Fireworks accidents can happen, even with the ones you buy at the supermarket.
Have you or a loved one had a fireworks accident?
There will be almost 12,000 reported fireworks accidents this year. 2,000 of these will result in serious injuries or death. It isn’t always the person lighting the fuse that is hurt — often innocent bystanders are injured.
There are a five critical things you can do to after an accident to help investigators and authorities determine what happened.
#1 Seek Medical Help.
Treat the burn injuries right away. Call 911 immediately for serious injuries or seek medical care immediately. The health and safety of a fireworks accident victim should be the first priority.
#2 Write It Down. Make Post Fireworks Accident Notes.
Make notes on the time and place of the incident, who was there and what happened leading up to the accident. Write down everything you remember. The investigators and attorneys will want to know where the fireworks were purchased and by whom. Use our fireworks dictionary to help you identify what types of fireworks might have been used.
#3 Take Pictures. Fireworks Accident Scene Photographs
“Take as many photos as you can. ” Richard Meier, a fire and explosion expert with Meier Fire Investigation says, “Take close-ups and wide shots in 360 degrees. When you think you’ve taken enough pictures – take 100 more.”
The sooner you can take pictures the better, but do not to disturb or move any evidence until the authorities and investigators have finished their investigations.
#4 Don’t Throw it Out. Preserve Evidence
Evidence is crucial when trying to determine responsibilty for a fireworks accident. Collect any debris at the scene. You should also collect any empty tubes, wrappers or boxes from fireworks. If there are any unfired fireworks — store them in plastic bags, in a cool dry place away from people and flames If you have a purchase receipt – save that as well. Save clothing and anything else that may be burned or have fire patterns on them.
#5 Have your attorney call Meier Fire Investigation.
When investigating a fireworks accident, it is important to identify the correct product and manufacturer. Knowing the correct terminology helps your fire investigator and attorney build your case. We’ve compiled a list of the most common types fireworks for you.
Meier Fire Investigates Fireworks Accident Cases
We’ve handled numerous fireworks cases, including cases involving property damage and serious injuries.
It doesn’t matter whether you represent the plaintiffs or defendants; and individual, a manufacturer or an insurance company. The facts are the facts, and we’ll help you make smart decisions for your client and their case.
Luckily, Richard Meier is a Fire Code Expert and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Adept at identifying which codes apply to a case, which ones don’t and how to interpret the many layers of government regulation, Rich Meier is an effective fire and explosion expert witness.
Common Causes of Fireworks Accidents
Types of Fireworks involved in accidents.
- Improper use, and/or failure to follow instructions
- Holding fireworks while lighting
- Not allowing a safe distance while lighting, watching, or displaying
- Improperly supporting or aiming of aerial devices
- Use of illegal/oversized fireworks
- Large explosive devices such as M-80s or Silver Salutes
- Professional grade fireworks sold to/used by un-licensed consumer
- Homemade pyrotechnical devices
- Firework product failures
- Short/fast burning fuses
- Premature ignition/explosion
- Failure of tubes, casings or wrappings
Who is responsible for the Fireworks Accident & Injuries?
Sometimes the user of the firework is injured but it may not be their fault.
If they followed the safety procedures; product directions and an injury occurred anyway, the product’s manufacturer and/or retailer may be at fault.
If the injured party is a spectator, bystander or otherwise a non-participant, the fault may lie with the user/operator of the fireworks, the manufacturer, the retailer, or all three. Meier Fire Investigation helps sort out who is to blame for the injuries and why.
More Reading
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