You can turn on the television news on almost any night of the first week of July and hear about more injuries caused by fireworks. The news reports homes being burned to the ground, children losing fingers, and other senseless fireworks accidents that maim and kill people nationwide.
When these catastrophic injuries occur, the victims are often left with permanent physical and emotional injuries that will scar them for the rest of their lives.
The personal injury lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC regularly represent adults and children injured by fireworks at the home of friends and at public celebrations throughout Illinois. A fireworks accident attorney will file a legal claim on your behalf and help you seek compensation against those who acted negligently to recover your medical bills and lost wages.
Contact a Chicago firework injury lawyer at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We always do our best to recover compensation for your damages. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Fireworks Accident Injury Statistics
Fireworks accidents don’t just happen on Independence Day.
Fireworks have become a significant part of our culture and are regularly used to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and plain old backyard fun. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPCS) records injury statistics for consumer products that cause injuries.
Fireworks are among the most dangerous entertainment products, resulting in thousands of casualties yearly.
The number of injuries had risen and fallen each year yet remained average. In the injury statistics report issued by CPCS for 2012 on fireworks injuries, some of the significant dates include:
- Over 8,920 estimated injuries due to fireworks in 2020.
- About 5,350, or about 60% of all injuries, happened between June 22 and July 22 each year.
- Nearly six or more non-occupational deaths were reported from fireworks.
- Approximately 46% of firework injuries involved children or teenagers under the age of twenty.
- Burns accounted for over half of all injuries.
- Fireworks accident-related property damage costs consumers millions each year.
Contact our law firm to file a claim and get compensation for your injuries.
Consumer Fireworks Accidents: Firework Injuries
Although burns may be the most common injury, they are far from being the only way fireworks can cause harm. Explosions can cause objects to be thrown at high speeds, causing wounds, contusions, and other injuries. Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory problems.
There are genuine dangers to those using the fireworks and those just standing nearby.
Fireworks-Related Injuries
Common injuries include:
- Hands, fingers, and arms: The most common area to be injured is the hands and fingers, making up 41% of the injuries in 2019. Burns are the most common injury. However, they are also prone to lacerations, sprains, fractures, and even amputation.
- Head, face, and ears: The 2nd highest area of injury was the head area. 19% of injuries were to the head, face, or ears.
- Eyes: The eyes were injured in 12% of the injuries, most often from flying objects. Combined with the other head injuries, 31% of all injuries affected the head region.
Contact a specialized attorney to get compensation on your behalf for your damages!
Small Fireworks Accident Injuries
Small explosives and fireworks cause serious harm to children if they are not adequately supervised. Even seemingly innocuous items such as sparklers and smoke bombs can be hazardous if misused or used by an untrained individual.
In addition, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and other larger fireworks can be even more dangerous for young users. Burns and lacerations are common injuries associated with the use of smaller fireworks, and in some cases, can result in permanent disfigurement or disability.
Firework Safety and Accident Prevention
The best way to protect yourself from firework injury is not to use fireworks or be around others using fireworks. The National Fire Protection Agency [1] recommends that consumers refrain from using any consumer fireworks and enjoy professional fireworks displays from a safe distance.
If you’re going to use fireworks, take extreme precautions. Sparklers considered the safest fireworks and given to small children, burn at 1200 degrees, 300 degrees higher than what is needed to melt glass.
Many consumers and public firework displays and pyrotechnic explosives that cause serious injuries include:
- Roman candles
- Firecrackers
- Bottle rockets
It should be noted that the State of Illinois has banned the consumers’ use of fireworks. Most Illinois light firework accidents at a private residence are covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy injury claim.
In the case of a person injured at a Fourth of July public firework display organized by a municipality, fireworks show accident claims for injuries may also be brought.
Successfully bringing forth a compensation legal claim requires proving negligence, revealing that the municipality acted recklessly. The compensation should cover your medical bills, pain, and suffering.
Firework Injury Accidents FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about firework injuries in and around Chicago, Illinois. Our personal injury lawyers appreciate that you may have additional questions.
Consequently, we invite you to contact our law firm for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer with a proven track record of claims and lawsuits related to fireworks injuries.
Call a Chicago Firework Injury Lawyer to File a Personal Injury Claim
Fireworks can cause painful injuries that can leave burn scars and, in extreme cases, cause permanent damage or a disability.
Depending on the circumstance, you or your loved one may receive a financial award for your injury that can cover medical expenses, lost wages and compensate for the pain the injury caused.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can examine your case and discuss your options for compensation. We offer a free initial consultation and never charge for personal injury representation unless it results in financial compensation for our clients.
Free Consultation With an Experienced Firework Accident Law Firm
A fireworks injury attorney from our law office will determine the right course of action and applicable legal theories to hold those accountable for your fireworks accident, whether it is a private individual or a government agency.
Contact our personal injury lawyers today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or through the contact form to schedule a free consultation. All discussions concerning your fireworks-related injuries with our law office remain confidential through an attorney-client relationship.
You can find us working for compensation on your behalf in Cook County, Lake County, and Dupage County.
Resources: [1] National Fire Protection Agency , [2] CPSC