According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 1.25 million burn injuries that occur in the United States each year that require medical assistance. In 2016 alone, 7,600-11,000 of these burn injuries were caused by fireworks, with a large percentage of children being injured during the 4th of July. Mesmerizing as they may be, fireworks can cause severe burns ranging from first to third degree if they are handled improperly or negligently.

The Dangers of Handling Fireworks

Fireworks are explosive devices and if they are not handled correctly, a person may suffer irreversible physical harm. Though the main cause of burn injuries due to fireworks is negligence, accidents happen and a firework can malfunction. Common mistakes that consumers make when handling fireworks are the following:

• Improperly lighting the firework
• Lighting fireworks too close to other people
• Lighting fireworks while holding them

The burns that come from misusing fireworks can range from first to third degree, with third degree being the most damaging.

• First degree-affects the epidermis (top layer of skin)
• Second degree-affects the epidermis and dermis (lower layer of skin). Can cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.
• Third degree-goes through the dermis and affects the deeper tissues. This may result in white or blackened skin that can be numb from nerve damage.

The damage done by burn injuries doesn’t end there. Scars, disfigurement, emotional and psychological damage and infections can also occur.  A burn victim may require cosmetic surgery, physical therapy and other expensive long-term treatments in order to recover.

Like any other personal injury case, if there was a firework malfunction you may be able to recover damages from the manufacturer, importer or the local retailer at which the fireworks were bought.

Preventing Injury

Heeding manufacturer instructions is crucial to avoiding burn injuries. Here are some clear guidelines you can follow to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones:

• Follow the directions listed on the fireworks’ packaging
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks
• Do not allow children to use fireworks unsupervised
• Do not attempt to reignite used or malfunctioning fireworks
• Set off fireworks outdoors only and at a safe distance from any houses or buildings
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case an accident happens

Find Your Personal Injury Advocate Today

If you or someone you love has suffered from a burn injury, immediately seek the help of a personal injury attorney at Mukerji Law Firm. Our team of experienced attorneys stands ready to advocate before the court on your behalf. By working with your best interest in mind, our team of attorneys will work tooth-and-nail to stand up to insurance companies, corporations, or individuals who are responsible for your injury, illness, or other setbacks. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation of all the facts of your case; and if need be, we’ll take it to trial to make things right.