It used to be that fireworks were just for the 4th of July, but now people are using fireworks year-round, for birthday parties, New Years Eve, and other celebrations. And because many states have eased their restrictions on who can use fireworks, this method of entertainment continues to put well-intentioned people and children at-risk for serious injuries and death.
If your child has been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
Fireworks Accident Statistics
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) records the injuries that occur due to consumer products, including fireworks. Since 2002, the CPSC has received an average of 11,000-13,000 reports of fireworks-related injuries with seven fireworks-related death reports, however, preliminary reports for 2017 have shown at least eight fireworks-related deaths and 12,900 injuries that required a trip to the emergency room across the U.S.
While males of all ages are the most likely to be injured when using some type of fireworks (70% of all injuries), children under the age of 15 accounted for 36% of firework injuries.
Sparklers are the most common type of firework that causes injury, accounting for 14% of all fireworks-related injuries. Reloadable shells account for 12% of injuries, firecrackers account for 10%, bottle rockets and homemade or altered fireworks account for 3% each, and public, professional fireworks displays account for less than 1% of all fireworks-related injuries.
Firework Injuries
Children are the most at-risk for firework injuries, especially when they use sparklers. Children don’t understand keeping the sparklers away from their body, thus resulting in serious burns, especially when sparklers burn at over 1200 degrees (glass melts at 900 degrees). However, burns are not the only injuries a child may sustain when watching or using fireworks.
Other types of firework injuries include:
- Eye injuries-When a piece of firework breaks loose, it can hit the head, face, or eyes and cause burns and loss of vision.
- Hearing injuries-Fireworks are loud and can cause hearing loss which can be permanent.
- Hand and finger injuries-Injuries to the hands and fingers are the most common type of fireworks-related injury. Burns, lacerations, fractures, and even amputations can occur while using fireworks.
- Respiratory injuries-Smoke comes with fireworks and can cause breathing problems.
- Death-Fireworks, while fun, can be deadly, especially to children because they are smaller and more vulnerable.
These are not the only injuries that can occur, of course. To prevent firework injuries, it is important to limit the types of fireworks your children are exposed to and leave larger fireworks displays to the professionals. While Illinois has banned most types of consumer-use fireworks, if your child should be injured at a residence where fireworks are being used, their damages should be covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy.
If you or your child is injured at a professional fireworks show, the injured party is tasked with proving negligence and recklessness as most municipalities, cities, and towns are generally protected from general negligence claims. While it is not impossible to receive compensation for your damages, it is more difficult. An experienced personal injury lawyer can review your case and determine who is liable for your damages and injuries and help to get your child the compensation they deserve.
We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at the work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
