If you’re a resident of Chicago and have suffered a fireworks injury, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can help. Our personal injury lawyers have experience representing clients who have suffered burn injuries or other catastrophic injuries due the negligent use of fireworks. We are dedicated to helping victims seek compensation they deserve for their medical expenses, bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other damages resulting from their firework injury.
We understand how overwhelming it can be when dealing with an unexpected injury caused by fireworks. That’s why the experienced attorneys from our law firm take the time to answer all your questions about the legal process so that you feel comfortable moving forward with your case.
What Are the Statistics on Firework Injuries?
In the 2021 injury statistics report issued by the government agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPCS) for fireworks injuries, some of the significant data include:
- 11,500 people visit the ER each year because of fireworks-related injuries. 74% occur in one month around the 4th of July holiday between June 18 and July 18.
- Nine people were killed, and six of these deaths were attributed to fireworks misuse.
- Young adults are most often injured enough to require an emergency room visit.
- Sparkler injuries accounted for 1,100 of ER visits.
- Injuries to the hands and fingers were the most common (31%), with another 21% of people getting treated for injuries to the head, face, and ears.
- Burns were a significant 32% of the injuries that were treated in the hospital.
What Fireworks are Legal in Illinois?
Fireworks are heavily regulated in Illinois and are for the most part, are illegal. The Pyrotechnic Use Act (“PUA”) in Illinois bans the sale, possession, and use of all “consumer fireworks.” Legal in some other neighboring states, these fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets, and roman candles.
Certain things, like sparklers, are not considered consumer fireworks and are therefore legal. Penalties for the possession of consumer fireworks in Illinois can be up to 1 year in prison and a $2500 fine.
How Can I Avoid Firework Injuries at Home?
The best way to avoid fireworks-related injuries is by never using consumer fireworks. If you decide to use those that are legal, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Always read and follow all safety warnings on the label
- Never allow children to handle or play with fireworks
- Make sure an adult is present at all times
- Be sure to light the small fireworks, one at a time and never relight duds
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of emergency
- Never point fireworks toward people or animals
- After use, let fireworks and burning debris cool down before disposing of them safely.
Who Suffers Fireworks Injuries Most Frequently?
Children, young adults, and teens are the most frequent victims of illegal fireworks injuries. This is because they do not understand the risks associated with using fireworks, nor do they often realize how dangerous they can be.
What Are Most Common Fireworks Injuries?
According to the 2021 report of Consumers Products Safety Commission, the the parts of the body most often injured fireworks-related injuries are:
Injuries to Hands, Fingers and Arms
Hand, fingers, and arms are the most common body parts injured with 31% of injuries.
Burns
A large number of injuries from fireworks were burns, the majority of which are third degree or greater burns. These types of injuries can result in permanent scarring or even death.
Eye Injuries
An estimated 15% of the injuries from fireworks are to the eyes. This type of fireworks accident can cause life-changing injuries.
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our attorneys will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve for any damages or other injuries related to your personal injury claim.
What Should I Do if I Am Injured by Fireworks?
If you or someone you love has been injured by fireworks:
Seek Medical Attention
Even if the injury appears minor, immediately get medical care after a fireworks-related accident.
Document Your Accident
- Take photos or videos of the fireworks accident scene and any injuries sustained, if possible.
- Keep all records of your medical visits and treatments.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses.
Seek Legal Advice
Contact a personal injury lawyer at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident Injury Lawyers who is experienced in handling serious fireworks injury-related cases, can determine the right course of action for your case, and can guide you through the legal process.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Fireworks Injuries?
Whether a fireworks accident victim was a spectator at a public fireworks display gone wrong or was the user of a malfunctioning firework, victims may be able to hold the person or company setting off the fireworks liable through negligence. The person with a firework injury may be able to recover damages for their losses.
In many cases, a fireworks manufacturer of fireworks intended for consumer use can be held liable for any injuries that occurred due to an improperly labeled or manufactured product. Additionally, they may be held liable if they fail to warn consumers about the dangers associated with the use of their potentially dangerous product.
What is Negligence?
Negligence is the basis of many common types of personal injury lawsuits in the United States. A personal injury lawyer can use the law of negligence to build a case against the person or entity who injured you. They have to establish five elements of proof under the law.
- Establish an existence of a legal duty that the wrongdoer owed to you, that is, acting in a manner that doesn’t cause harm to others.
- Prove they breached that duty. For example, someone didn’t follow instructions when setting up or igniting fireworks and you were injured. That is a breach of duty.
- Show causation. A fireworks display injured a person. The sponsor or host caused that accident. The spectator was injured and would not have been otherwise.
- Proximate cause which means the firework display organizer knew if the firework hit someone, injuries would be likely.
- Establish damages. Assigning a price tag to everything you have suffered or lost due to someone else’s negligence.
In the instance of firework accidents and injuries, the person who chose to handle the fireworks had to be aware that using fireworks could lead to an injury, whether intentional or not. People who choose to use fireworks have a high “duty of reasonable care” to others.
What Compensation is Available for Victims of Fireworks Injuries?
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligence involving a professional fireworks display, public fireworks displays, or use of illegal fireworks, you may be entitled to compensation.
Find Out What Your Case May Be Worth
Depending on the severity of your injury and the circumstances surrounding it, you could receive monetary damages for medical bills, lost wages due to an inability to work or missed opportunities, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Call today to find out what your case may be worth.
How Can a Chicago Fireworks Injury Attorney Help?
When it comes to a firework injury that you or a loved one has suffered in Illinois, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek justice and obtain the compensation you deserve. An attorney will be able to advise you on filing a claim and ensure that your rights are protected. They may also be able to negotiate for a settlement or take your case to court if necessary.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
The personal injury lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers offer a free consultation evaluate your case and to answer questions you may have about your firework injury. We work on a contingency fee basis which means you don’t pay us until we win your case.
(312) 223-1700