Firework Safety Tips for 4th of July

Fourth of July is right around the corner and that means summer fun and fireworks! From family BBQs to big community gatherings, there are a number of opportunities to shoot off beautiful fireworks in the night sky. While fireworks can be breathtaking, Gibbons Law Firm wants to point out that they can also pose a danger to anyone in the vicinity. Our Lake of the Ozarks personal injury attorney knows it's important to use caution around fireworks and this week's blog will feature safety tips you and your family can practice this upcoming holiday.

Safety Tips for Shooting Fireworks:

- Ensure adult supervision is used when children are around and fireworks are present.

- Immediate back up to keep a safe distance after lighting a firework.

- Keep water handy to extinguish a firework or spark, if needed.

- Never allow a young child to light a firework.

- Avoid re-lighting a firework that seems to have not lit properly.

- If a firework does not explode, keep a safe distance.

- Never look into a bottle or tube that a firework has dropped into.

- Avoid pointing a firework at another person.

- Wet down used fireworks to ensure they are extinguished.

- Check your local ordinance to ensure it is legal to shoot fireworks in your location.

Safety Tips for Attending Firework Displays:

- Keep a safe distance from the firework lighting area.

- Bring a flashlight to easily navigate the area in the dark.

- Ensure your children stay close at crowded events.

How to Handle a Firework Injury:

- Seek medical treatment immediately.

- Avoid the application of ointments for a burn.

- Don't attempt to remove any object that may be embedded in the skin.

- Avoid touching or rinsing the wound.

Fireworks are part of the 4th of July and can be a fun and spectacular activity to celebrate the holiday. Our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks encourages everyone to use caution when lighting fireworks this 4th of July. We hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

Follow us on...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Legal Questions to Ask When Starting a Business

Starting a business is an exciting time but it may also be filled with some apprehension. Opening a business is a big risk and our business lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help mitigate some of that risk. As you prepare to open your doors, it's important to ask yourself a few questions ahead of time to better prepare your venture in a legal sense. Take a look below to learn what Gibbons Law Firm recommends you ask before starting a business!

What is the right business structure for me?

Before starting a business, you will need to decide upon the business structure. As a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you and your business will be seen as the same entity. This can cause issues in your personal life should your business go into debt or be sued. To help protect against this, you can structure your business as a corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership. This can help protect the personal assets of those involved in the company. Limited partnership and nonprofit corporations are also options for your new venture. A legal professional can offer the pros and cons of each type and offer advice as to which one is best for your future business.

Should I trademark my brand?

A business name, logo, and slogan can be trademarked to help prevent other businesses from using the same branding technique as yours. To do so, you must register these items to be trademarked and ensure you are not using a graphic, name, or phrase that another business has already used.

Do I need a lawyer for my business?

While it's not required, a legal professional can help your business in a number of ways. From helping establish your business and initial documentation to giving legal advice throughout your time in business, you may use your business lawyer a lot. It's best to have a legal professional on your side who knows your background when a legal issue arises. We'd be pleased if you would consider Gibbons Law Firm to be your legal professional for your new venture!

What risk do I face when hiring employees?

Your business may be open to a number of risks and regulations as you hire employees. It's important to know the details of employment laws and to abide by the rules of employment for your state. Don't forget to keep good documentation of any employee activity - hiring, firing, and everything in between. Your business lawyer near the Lake of the Ozarks can help you know the regulations you need to follow and help you draft accurate documentation for any employment activity.

What contracts do I need?

This depends on what type of business you are operating. Well-written contracts are very important for a business. They can help to protect your business, ensure you get paid for work you have completed, and help decrease the number of disputes brought against your future business. Your lawyer will be able to specifically narrow down what contracts are needed for your unique venture.

Have you asked yourself the above questions? If not, now's a great time to start legally preparing for the start of your business at the Lake of the Ozarks. As an experienced attorney in Lake Ozark, MO, we know how important it is to protect your venture and there are some great ways to do just that. Contact our Lake of the Ozarks law firm to help protect your business before you open!


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

Follow us on...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Tips to Make Divorce Easier on Your Family

The divorce process can take a toll on everyone involved. While you may think it only affects you and your spouse, your children, friends, and family are all impacted by the process, as well. Our divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks knows how difficult this time can be and we're here to help offer some advice on how to make this process as easy as possible on your loved ones.

Divorce can have an emotional impact on many of your family members. While you may try to avoid having a direct impact on your loved ones, it's inevitable that the people closest to you will hurt when you are hurting. To help minimize the toll your divorce may take on your family, take a look below for some helpful tips.

Open Lines of Communication

It may seem easier to shut off outside communication while you're going through a tough time. But ultimately this will just alienate yourself, and that's really not healthy, either. If you have children with your spouse, it's best to try to keep your communication professional. While you may not agree upon much, your kids should be your top priority and it's vital that you are able to communicate simple things regarding your children together.

Seek Professional Help

While venting to friends and family can be helpful, you don't want to constantly be complaining about your situation. It can start to impact their lives, as well. Seek help from a professional therapist to help you process your feelings and emotions. This is a great source of positive feedback and will really help you dig down to the root of your issues, and help you work through it in a healthy capacity.

Keep Your Priorities Straight

It's important to prioritize your life with these big changes going on. Your children, friends, and family are likely to top your list. Try to take into account the way your actions will affect those you care about. It can be hard to be rational during this highly emotional time but it's important that you think about your actions and how they will impact everyone around you.

Now that you know some ways to ease your friends and family through this difficult time, you're ready to find the right divorce attorney in Lake Ozark, MO. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is here for all of your legal needs -- divorce and child custody cases included. Don't forget, your first consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is free.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

Follow us on...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Safety Tips for Boating and Fishing

As the warm weather makes its way through the area, more and more boaters will be out on the water. Our Lake of the Ozarks attorney knows how much fun the water can be. It's also important to keep safety top of mind this time of year. Check out some safety tips to honor this week, below.

Boating Safety Tips

Always wear a lifejacket. 

Drowning is a top cause of boating deaths and a lifejacket can help save many lives on the water. Even if you are a strong swimmer, a life jacket can help keep you afloat in the worst conditions.

Stay seated when the boat is moving. 

Ensure everyone on board is sitting down before taking off. This can help prevent someone from falling overboard and keep your passengers safe.

Let someone know your float plan. 

Before getting out on the water, let someone on land know your plans for the day. This can help someone better locate you if needed.

Fishing Safety Tips

Check the surroundings before casting. 

Before casting your line, take a look around. Ensure your surroundings are clear and nothing is within striking distance of your fishing rod. This can help make sure you and everyone around you is safe when fishing.

Use care with bait. 

Baiting your hook can be a dangerous task. Use caution and bait your fishing line with care. Also, if you are around childing while fishing, ensure sharp hooks are kept locked up or out of reach.

Check the weather before launching.

Before you head out fishing, double check the weather. The forecast can change within a few hours in mid-Missouri and it's important you don't get caught out in a bad storm on the water.

Now that you know some boating and fishing safety tips, you're more prepared to safely hit the water this summer. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we know the area draws a number of tourists and locals in due to the water activities the lake presents. Keep these safety tips in mind the next time you get out on the water this summer. If you are involved in a boating or water accident due to the neglect of someone else, our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is here to help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process. Contact us today to schedule your first consultation.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

Follow us on...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter