Blog

Each year, fireworks are a central part of Independence Day celebrations across the United States. However, as consumer access to fireworks continues to grow, so too does the number of injuries and fatalities linked to their use. Recent data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights a sharp and alarming rise in firework-related incidents, underscoring the need for greater awareness, regulation, and accountability. 

In 2024, fireworks-related injuries surged to an estimated 14,700, up from 9,700 in 2023 – marking a 52% increase, the highest single-year rise since 2020 and the second largest in the past 25 years. During that same period, firework-related deaths rose by 38%, from 8 to 11. 

This increase coincides with a dramatic growth in consumer fireworks use. According to the US Census Bureau, fireworks imports increased by 19% between 2023 and 2024. Industry revenue nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to return to pre-2020 levels. As more powerful and widely available fireworks enter the market, the number of serious injuries continues to climb. 

Causes and Common Injury Patterns

Several factors are contributing to this surge in injuries:

• Increased use of consumer fireworks: The cancellation of public fireworks displays during the pandemic led many individuals to purchase fireworks for private use. This trend has continued post-pandemic, introducing more first-time or inexperienced users to hazardous materials. 

• Relaxed state fireworks laws: In recent years, several states have relaxed restrictions on the types of fireworks that can be sold. According to fire safety professionals, these changes have contributed to the increase in injuries by allowing larger, more dangerous products into residential settings. 

• Improper handling and lack of supervision: Many injuries occur due to improper handling of fireworks, failure to follow safety guidelines, or lack of adult supervision, especially in incidents involving children. 

The CPSC reports that burns are the most common injury, accounting for 37% of all emergency room visits in 2024. The hands and fingers were the most frequently injured body parts (36%), followed by the head, face, and ears (22%). Even seemingly “safe” items such as sparklers contributed to approximately 1,700 ER visits last year. 

Legal Implications and Potential Liability

When fireworks cause injury or death due to another party’s negligence, victims and their families may have legal recourse. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on:

• An individual who used fireworks irresponsibly
• A retailer that sold defective or mislabeled products
• A property owner who failed to provide a safe environment
• A fireworks company or storage operator that violated safety protocols

Victims of fireworks-related injuries may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

In the case of fatal incidents, eligible surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided. 

Legal rights can vary significantly depending on where an incident occurs. Each state maintains its own laws regulating the sale and use of consumer fireworks:

• Strict states (e.g., Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois) ban nearly all consumer fireworks
• Moderate states (e.g., California, Minnesota, New York) allow only ground-based or novelty items like sparklers and fountains
• Permissive states (e.g., Texas, Florida, South Dakota) allow a wide range of aerial and explosive fireworks

If You’ve Been Injured by Fireworks, Call Singleton Schreiber 

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to fireworks, whether during a neighborhood display, a public event, or as the result of a product defect, you may be entitled to legal compensation. At Singleton Schreiber, we represent victims of preventable injuries and wrongful deaths caused by fireworks, explosions, and hazardous consumer products. 

Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about your rights.