Fireworks accidents are any accidents that involve the use of fireworks or pyrotechnics. As far as the legal definition of fireworks, that will vary depending on each state’s jurisdiction. However, the term firework generally refers to any composition or device that is designed to produce a visible or audible effect through combustion, deflagration, or detonation.
In general, there are three categories of fireworks:
- Consumer Fireworks: Consumer fireworks are fireworks that are intended for personal use and are typically weaker in explosive power.
- Examples of consumer fireworks include fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, smoke balls, roman candles, multiple rocket launcher (i.e. saturn missiles), or other strings of small firecrackers;
- Display Fireworks: These fireworks are designed for professional displays, and, as such, produce more significant explosive power and effects.
- Examples of display fireworks include single or multiple aerial shell devices, large firecrackers, and other elaborate pyrotechnics;
- Novelty Fireworks: Novelty fireworks are commonly sold at numerous consumer stores around holidays, and are fireworks which produce minimal explosive power and sounds.
- Examples of novelty fireworks include certain classifications of wire or wood sparklers, snappers, snakes, and paper lanterns.
One of the most common fireworks accidents that may occur is when an individual is injured when fireworks explode in a manner other than a way in which they were designed to explode. In some cases, firework accidents may also be attributed to the way in which the fireworks were handled.
Examples of other common firework accidents include:
- Fireworks exploding too early and injuring the user or other persons nearby;
- Fireworks exploding while the user is still holding the item;
- Fireworks flying or traveling in ways that the item was not intended to, resulting in direct injuries to the user or others nearby;
- Accidents that result in fires, such as a used firework not properly burning out and starting a house fire;
- Accidents related to the firework’s detonation or priming mechanisms; and
- Various other types of accidents resulting in scarring, disfigurement, or other injuries related to fire.
As far as the injuries that can result from firework accidents, fireworks injuries typically involve burns and other injuries related to the use of an explosive item. Examples of common injuries related to firework accidents include:
- Burns: As mentioned above the most common type of injury caused by fireworks, is burns.
- Burns can range from minor redness and pain to more serious degrees of burns that result in white, leathery skin damage;
- Hand and Finger Injuries: Fireworks also often lead to hand and finger injuries, especially in the case of premature detonations or mishandling of the firework.
- In fact, head and finger injuries account for approximately 29% of all emergency department-treated fireworks injuries;
- Head, Face, and Ear Injuries: Fireworks also often lead to injuries to the head, face, and ears, as such areas are vulnerable to fireworks that explode near the user.
- Approximately 19% of fireworks-related injuries affect the head, face, and ears according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”);
- Leg Injuries: Firework accidents can also cause cuts, bruises, and other trauma to the lower extremities and the leg area.
- Approximately 19% of fireworks-related injuries involve the legs according to the CPSC;
- Eye Injuries: Eyes are another common injury resulting from the use of fireworks, which is why eye protection is crucial when handling fireworks.
- Approximately 19% of fireworks-related injuries involve eye injuries according to the CPSC.
In addition to all of the above injuries, firework accidents may also involve more serious injuries, such as a loss of limb, loss of sight, or loss of hearing. In extreme cases, firework accidents have also been linked to wrongful death claims where the user or persons near a fireworks display were killed as a result of the fireworks.
