Can You Sue For Injuries Caused By Fireworks?
Summer is here and it’s synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. With the 4th of July approaching, a lot of people have plans to put on a display for their loved ones. Unfortunately, many are seriously injured by defective fireworks during this time. Numerous recalls have been issued for over 700,000 fireworks and sparklers since 2015.
Make no mistake about it, fireworks can be quite dangerous. In 2014 alone, fireworks killed 11 people and sent 10,500 people to the hospital emergency room with serious injuries, according the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals. If you choose to use legal fireworks, here are a few safety tips to consider:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
A defect in the design, instructions or manufacture of fireworks might well violate Georgia product liability statutes exposing the manufacturer, and even the distributor and seller in some cases to liability. Of course, if personal injury or a death is caused by a carelessly conducted public display of fireworks, the company responsible for the show might also be held liable.
Defective fireworks injuries such as eye injuries, third-degree burns and lacerations to the skin are all too common. While designed to bring pleasure to spectators, fireworks can become very dangerous products under certain conditions
Even if you think that the fireworks related injury was caused solely by the user, you should still investigate your legal options. Properly designed and packaged products anticipate misuse. If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective sparkler or fireworks, please call a product liability attorney at Warshauer Woodward Atkins. We are here to help.
Warshauer Woodward Atkins wishes you a happy and safe 4th of July!
