Firework Injuries
Last updated Monday, November 11th, 2024
Boom! Pop! Bang! The brilliant display of fireworks can be mesmerizing… when done professionally. It may sound fun to light up some sparklers. Maybe shooting off Roman candles sounds like a blast. But beware- behind the dazzle lies danger.
Precautions must be taken to keep everyone safe. Goofing around, failing to pay attention and using bad judgement open the door for trouble. Inexperience and foolishness can lead to burns, other injuries and even death. Amateur hour is best reserved for things not so hot they can melt metal.
Here at Shuman Legal®, we understand the lure of fireworks. These light displays can be fun for the whole family. Unfortunately, we’ve seen many clients suffering because of a firework gone wrong. If you or someone you love has been injured this way, we can help. Our affordable attorneys can fight to get you the compensation you deserve!
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How Many Firework Accidents Occur Each Year?
All you skeptics take note. Mishaps are well documented. The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates some 11,500 firework-related injuries occurred in 2021. More than 15,000 people injured from fireworks received hospital care in 2020.
While no year is exactly the same, the outlook is grim. According to a report from the CPSC, these kinds of injuries increased a whopping 25 percent from 2006 to 2021. It’s safe to say these explosives give thousands of Americans more than they bargained for each year.
How Many Firework Deaths Occur Each Year?
Sadly, some of these wounds are fatal. The CPSC shares data about firework casualties:
2021: Nine deaths
2020: 26 deaths
2019: 20 deaths
2018: 6 deaths
Causes of the 2021 fatalities include mortar launch failure and misuse. Obviously, some of these deaths could have been prevented. There were 136 casualties from 2005 to 2020. Such figures average out to roughly 8.5 deaths a year.
How Many Children Are Injured by Fireworks?
Statistics involving kiddos are upsetting. Most of these accidents could have been avoided. Because children lack the maturity to play with dangerous items, it is the parents’ responsibility to keep them safe. Everything considered, the figures are just plain shameful.
- An estimated 30 to 40 percent of children are seen in emergency rooms from firework-related injuries.
- Those ages 15 and younger make up one out of four of these types of injuries.
- About 25 percent of children injured just happened to be watching.
- Most injuries to kids ages 14 years and under are caused by sparklers. These fireworks harm roughly 33 percent of children ages five and under.
- There were 1,700 injuries for five to 14-year-olds and 800 injuries for children four years of age and younger in 2021 according to CPSC’s 2021 Annual Fireworks Report.
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Which Firework Causes the Most Injuries?
Sparklers and firecrackers are to blame for most accidents, notes University of Maryland Medical System. Firecrackers were responsible for 1,500 injuries in 2021. Sparklers were at fault for 1,100.
It’s easy to understand how sparklers can cause havoc when they can burn up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. A pizza oven is only about 800 degrees. Now imagine a little kid playing with this kind of heat. Nationwide Children’s Hospital confirms the dangers of sparklers and firecrackers but adds one more- bottle rockets.
Which Part of the Body is Most Often Injured by Fireworks?
Hands down, there’s one area of the body that takes more than its fair share of hits. Fingers and hands seem to be in the line of fire. Since they unwrap, launch and hold these explosives, it makes sense they’re in harm’s way.
Fingers and hands account for more than 30 percent of total firework-related injuries in a given year. Leg injuries usually come in second. Next comes head, face and ear wounds. Eye injuries follow. Hurt arms come right before the final category. This last category of ‘other’ could include injuries to the torso, toe or tush.
What to do if a Firework Hits You?
Play with fireworks and you could get burned. Here are a few ways to take care of yourself if you’re injured.
Some injuries are serious. Don’t waste time. Get emergency medical care as soon as possible for:
- Eye injuries
- Severe burns
Keeping a cool head and using first aid can help with:
- Broken Bones, Cuts and Fractures: Remove any nearby jewelry. Carefully clean the area. Keep body part elevated to aid blood flow. Apply an ice pack. Seek professional medical attention.
- Facial Wounds: Call for emergency medical help. Until the professionals arrive, remain upright. Consider covering any injuries with a clean cloth. Use an ice pack to reduce both swelling and pain.
- Minor Burns: Cool off burned skin with running water. Lightly dab on petroleum jelly. Use sterile gauze to cover wound. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for pain.
