With the Fourth of July weekend coming to an end, thousands of Americans may be recovering from a firework-related injury. In 2016, approximately 11,000 people were injured by fireworks. Additionally, the National Fire Protection Agency estimates that of the 15,600 fires reported each year, 28 percent are reported on the Fourth of July. While this is a time of celebration and pride for our country, it can also be one of the most dangerous.
Common Firework Injuries
Most of the time, firework injuries occur to hands and fingers. Many people will experience severe burns or even lose their fingers. This can be caused by people holding the firework while they light them, but the most common injury are from the one firework that is supposed to be safe to hold. Sparklers are the leading cause of fireworks injury, accounting for 28 percent of all firework-related injuries. Other injuries include burns to any part of the body, damage to eyes or vision, damage to ears, and contusions or lacerations.
How Negligence can Lead to Fireworks Injuries
There are several ways that those who sell or manufacture fireworks can be responsible for people’s injuries. These include:
- Selling to minors
- Selling or producing defective fireworks
- Not including proper warnings or instructions with firework purchase
Firework Vendors and Manufacturers Can be Liable for Your Injuries
Since fireworks are clearly dangerous if not handled properly, those who sell and manufacture fireworks have a high obligation to make sure they are doing so responsibly. Of the thousands of people injured by fireworks every year, around 35 percent are under the age of 15. In Texas, you must be at least 16 years old to purchase fireworks. If your child was injured because of fireworks that were illegally sold to them, the seller may be liable. Vendors and manufacturers are also obligated to perform quality assurance tests on their products. If you are injured because of defective fireworks, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This includes products that set off too early, have unexpected additional explosions, or do not shoot out as described. Additionally, if there are no warning labels or instructions for the product, the manufacturer may be held liable for your injuries.
Other Liable Parties
If you are injured at a public fireworks show, there are several ways that the city or organization who hosts the show could be liable. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the person, entity, or city government who puts on a firework show if:
- The host irresponsibly manages the fireworks, which may include a lack of proper supervision or recklessly placing the fireworks so that they fire near or towards spectators
- The host does not have first responders on standby in case of a medical emergency
- In some instances, the city’s local authority can be held liable for failing to provide proper permits and safety regulations for the event
How We Can Help
Fireworks can be a beautiful and exciting way of celebrating, but they are also dangerous if not handled or supervised properly. If you or a loved one has suffered from a fireworks-related injury due to negligence, the person responsible needs to be held liable for their actions. At The Brothers Law Firm, we understand your pain and frustration during this time of need. We can help you understand your legal rights and determine the best options possible to ensure you and your family get the help you need. To get started, fill out our online form to request a free consultation or call us at (903) 829-3877.