Each year in the U.S. 13,000 people are treated in emergency rooms because of severe injuries from malfunction or careless use of fireworks. Seven of every 100 people injured from fireworks require hospitalization. Over 40% of those injured from fireworks are children ages 0-14. Males are injured three times as frequently as females. The most frequently injured body sites are the hands and fingers (38%) and the eyes (19%). About half the injuries are burns. Also, fireworks can be life-threatening when they cause a house fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks result in more than $41 million in direct property damage annually. Studies suggest that state laws concerning the sale and use of fireworks are related to the number of injuries incurred. For example, in one state in which the sale of fireworks was legalized, the number of injuries seen in emergency departments more than doubled.  Injuries occur around holidays associated with fireworks celebrations, especially Independence Day and New Year's Eve. Two-thirds of all fireworks injuries occur July.

Legal claims involving fireworks can involve complex issues. The following are a few important legal, factual and evidentiary matters that should be considered when evaluating a claim.

• Were the fireworks sold or used illegally?
• What were the class of fireworks being use?
• Did the person using the fireworks experienced and knowledgeable in their use?
• Did the use of the fireworks involve a commercial enterprise or other organization?
• Did the use of the fireworks involve a private individual?
• Did the accident involve children?
• Were the children properly supervised?
• Who manufactured, distributed or sold the fireworks?
• Were the fireworks homemade?
• Was the injured person permitted to get too close?
• Was the injured person using the fireworks?
• Were proper warning and instructions given?
• Did the fireworks cause damage to a structure because of improper usage or weather?
• Was emergency equipment nearby?
• Did the fireworks malfunction, or were they otherwise defective?
• Were people properly out-of-range before the ignition of the fireworks?
• Were the fireworks improperly stored?  
• What are the nature and extent of any injuries?
• Has the accident been investigated by any government agency?

If an accident happens, it is important that you do not compromise your legal rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, or signing a release for personal or medical information. You should first know your rights. If you, a friend, or loved believe that you have been exposed to a toxic chemical or hazard, consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately for an evaluation of your case. We are here to help. You can call us seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using our Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.