driver as well as anyone who may have witnessed the crash, to seek immediate medical attention and then to call an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney.

Victims of serious injury accidents often have to prove who caused the crash before receiving compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and suffering. This can be done through an insurance claim or through civil litigation. A skilled personal injury attorney can help prove liability and make sure the at-fault motorist is held accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver in New Jersey, please contact the skilled Princeton vehicle accident injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. Call us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A New Jersey motorcyclist was killed in a car accident after he rear-ended a vehicle and was then run over by an SUV and a tractor-trailer. According to a WDEL news report, the fatal New Jersey motorcycle crash occurred on the Interstate 495 near 12th Street. It is unclear what caused the motorcyclist to strike the back of the car or why the SUV and truck were unable to avoid hitting him after the initial collision. Investigators are still looking into who was at fault for this collision.

Rear-end collisions can result in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities – as it did in this New Jersey motorcycle accident. For example, it is a traffic violation to drive too slowly under New Jersey Statute 39:4-97.1. Additionally, under N.J.S.A. 39-4-88 motorists must remain in a single lane of traffic. Slow drivers must remain in the right hand lane and faster cars may pass on the left. Drivers who make unsafe change lanes may be held liable for any damages they cause.

The family of someone killed in a New Jersey motorcycle accident would be well advised to seek legal guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer in order to obtain more information about their rights and options. In case of fatal injury, compensation may be available to the victim's family for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits.

The experienced wrongful death attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of helping families obtain the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. Our reputed personal injury attorneys fight to protect the rights of our clients while holding at-fault parties accountable for the damages they cause. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your potential claim.

A 78-year-old woman was killed in a car accident after a New Jersey man driving an SUV struck her. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The Paterson man was backing his SUV into a parking space when he struck two women. The 78-year-old victim sustained fatal injuries and a 41-year-old woman has been listed in stable condition. The driver has been charged with unsafe backing, failure to exercise due care and driving with a suspended license.

New Jersey motorists must be careful when and where they back up their vehicles. New Jersey 39:4-127 states: "No vehicle shall back or make a turn in a street, if by so doing it interferes with other vehicles, but shall go around a block or to a street sufficiently wide to turn in without backing." New Jersey Statute 39:4-36 requires all motorists to exercise due care while driving near or around pedestrians. Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in New Jersey may not only receive citations or face criminal charges, but also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused by the accident.

The family of a deceased car accident victim in New Jersey can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist. Civil lawsuits are sometimes the only way to get fair compensation for the losses suffered in a fatal New Jersey car accident.

The experienced Princeton fatal car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to hold at-fault motorists liable for the damages they cause. If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey car accident, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to get the help and guidance you need.

Negligence is extremely important in personal injury cases in New Jersey. It is common for an injured victim to have to prove that the other party's negligence contributed to the injuries suffered in the accident. Determining liability and proving negligence is not always easy, however. This is why it is often in the best interest of the injured victim to seek legal guidance from an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney.

There are four criterions that typically need to be met in order to prove negligence. Did the at-fault person have a duty to the injured victim? Did the person breach that duty by failing to act reasonably? Did that failure of acting reasonably lead to an injury? Did the victim suffer a measurable injury because of the actions of the at-fault party? For example, driving drunk is an act of negligence because a reasonably prudent driver would not drive while intoxicated. A reasonably prudent person would also not text while driving, excessively speed, or run through a stop sign.

At-fault parties who may be held liable for negligence include drivers, the manufacturers of defective parts and products, and the governing body in charge of a roadway that is found to be hazardous. A skilled lawyer will work with investigators to help prove liability and to make sure the at-fault party is held accountable for the injuries and damages caused to victims.

The knowledgeable attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to prove negligence and how to pursue fair compensation for their clients. We offer free case evaluations at 609-240-0040 to anyone who has been hurt due to another’s negligence in New Jersey.

The serious physical injuries that can be suffered in a New Jersey dog bite attack are well documented. Injuries that can be suffered include post traumatic stress disorder, a fear of dogs, and a fear of the outdoors. When pursuing compensation for a dog bite attack in New Jersey, it is important to consider all possible injuries, including emotional injuries.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is when someone's emotional or psychological state is changed by a frightening, dangerous, or traumatic event. Victims of dog bite injuries may become depressed, fearful or nervous. Some victims of PTSD suffer from severe stress whenever they are around a dog. This type of emotional injury can sometimes be treated with proper medical attention, but many victims never quite feel the same after an dog bite attack in New Jersey.

Some victims are left with a long-term fear of animals. This type of emotional injury can have significant social ramifications. It may be difficult for a dog bite victim to visit friends who have pets or to walk in parks where dogs may be present. Some victims of extreme attacks may actually cut themselves off from all company because of their insecurities.

Children who are involved in a New Jersey dog bite attack are particularly vulnerable to emotional problems. They may feel fear when away from a parent. They may be prone to crying and screaming. They may later exhibit disruptive or aggressive behavior.

There are many potential injuries suffered in a serious dog bite attack. An experienced dog bite attack attorney in New Jersey like those at Lependorf & Silverstein can work with an injured victim to determine the true extent of the injuries suffered and how much compensation should be available in able to have a full recovery. In dog bite cases, compensation may also be available for psychological therapy. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in New Jersey, please call us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

Authorities in New Jersey have arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of leaving the scene of a serious hit-and-run pedestrian accident. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the accident occurred the night of June 18, 2011, in the Silver Beach section of Toms River. The man crashed his 2011 Lexus into a 17-year-old boy who was walking on the shoulder of the road and then fled the scene. The injured victim remains in critical condition following the New Jersey pedestrian accident. The man accused of leaving the scene of the crash may also face charges of hindering an investigation for allowing an employee to take blame for the accident.

According to The New Jersey Governor's Pedestrian Safety Initiative, New Jersey consistently exceeds the national average for fatal pedestrian accidents. About 150 pedestrians are killed in accidents every year in New Jersey. When a pedestrian is injured, the motorist must remain at the scene of the crash.

When someone is seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in New Jersey, it must be determined who was at fault and who should be held liable. When driver negligence is a contributing factor, the injured victim may pursue financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Even in cases involving a hit-and-run driver, a skilled personal injury attorney can help an injured pedestrian pursue compensation for the injuries suffered in the crash. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, the victim can claim compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their auto insurance policy.

The skilled Princeton pedestrian accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to get injured victims of hit-and-run accidents the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you have been injured in a hit-and-run crash, please contact us 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A man was killed in a pedestrian accident in Newark recently, which officials say involved a drunk driver. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal accident occurred at the intersection of South 17th Street and Madison Avenue in Newark. The victim was pinned under a black Mazda and both of his legs were severed. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he died. The female driver of the Mazda was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

There is no question that drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs put the lives of all commuters and pedestrians in jeopardy. New Jersey Statute 39:4-50 defines a drunk driver as “a person who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug, or operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more.” Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not only face criminal charges, but also be held civilly liable for any injuries or damages they may cause.

The family of someone killed in a drunk driving car accident in New Jersey may pursue financial compensation for their loss by filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist. Drunk drivers may be held liable for all accident-related damages, including medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost future income.

The wrongful death attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to hold at-fault motorists accountable for their actions. We make sure that our clients get the compensation they need and that their legal rights are protected. If you have lost a loved one in a car crash that involved a drunk driver, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.

Independence Day is a time for us to celebrate. It's probably the only day of the year when we have the opportunity to get together with family members and friends and enjoy fireworks. However, if we are not careful, a fun celebration can take a tragic turn. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that even small fireworks such as bottle rockets and firecrackers can be dangerous.

According to CPSC statistics, in the 30 days leading to July 4 in 2010, 1,900 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries caused by fireworks. During that same time period, 8,600 people in the United States suffered fireworks-related injuries. About 40 percent of these injuries involve children under the age of 15.

There are a number of steps we can take to prevent injuries caused by fireworks. Children using fireworks should always do so under vigilant adult supervision. Children should not be allowed to light fireworks and parents should not assume that a firework is safe because it appears to be small or harmless.

If you are going to use fireworks, you should do your research on the potential dangers related to each firework. If the firework is packaged in brown paper, this could be a sign that it is professional grade and particularly dangerous. Fireworks should never be thrown. A bucket of water should always be nearby to put out any fireworks. All fireworks, including sparklers, should be doused with water right after use so they are completely put out.

Common injuries suffered in firework accidents include burns and lacerations to the victim's hands, face, and head. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, injured victims of firework incidents may be able to pursue financial compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else's negligent use of fireworks, please contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein to better understand your legal rights and options. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.