Fireworks are often associated with celebration—Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, or local festivals—but they also bring risk. Every year, thousands of people across the United States are injured by fireworks, with many incidents leading to serious burns, eye damage, amputations, or hearing loss. When these injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence or a defective product, a personal injury claim may be appropriate.
Understanding your rights and the legal process can make a critical difference in whether you’re able to recover compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Fireworks-Related Injuries
Fireworks injuries occur in a variety of scenarios, many of which could involve legal liability. The most common include:
- Improper use or mishandling by individuals
- Negligent supervision at public or private fireworks displays
- Use of illegal or unlicensed fireworks
- Defective or malfunctioning fireworks products
- Accidental ignition near flammable materials or bystanders
In these situations, an injured person may be able to bring a claim against one or more responsible parties.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Fireworks Injury?
Determining liability depends on how and where the accident occurred. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The person lighting the fireworks – If someone handled fireworks irresponsibly or failed to follow safety protocols, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
- Event organizers or property owners – Those who host or allow fireworks displays (even on private property) have a duty to keep guests safe. Failing to secure the area or warn attendees of risks can lead to liability.
- Fireworks manufacturers or retailers – If the injury was caused by a defect in the product itself, you may have a product liability claim. These cases often involve explosions that occur too early, misfires, or dangerous designs.
Key Elements of a Fireworks Personal Injury Claim
To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must establish:
- Duty of care – The responsible party had a legal obligation to act safely or warn of dangers.
- Breach of duty – They failed to meet that obligation (e.g., mishandled fireworks or sold a defective product).
- Causation – That breach directly caused your injury.
- Damages – You suffered measurable harm, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Because these cases often involve multiple factors—product safety, property law, negligence—it’s important to work with an attorney who can investigate thoroughly and determine who should be held accountable.
Types of Compensation Available
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence or a defective fireworks product, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room and medical treatment costs
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Emotional distress or trauma
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the behavior was particularly reckless, such as lighting commercial-grade fireworks in a residential area.
What to Do After a Fireworks Injury
To protect your legal rights, it’s important to take the following steps after a fireworks-related accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Photograph the scene and any visible injuries.
- Preserve any evidence, such as the remains of the firework or packaging.
- Get contact information for witnesses who saw the incident.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters or making recorded statements until you’ve consulted with a lawyer.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Because fireworks accidents can involve complex questions about negligence, product liability, and even municipal codes, it’s wise to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Dermer Law, we work with injury victims nationwide to pursue claims against individuals, businesses, and manufacturers who fail to put safety first.
We handle the legal details so you can focus on healing.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a fireworks-related injury, don’t wait to get legal advice. Contact Dermer Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and explore the options available for seeking full and fair compensation.
