Fireworks Accidents and Injuries

Holidays, celebrations and other special events are a great time to enjoy fireworks displays, but fireworks can be linked to serious personal injuries. Sometimes, injuries are caused when a fireworks device malfunctions, possibly because of a defective device injuring people in the vicinity. Other incidents involve sparklers or people unfamiliar with fireworks setting up displays.

On July Fourth, approximately three dozen people were injured at a Simi Valley fireworks display when the pyrotechnics exploded prematurely, causing burns, bruises and shrapnel injuries. Other people were trampled as frantic spectators tried to avoid injury. Meanwhile in a different instance, a woman lost her foot and another suffered burn injuries after a fireworks accident during a neighborhood fireworks show.

Fireworks injuries are also sustained by the technicians who work with the pyrotechnics. Under regulations, spectators must be kept at a distance from the fireworks displays, but the people who work with the fireworks do not have the safety of distance.

According to a 2012 report, by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2012 there were approximately 8,700 fireworks-related injuries treated in US hospital emergency rooms, with approximately 5,200 of those being treated between June 22, 2012 and July 22, 2012. The most injured body parts were the hands and fingers, followed by the head and the legs.

More than half reported injuries were burns and 74 percent of the injured were male. Of those who were injured, children under the age of 15 made up approximately 30 percent and 46 percent were under the age of 20. Most of the male patients were injured by sparklers, bottle rockets, and firecrackers, while most of the female patients were injured as spectators at fireworks displays. Overall, most of the injuries were caused by firecrackers—approximately 1,200 injuries—with sparklers in second place and bottle rockets in third.

The CPSC reports that there were six fireworks related deaths that did not occur on the job in 2012. All victims were male. Among the deaths was a 30-year-old who lit a mortar-type firework, which exploded in his face causing severe brain injuries. The victim died six days later. Meanwhile, a 26-year-old male reloaded a firework one minute after firing the first shell. The second shell ignited immediately, causing the injury to the victim, who died before reaching the hospital.

The CPSC regulates fireworks devices, including the composition of the devices and performance requirements. Furthermore, not all states allow all types of consumer fireworks (which were formerly called class C fireworks), while some states ban consumer fireworks entirely. Fireworks included in the consumer fireworks category include shells, mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, sparklers and certain novelty items.

Lawsuits have been filed against fireworks companies, organizations that host fireworks shows and people who host fireworks shows at their home, alleging people have been injured or seriously harmed by fireworks displays. In 2010, a woman was awarded $4.75 million in her lawsuit after she alleged she suffered burns and a traumatic brain injury when a pyrotechnic exploded next to her. Her son, who was on her lap, was in a coma for three days.

Fireworks Accidents and Injuries Legal Help

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Last updated on Oct-6-13