Firework Accident Injuries: Help Is Here
Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate holidays and special events, especially in Pennsylvania — but behind the bright lights and loud booms are some very real risks. Every year, thousands of people are injured by fireworks, and some of those injuries are life-changing.
Understanding how these accidents happen and what your legal options are is important, especially if you or someone you love has been hurt. In this article, we’ll break down the facts about firework accidents, what happens if you get hit by a firework, who may be held responsible, and how our personal injury lawyers in Allentown can help.
The Reality of Fireworks Injuries
Fireworks may look like fun and games, but the truth is that they can be dangerous, especially for kids and teens. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 9,700 people were hurt by fireworks in 2023 alone.
The most common injuries are wounds to the hands, fingers, eyes, and face. Burns are the number one injury from fireworks, and they can range from minor to severe.
Sparklers are often marketed as safer alternatives, but they’re far from safe. While they may seem harmless, sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, sparklers caused nearly the same number of ER visits as firecrackers in 2023.
Children and teens are especially vulnerable to fireworks injuries: Children often wave sparklers around, which can easily catch clothing or hair on fire or cause serious skin burns.
How Many People Get Injured From Fireworks Every Year?
Every year, thousands of Americans end up in emergency rooms due to firework accidents. Around Independence Day, an estimated 280 people go to the ER with fireworks-related injuries each day.
What’s surprising is that many of these injuries happen at home, not at large public displays. People using fireworks without proper knowledge or safety precautions are often the ones who get hurt.
Children under 15 make up about one-fourth of all fireworks injuries. Teens and young adults also make up a large percentage of those hurt.
Pennsylvania Fireworks Laws
In Pennsylvania, you can legally buy and use “consumer-grade” fireworks like Roman candles, bottle rockets, and firecrackers. However, there are rules on how to use them. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase or use fireworks.
You also can’t use them within 150 feet of an occupied building, which can be hard in tightly packed neighborhoods. This is vital for public safety, as fireworks recently caused over 30,000 fires. Additionally, fireworks are not allowed on public property like streets, parks, or schools, and you can’t use them while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In Allentown and the Lehigh Valley, local officials and police have been pushing for stricter laws. Community leaders, including firefighters and police chiefs, have testified about the dangers of firework accidents and the growing number of complaints from Allentown residents.
These concerns have led to a new bill passed by the PA House that would allow cities and towns to make their own rules, like banning fireworks in residential areas or setting stricter time limits.
If you live in the Lehigh Valley, it’s a good idea to check with your local municipality. Some places may have stricter rules than the state. Just because a firework is sold legally doesn’t mean it’s safe or legal to use where you live.
How Pennsylvania Fireworks Accidents Happen
Many people know what happens if you get hit by a firework, so it may seem surprising that accident rates are still so high. Firework accidents in Pennsylvania usually happen because of careless use, lack of supervision, or misunderstanding of the law.
Even though there are clear rules about who can use fireworks and where they’re allowed, many people still set them off too close to buildings, trees, or crowds. Using fireworks while drinking alcohol is another big risk factor, and unfortunately, it’s pretty common around holidays.
Many accidents also involve people lighting fireworks the wrong way. Sometimes, they don’t move away fast enough after lighting the fuse, or they try to relight a “dud” (a firework that didn’t go off). This is incredibly dangerous, as these fireworks can still ignite and cause injury if you’re nearby attempting to relight them.
What Happens if You Get Hit by Fireworks?
Getting hit by fireworks can be both painful and expensive. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress can add up quickly. If that happens, it’s important to seek legal advice. A personal injury lawyer in Allentown, PA, can help you understand your options and guide you through the claims process including how personal injury settlements are paid out.
Common Fireworks Injuries
When people think of firework accidents, they usually imagine burns — and they’re right. Burns are the number one type of injury caused by fireworks. However, cuts, bruises, eye damage, hearing loss, and broken fingers are also common.
Eye injuries can also happen when sparks or debris fly into someone’s face. In serious cases, these can lead to permanent vision loss. Even sparklers can cause second-degree burns if touched or waved too close to the skin.
Legal Responsibility and Liability: Can I Sue Someone for Fireworks?
Yes, if you were injured because someone else used fireworks carelessly or illegally, you may be able to sue for damages. Under Pennsylvania law, people who act irresponsibly with fireworks can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause.
Firework accidents can lead to high medical bills, missed work, and long-term trauma. That’s why having experienced legal representation is so important.
At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, our Allentown personal injury attorneys know how to handle complex cases like these. While past results don’t guarantee future ones, we are proud of our work protecting our neighbors in the Lehigh Valley, including this case:
Our team helped secure a $500,000 settlement for a boy who was injured by fireworks. He sustained first and second-degree burns, but with the hard work of the Lehigh Valley Hospital Burn Recovery Center, he had no permanent scarring. This case shows just how serious these injuries can be and how hard we fight for our clients.
Does Insurance Cover Fireworks Damage?
Whether insurance covers fireworks damage depends on the situation and your policy. If someone sets off fireworks and accidentally damages your property, your homeowners insurance may cover the repairs, depending on your policy. However, this often depends on whether the fireworks are used legally and responsibly.
If the person who caused the damage was breaking the law, their insurer might deny the claim. For example, if a person used illegal fireworks or launched them in a banned area, coverage might not apply. That could leave them personally responsible for paying out of pocket.
Renters insurance can also offer protection from firework accidents, but only for damage to your personal belongings. It won’t cover the building itself — that’s on the landlord’s policy.
When it comes to injuries, health insurance may cover medical treatment, but you might still have high out-of-pocket costs. That’s why some people look into filing a legal claim, especially if it looks like someone else is at fault.
Who Could Be Liable for a Firework Accident in the Lehigh Valley?
A fireworks accident could lead to a products liability case if critical design flaws cause the injury. If the injury occurred at a fireworks show in Pennsylvania, liability could extend to event organizers, pyrotechnicians, contractors, and property owners.
If a person or company sold fireworks to a minor, which resulted in an accident injury, the seller could be liable. Since minors can’t file lawsuits, their guardian would need to make the claim.
If the guardian chooses not to, the minor can pursue legal action upon turning 18 years old. Barring the exceptions to the personal injury statute of limitations in Pennsylvania, the minor would have two years from their 18th birthday to file.
Talk to a Lawyer After an Allentown Firework Accident
At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, we understand how a fireworks injury can change your life. These accidents often come with serious physical pain, emotional distress, and financial stress. That’s why we’re committed to helping victims and families get the support they need.
We’ve secured over a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, and we’re ready to fight for you, too. You don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and speak with a personal injury lawyer in Allentown who truly cares about your recovery.