Fireworks Injuries and Burns: 4th of July Holiday Safety
Posted in Burn Injury on May 25, 2022
Every July 4th, people across Missouri enjoy festive fireworks shows while celebrating the holiday. While some families attend professionally run fireworks shows, others set off fireworks at home.
Not only is setting off fireworks illegal in Kansas City and other parts of Missouri, but this practice can be very dangerous. Each year, thousands of people suffer fireworks injuries and burns due to fireworks accidents, often leading to permanent complications.
Firework Injury Statistics for the 4th of July
In the United States, fireworks cause serious injuries and fatalities every year. Due to the nature of the holiday, these incidents often spike around the 4th of July. These injuries can be very serious, ranging from burns and scarring to the loss of limbs, eye injuries, and disfigurement.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission discovered the following findings when analyzing fireworks-related incidents during 2020.
- During 2020, approximately 18 people died due to fireworks during 2020. These deaths were most often caused by firework misuse.
- U.S. hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 15,600 cases of fireworks-related injuries during 2020.
- Of these fireworks injuries, approximately 10,300 cases occurred between June 21st, 2020 and July 21st, 2020—66% of the total estimated cases for the year.
- 44% of injuries treated in emergency departments involved burns, often affecting the hands, fingers, arms, and legs.
- Most fireworks-related injuries occur due to misuse or fireworks malfunctions.
Safety Tips for 4th of July Celebrations
To enjoy a safe 4th of July, it is first important to follow the law. Cities and counties are responsible for regulating fireworks use, and your options will vary depending on where you live.
For example, shooting off fireworks is illegal in Kansas City under Ordinance No. 190202. If you live in Kansas City, it is best to take the family to a professionally run show instead of setting off fireworks at home.
If you are in a place where it is legal to set off fireworks, it is important to be safe and use common sense. Keep the following best practices in mind while handling fireworks.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Make sure that the area is free from flammable material.
- Use protective eyewear if you are handling fireworks or standing near them.
- Never handle a lighted firework with your hands.
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Keep a bucket of water to extinguish fireworks when needed.
- Always purchase fireworks from a reputable seller. Never buy illegal fireworks.
What If Someone Else Caused Your Fireworks Injuries?
While these safety tips can help protect you during the 4th of July, accidents and mishaps can still occur. Another person may recklessly point a firework at you and set it off. A fireworks vendor could sell you dangerous and defective fireworks. Malfunctions and other incidents of misuse can cause serious harm.
If someone else is responsible for your fireworks injuries, you have the right to pursue a legal claim against the at-fault party. Depending on the cause of your accident, several parties may be liable for the trauma that you suffered.
- Manufacturers of defective fireworks
- The seller or distributor of a defective firework
- A neighbor who illegally sets off fireworks and hurts passerby
- A friend who intentionally or recklessly harms you with a firework
- Organizers of a fireworks show
As soon as possible following your accident, contact an attorney with experience handling fireworks injuries. Your lawyer can evaluate your case and help identify your legal options. Call us today to speak with a Kansas City burn injury attorney.