According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 10,000 to 15,000 fireworks-related ER visits will likely occur during 2022 — nearly three-quarters of them between June 21 and July 21. Burn injuries dominate (58%), but loss of limb, temporary or permanent vision or hearing impairment, and smoke-inhalation injuries loom large, too. Eighteen fatalities were recorded in 2020.
Males are twice as likely to be injured as females, and approximately half of all injuries will be incurred by those under the age of 20. Sparklers may be less scary than other fireworks, but they’re not harmless. They typically burn at temperatures of 1,200 to 1,800 degrees and account for 14% of all fireworks-related injuries. Over 50% of those requiring ER visits are younger than 5 years old.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, roughly half of fires that occur on July Fourth are caused by fireworks, adding property damage to physical/emotional injury.
Negligence In Firework Injuries
Some revelers are injured because they don’t follow safety instructions/precautions, are careless, or set off fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, many injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence:
- Municipalities. May be liable for decisions on fireworks selections, where to load and discharge fireworks, proximity of spectators to the launch site, and number of on-hand first responders.
- Manufacturers. Many fireworks come from overseas, making damage recoveries challenging. However, a claim may be filed against an importer if they were aware of defects.
- Fireworks operators. Noncompliance with local fire codes or failure to incorporate appropriate safety measures.
- Individuals. Might negligently set off fireworks that cause harm.
- Property owners. May be held liable for injuries occurring on their premises.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you are a victim of fireworks negligence, contact our office to recover the compensation you deserve. To request a consultation call Jason Schultz at (404) 474-0804 or fill out a contact form here.