Fireworks are an entertaining American tradition, but they can also be dangerous and even deadly. Experts estimate that there are more than 9,000 fireworks-related injuries and several reported deaths each year in the United States.

Kline & Specter is home to over 50 attorneys, including five medical doctors – more than any other law firm in the U.S. We have decades of personal injury experience, including working with those who have been hurt by fireworks. 

Common Injuries Caused by Fireworks Accidents

Fireworks accidents can cause serious harm, potentially requiring emergency medical treatment or long-term care. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Burns: Ranging from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns that may require skin grafts.
  • Eye injuries: Sparks and debris can lead to corneal abrasions, retinal damage, or permanent blindness.
  • Hand and finger injuries: Fractures, amputations, and deep lacerations often result from mishandling or misfiring fireworks.
  • Hearing loss or tinnitus: Can result from exposure to loud explosions. 
  • Traumatic brain injuries: TBIs can occur if a firework strikes a person or they fall due to the blast.

Liability for Fireworks-Related Injuries

Liability for fireworks-related injuries depends on the circumstances of the accident.

Say a fireworks display was improperly set up or supervised. The event organizers, property owners, or pyrotechnic companies may be held responsible.

If a defective firework caused the damage, the manufacturer or distributor could be held responsible under product liability laws. One such case took place in 2013 in California, where 39 people were injured when a defective shell exploded prematurely.

In cases where a private individual misused fireworks, they may be responsible for harm caused to others due to negligence.

Determining liability requires examining factors like firework type, location, and compliance with safety laws. A legal claim may help you recover compensation for medical expenses and other damages if you've been injured because of someone else's negligence.

Compensation You Can Recover in a Fireworks Injury Case

Victims of fireworks injuries may be entitled to compensation for various damages, depending on the severity of the harm and the circumstances of the accident. Examples include:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care are often recoverable.
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: May be paid if the harm affects the victim's ability to work.
  • Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life can be factored into final compensation.
  • Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence or illegal fireworks use, these may be awarded to punish the responsible party. 

Why Choose Kline & Specter?

Kline & Specter has a proven track record of securing justice for injury victims, including those harmed by fireworks accidents. 

With hundreds of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, including record-setting cases, Kline & Specter is known for delivering results. For example, we obtained a substantial settlement for a 19-year-old man who suffered harm to his testicles when an acquaintance lit fireworks without his knowledge and they exploded in his lap. Defendants in the case were the man who lit the fuse and the owner of the home where the fireworks were set off.

Beyond financial compensation, our litigation has led to safety improvements, product recalls, and new regulations. If you've been hurt in a fireworks accident, our experience and resources can help you seek justice.

Discuss Your Fireworks Injury Case

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious fireworks injury, such as eye damage or a severe burn, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. At Kline & Specter, someone is on hand to help you 24/7. Call 215-772-1000 or use our contact form to discuss your case.

Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.