sparkler-1149641_1920Even though the 4th of July has passed, the risk of a fireworks injury continues. Many beach towns have fireworks displays every weekend of the season, to say nothing of all the backyard barbeques and family reunions for which folks have purchased consumer-level fireworks. Fireworks may be as American as apple pie, but they are also incredibly dangerous and cause over 9,000 injuries every year. In most cases these injuries don’t happen when professionals are running the show: they’re a matter of inexperienced non-professionals using explosives without proper training. If you or someone you love suffers a personal injury as a result of someone else’s carelessness, you need to know what to do.

When people get hurt using fireworks at home, it’s usually because they don’t know what they’re doing, and they light them too close to other people or to homes or other flammable or explosive items. There are also instances when fireworks cause injuries as a result of manufacturing or design defects, or a failure to provide adequate instruction or safety warnings. When the blame lies with the fireworks company the injuries are often caused by premature explosions, defective fuses, or unpredictable flight paths.

The damage that fireworks can cause can range from minor to death. People can be hurt by sparks or debris or can suffer third-degree burns and blindness. In some cases, fireworks damage goes beyond personal injury to property damage, causing homes to catch fire. No matter what type of harm has been done, you need to know who is legally responsible so that you can efficiently and actively pursue your rights. In some cases the fault lies with the person or company who set the fireworks off in the first place: if their actions resulted in injury there is a good chance that they would be found negligent by a jury.  Whether they are performing for a crowd or entertaining backyard guests, they are responsible for providing a duty of care to those who are present.

If the injury is a result of a defective product, then it is the manufacturer, importer, or retail seller who will be found responsible. This may present complications since many of these products are manufactured overseas, leaving only the local supply chain available to face litigation.

If you or someone you love was hurt by a fireworks display, you need to speak to a qualified and experienced attorney to make sure that you understand your rights and are availing yourself of all of your legal options. Call us today to set up an appointment and learn more.