Summer is in full swing and Fourth of July is around the corner. As local governments continue to cut spending in a tight economy, public fireworks displays are becoming less common in the Cincinnati area. For many people celebrating the Fourth of July, this has created the temptation to hold private fireworks displays.

However, concerns about severe personal injuries and injuries to children have led to the use of most fireworks being banned in the state of Ohio. The only legal fireworks in Ohio are small fireworks, including sparklers, snaps, smokers, and snakes. Many people don't care for the legal, but small, fireworks and prefer the type of fireworks that soar, explode and send out a starburst. However, people who use these fireworks do so at their own peril.

Using larger fireworks at private gatherings is against the law in Ohio. Unlicensed individuals can face criminal charges for using fireworks, but that is not the only legal ramification of firework use.

Like it or not, fireworks can be dangerous. Not only can they cause fires, they can cause severe personal injuries to bystanders and partygoers alike. Firework related injuries often leave an injury victim saddled with very expensive medical bills, especially in cases involving severe burns.

Guests have the right to be safe from harm when they are invited over to another person's property. When injuries result from negligent firework use, injury victims have the legal right to be compensated for their injuries. If you have been injured by another person's negligence, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights as an injury victim.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer, "Fourth of July backyard fireworks shooters ignore the law in Ohio," Leona Johnson, 6/27/2011