The American Pyrotechnics Association estimates that revenue from fireworks sales might topple $900 million in 2018. While many Americans look forward to spending time with their family on the Fourth of July and taking in all of the fireworks displays, it is important to remember to use common sense and safety precautions whenever you are around fireworks. In this blog, we talk about firework accident and injury statistics to help you remember to be safe this Fourth of July.
Fires Caused By Fireworks
Although fireworks are popular, they are also responsible for starting thousands of fires each year:
- In 2013, it was reported that 15,600 fires were caused by fireworks. This includes 1,400 structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and 14,000 outdoor fires.
- Fires caused by fireworks caused an estimated 30 civilian injuries and $21 million in property damage.
- Between 2009 and 2013, 2/3 of fires started by fireworks were brush, grass, or forest fires.
- Over one-quarter of fires started by fireworks between 2009 and 2013 were reported on the Fourth of July. 47% of fires reported on Independence Day were ignited by fireworks.
Medical professionals in emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,500 people for fireworks-related injuries in 2014. Below, are the statistics for injuries seen from June 20-July 20, 2014. The types of firework-related injuries break down into the following percentages:
- Contusion or Laceration: 17%
- Fracture or Spain: 5%
- Burn: 54%
- Other: 23%
When it comes to which parts of the body are injured most frequently by fireworks, the numbers look like this:
- Eye: 19%
- Head, Face, or Ear: 19%
- Hand or Finger: 36%
- Arm: 5%
- Leg: 10%
- Trunk/Other: 11%
Additional firework injury statistics during this period of time include:
- Sparklers accounted for more than one one-quarter (28%) of the emergency room injuries caused by fireworks.
- Public displays caused 6% of firework-related injuries.
- Males make up 74% of firework injuries.
- 35% of people under the age of 15 were hurt by fireworks, 9% were under the age of 5.
- Children between the ages of 5 and 9 were 2.4 times more likely to be injured by fireworks than the rest of the general population.
- Children between the ages of 10 and 19 were 1.8 times more likely to be injured by fireworks than the rest of the general population.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured By Fireworks?
Have you or a loved one suffered a firework-related injury? If so, you might be entitled to recover financial compensation for the damages you sustained. No matter if you were a spectator at a fireworks show gone awry or if a defective firework you were handling caused your injury, you are entitled to hold the negligent party legally responsible for their actions.
Our skilled attorneys can help you pursue justice, and file your claim to recover damages from the fireworks manufacturer, retail seller, importer of foreign-made fireworks, or property owner. Because business entities have a duty to sell products that properly function, you can hold them liable for any injuries you suffer from their defective fireworks.
At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, we have built our stellar reputation on our fierce advocacy and commitment to our clients. We can review your injury case and create a strong legal strategy to get you the compensation you deserve. Call (559) 900-1280, or contact our team of Fresno personal injury lawyers to request your free case evaluation today.