Fireworks displays bring excitement and celebration to holidays and special events, but they also carry significant risks of serious injury when safety protocols are ignored or when defective products malfunction. Every year, thousands of Americans suffer burns, eye injuries, and other trauma from fireworks accidents, with many incidents resulting from negligence by manufacturers, retailers, or event organizers who fail to prioritize public safety.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, we have spent over 65 years protecting the rights of injury victims throughout Texas. Our experienced legal team understands the complex liability issues surrounding fireworks accidents and the various parties who may be held responsible when celebrations turn into tragedies. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable while fighting for the compensation our clients deserve.
Manufacturer and Product Liability Issues
Fireworks manufacturers bear significant responsibility for ensuring their products meet safety standards and function as intended when used properly. When fireworks explode prematurely, fail to ignite correctly, or produce unexpected results due to manufacturing defects, the companies that produced these dangerous products can be held liable for resulting injuries. Manufacturing defects may include improper chemical compositions, faulty fuses, or inadequate packaging that allows moisture or damage to compromise the product’s safety.
Design defects represent another area of manufacturer liability, particularly when fireworks are inherently dangerous even when manufactured correctly. Companies must provide clear instructions and adequate warnings about proper use, storage, and safety precautions. When manufacturers fail to warn consumers about known risks or provide insufficient guidance about safe operation, they may be held responsible for accidents. Additionally, companies that market professional-grade fireworks to consumers without proper licensing or training requirements can face liability when these powerful devices cause injuries in inexperienced hands.
Retailer and Distributor Responsibilities
Retailers who sell fireworks to the public have legal obligations to ensure they are distributing safe, legal products and following all applicable regulations. Many jurisdictions have specific licensing requirements for fireworks retailers, and violations of these regulations can establish negligence in injury cases. Retailers must also verify that customers meet age requirements and may have duties to refuse sales to visibly intoxicated individuals who pose safety risks.
Distributors and retailers can also face liability when they sell illegal fireworks or products that exceed local safety standards. Some retailers improperly sell professional-grade fireworks to consumers, or they may distribute products that have been stored improperly, potentially making them more dangerous. When retailers fail to properly train their employees about fireworks safety or ignore obvious signs that customers plan to use products inappropriately, they may share responsibility for resulting accidents and injuries.
Event Organizer and Property Owner Liability
Professional fireworks displays require careful planning, proper permits, and trained operators to ensure public safety. Event organizers who fail to follow safety protocols, obtain necessary permits, or hire qualified pyrotechnicians can be held liable when accidents occur during organized displays. This includes failing to establish adequate safety perimeters, ignoring weather conditions that make displays dangerous, or using inappropriate locations for fireworks shows.
Property owners who host fireworks events also face potential liability, particularly when they allow unsafe conditions to exist on their premises. This includes permitting fireworks use in areas with dry vegetation, near buildings, or in crowded spaces where people cannot safely evacuate if problems arise. When can you be sued by someone hurt on your property involves understanding premises liability laws and the duties property owners owe to guests and visitors during events and celebrations.
Types of Injuries and Damages
Fireworks accidents can cause devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment and result in permanent disabilities. Burns represent the most common type of fireworks injury, ranging from minor skin damage to severe third-degree burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Eye injuries are particularly serious, as flying debris or chemical burns can cause partial or complete vision loss. Hand and finger injuries occur frequently when people hold fireworks too long or when devices explode unexpectedly.
Beyond physical injuries, fireworks accidents can cause significant property damage to homes, vehicles, and other structures. Fires started by errant fireworks can spread rapidly, destroying entire buildings and threatening neighboring properties. The American Burn Association reports that fireworks cause thousands of emergency room visits annually, with children and young adults facing the highest risk of serious injury. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage when negligent parties are responsible for their accidents.
Protecting Your Rights After a Fireworks Accident
If you or someone you care about has suffered injuries in a fireworks accident, seeking immediate medical attention should be your first priority, even if injuries appear minor initially. Burns and other trauma can worsen over time, and proper medical documentation creates important evidence for potential legal claims. Preserving evidence from the accident scene, including photographs of injuries, property damage, and the fireworks involved, can be crucial for establishing liability.
We have successfully recovered over $100 million for our clients and maintain a 98% success rate in personal injury cases. Our team understands the complex liability issues surrounding product liability claims and the tactics used by manufacturers and insurance companies to avoid responsibility for defective or dangerous products. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable outcome for your case. Contact us at (512) 454-3751 or through our contact form to discuss your situation with our dedicated legal team.
