The Hidden Dangers of Fireworks & Celebratory Explosions: Personal Injury Claims After Backyard Shows, Illegal Displays, and Public Events
Fireworks are celebratory activities meant to communicate joy, excitement, and unity. Holidays and milestones like the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve are times when fireworks are displayed to bring people together to celebrate happiness. However, fireworks can quickly turn into a serious injury for individuals. Understanding the risks and causes of how injuries can occur from fireworks is crucial to keeping yourself and the ones around you safe.
How to Use Fireworks Safely
Fireworks, when used incorrectly, can result in serious injuries that can have long-term effects on victims. Understanding the ways in which to operate fireworks safely is essential to ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you. The following are guidelines to follow when dealing with fireworks.
- Only use fireworks outdoors
- Keep fireworks away from children
- Light fireworks one at a time
- Do not attempt to relight a “dud”
- Keep a bucket of water ready
- Wear protective eye gear
What Causes Fireworks to Malfunction
When fireworks begin to malfunction, individuals often suffer the consequences. A fun and joyous celebration can quickly turn into a disaster, resulting in severe or life-threatening injuries for victims and their loved ones.
Several factors contribute to fireworks accidents, including the following:
- Unstable placement on uneven ground
- Shortened or inadequate fuses
- Alcohol use during celebrations
- Attempts to relight a “dud” firework
- Use of illegal or modified explosives
- Crowded viewing areas
Common Fireworks-Related Injuries
Severe injuries can arise when individuals do not correctly work with fireworks. The most common injuries caused by fireworks include:
- Burns to an individual’s hands, face, arms, and legs
- Eye injuries from debris or sparks can cause abrasions and sometimes vision loss
- Hearing damage from loud explosions causes hearing loss
- Fires cause clothing or dry grass to burn
Property-Related Injuries and Secondary Harm
Fireworks also frequently start fires. Homes, balconies, dry grass, vehicles, and outdoor furniture can ignite quickly, causing both physical injuries to victims and major financial loss.
Secondary injuries may occur from:
- House fires
- Garage explosions
- Smoke inhalation
- Burns while attempting to extinguish a fire
- Panic-related falls or stampedes at public events
Illegal Fireworks and Increased Risk
Fireworks set off illegally can cause chaos and increase the chance of severe or life-threatening injuries for many. Illegal fireworks lack quality control testing and can launch unexpectedly, causing serious harm and injury. Oftentimes, individuals who were not involved in the initial launch of the fireworks end up becoming victims of serious injuries. These individuals include the following:
- Neighbors
- Pedestrians
- Drivers
What To Do After a Fireworks Injury
It is important to take precautions after a fireworks injury occurs. Following the correct procedures after an accident can help individuals recover faster and prevent them from experiencing long-term health effects. Victims of fireworks injuries should do the following:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Call emergency services or police
- Document the scene if safe to do so (photos and videos)
- Speak to witnesses
- Preserve debris
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies
- Seek legal advice
Compensation Available to Victims
Seeking medical help and getting the compensation you deserve after suffering a firework injury is crucial to understanding your options and rights as a victim. Individuals who have been subject to injuries and damages from firework accidents have legal options they can take to recover from the harm caused. Fireworks injury victims may be qualified to receive financial recovery for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage caused by fires
Seeking Legal Guidance
Individuals who have suffered injuries from firework accidents should speak to legal professionals who can assist in strengthening their claims and providing them with the support and security they need to recover from the harm and damage caused. Seeking the proper legal support is crucial to understanding your rights as victims and seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
At KAASS LAW, we understand that injuries from fireworks can cause severe hardships and challenges for victims and their loved ones. Individuals who have suffered severe injuries from firework accidents must seek medical and legal help immediately to avoid future harm. KAASS LAW is committed to helping individuals understand their rights and seek the justice and compensation that they deserve. Our experienced attorneys will guide their clients through every step of the legal process to ensure they are receiving the proper care and support they need to make a full recovery. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from firework accidents, it is crucial to understand the legalities of your case to strengthen your overall claim. The attorneys at KAASS LAW can help you. Call KAASS LAW today to discuss your options and receive the justice you deserve.