Fireworks Aren’t Always Pretty: Firework Negligence Causes Serious Injuries

Fireworks are beautiful and celebratory until someone gets hurt.

Michigan law allows individuals to shoot their own fireworks, subject to certain time and date restrictions set in individual municipalities. However, fireworks have significant risks. In 2019, the Michigan State Fire Marshal reminded the public, “If you do plan to shoot your own fireworks, remember these are explosives and that if used incorrectly, can cause irreparable injury and harm…Take every safety precaution, especially with the more powerful consumer-grade devices such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles, to avoid tragedy.”

Firework Negligence

Anyone using fireworks in Michigan has a duty to use reasonable care to prevent injuries. Reasonable care includes, but is not limited to:

• Using fireworks that comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards
• Only using consumer-grade fireworks on personal property
• Not using fireworks when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
• Following the fireworks manufacturer’s directions
• Providing adult supervision of anyone under the age of 18
• Keeping fireworks a safe distance from buildings, dry grass, and flammable materials
• Making sure people are out of harm’s way before igniting a firework
• Keeping water close by in case of emergency

An experienced personal injury lawyer can determine if the person who set off the fireworks was negligent and caused your injury.

Firework Injuries

Burns and the related pain, scarring, and infection that often accompany severe burns are some of the most common types of firework injuries.

Other injuries include:

• Sprains
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Eye injuries
• Hearing injuries
• Respiratory issues from smoke inhalation

Additional injuries such as lacerations may also occur.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Firework Accident

You may suffer severe and permanent injuries from a firework accident. Whether you are hurt by a private individual’s firework display or at a public firework show, we encourage you to contact an experienced Bloomfield Hills personal injury lawyer to learn more about your rights and potential recovery. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you might recover compensation for past and future:

• Medical costs
• Lost income
• Physical pain
• Emotional suffering
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Other damages

Send us a text message, call us, or complete our online contact form today to find out about your possible recovery and why you can afford to hire a personal injury lawyer.