When the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve comes around, Americans love to watch a good fireworks display. Indeed, setting off fireworks is one of the most popular things to do during these holidays. It is estimated that 332 million dollars worth of fireworks are imported into America, according to reports from the United States Census Bureau. While a fireworks display can be mesmerizing, it can also be a risk for injuries.
Fireworks Injury Statistics
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), more than 9,000 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2018, according to statistics issued by the federal agency. And, more than 60% of those injuries occurred in just 30 days — between June 22nd and July 22nd. Other statistics show that:
- Approximately 1,000 injuries resulted from firecrackers;
- About 500 injuries were due to sparklers;
- As many as 400 injuries were caused by roman candles;
- 200 injuries were due to bottle rockets;
- 64% of the victims were men, while women accounted for 36%;
- Nearly half of the injured were 20 years old and younger;
- 36% of the estimated injuries were to kids ages 15 and under;
- More than half of all firework-related injuries were burns;
- Hands and fingers were 28% of injuries treated;
- Arms were 4% of injuries treated;
- Head, face, and ear injuries accounted for 15% of injuries;
- Harm to the legs accounted for 24% of the injuries;
- 19% of the injuries were to the eyes;
- Children 4 and under had the highest rate of injuries, with teens aged 15 to 19 following;
The CPSC reports that in 2019 as many as 10,000 people were hurt badly enough to require emergency medical care. Unfortunately, some people are even killed in fireworks-related accidents. In 2019 the CPSC recorded 12 deaths as a result of misuse of fireworks, device malfunction, and other circumstances.
Seeking Damages
If you are hurt in a fireworks-related accident, you may be entitled to bring a legal action against the person or entity responsible for your injuries. If their actions were negligent or reckless and you are harmed as a result, you could seek monetary compensation. You may be able to recover payment for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other harm. People and entities who use fireworks owe a legal duty to operate them in a careful manner due to their dangerous nature. When a fireworks-related accident happens, a court looks at the circumstances based on how a reasonable person would have acted in the same situation. Someone who handles fireworks should be aware of the dangers and act in a reasonable and careful manner to avoid hurting others.
If your legal claim is against a public entity like a county, city, or state government, you should be aware of some special circumstances. For example, the monetary compensation you may be entitled to recover may be capped and/or you may be required to provide notice to the entity of your claim prior to filing a lawsuit in court.
Nevada Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a fireworks accident in Nevada, contact H&P Law. We can handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing. Place your trust in the hands of lawyers who are courtroom proven. Contact us today.
