4th Of July for most Americans is a time of: joy, family get-togethers, and most likely fireworks. There is nothing like grilling out and celebrating our nations birth and freedoms with our closest friends and relatives. Unfortunately however… these celebrations don’t always go as planned. Every year there are hundreds of house fires, Injuries, and damages cause by the use of fireworks.
The stats
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says people report more fires on the Fourth of July than on any other day in the year. From 2009 to 2013, fireworks started about 18,500 blazes.
Children are particularly at risk. Those between five to nine years old are the most likely to be hurt by fireworks. Kids 10 to 19 followed as the second most vulnerable group. In 2014 alone, firecrackers and similar explosives injured nearly 10,500 youths.
You may believe “kiddie” fireworks like sparklers or pop-pops aren’t dangerous. But even they can cause fires or serious injuries. In fact, sparklers caused more than one-quarter of fireworks-related damage in 2014. That makes a lot of sense after you hear sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your Legal Rights Regarding a Firework Injury
Provided by: Find Law
Whether a spectator at a fireworks show gone wrong or the user of a malfunctioning firework, victims may be able to recover damages for their injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the firework injury, a number of legal theories may apply.
Injured spectators may be able to hold the person or company setting off the fireworks liable through negligence. Even the person or entity that organized the show – including cities that hire fireworks companies – may be liable for failing to properly supervise such the activity. Even though a city’s liability may be limited by state law, entities hiring fireworks companies still have a duty to protect bystanders from injuries. Cities can fail in fulfilling this duty and open themselves up to liability by allowing the use of illegal fireworks or by failing to obtain the proper permits.
When fireworks malfunction and cause injury, victims may be able to recover damages from the manufacturer, the importer of foreign-made fireworks, or the local retail seller. Because all of these entities have a duty to sell products that function properly, they may be liable for any injuries caused by a defective firework. However, the vast majority of fireworks are produced in China, so suing the local fireworks stand operator is often the only way for victims to recover damages. Even individuals who misuse fireworks may still be able to recover damages for their injuries if they can prove that a defect, rather than their negligent conduct, caused the injury.
If you have suffered a firework injury, it may be in your best interests to contact a personal injury lawyer to learn more about your legal options. A product liability attorney will be able to evaluate your claim and help you determine a course of action.
Personal Injury Lawyers
The attorneys at Nutt Law Office are dedicated to providing aggressive and proven representation to clients who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct. Our firm specializes in all matters relating to personal injury, including: Slip and fall accidents, Medical malpractice, Nursing home abuse, Dog bites and animal attacks, Wrongful death, Automobile accident, Pedestrian accidents, TARC bus accidents, and DUI accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and suffered injuries or damages because of it, contact the skilled Louisville personal injury attorneys at Nutt Law Office. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case!