Public Fireworks Display Injures 39: Evidence All Fireworks Can Be Dangerous
While July 4th is a time for family and celebrations honoring the brave men and women who defend our freedom and way of life, there are also tragic fireworks accidents that occur across Georgia and the U.S. While most of these accidents involve backyard fireworks, there also are firework accidents at large public fireworks displays put on by private organizations, local municipalities and other government entities. These injuries can include severe burns, blindness, loss of extremities and even wrongful death. Fireworks may even cause a fire resulting in catastrophic burn injuries that are extremely painful and result in permanent disfigurement.
Although the danger posed by backyard fireworks like Roman candles, sparklers and firecrackers are the most common cause of injuries, a tragic incident in another state this Fourth of July weekend provides a potent reminder that even public firework displays can be dangerous. During the fireworks mishap, red and white bursts along with shrapnel were sent flying into spectators at a fireworks display in a park. The fireworks accident caused injury to 39 people while thousands of spectators fled in panic according to the AP. The AP report indicates that some of the people suffered severe burns and shrapnel wounds while others were trampled in the panic. Twelve children were among the injury victims. Our Georgia firework accident lawyers and staff at Montlick and Associates extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
Although accidents involving pyrotechnic displays may cause injuries that require extensive medical care and result in significant medical bills, this incident reveals the challenge in determining the responsible party for firework display-related injuries. Sometimes the manufacturer of the explosive device may be liable if the firework malfunctions, lacks adequate warnings or poses an inherent risk because of its poor design. In other cases, a person or entity that sets off fireworks in an unsafe manner and causes injury to others may bear financial responsibility for injuries and property damage. When a public entity hires a business to provide a public fireworks show, the pyrotechnic show company may be liable for various forms of unsafe conduct, such as:
- Using fireworks too close to spectators
- Failing to account for wind conditions
- Improper maintenance of fireworks launching equipment
The public entity that hires the fireworks company may also be liable if they were negligent in selecting or setting up the venue in a way that would keep the public away from firework hazards. This may include inadequate crowd control, security or barriers. The government subdivision may also be liable if it did not exercise reasonable care in selecting the pyrotechnic exhibition company, such as failing to review the company’s safety and accident records.
If you or someone close to you suffers injury in an incident involving backyard fireworks or a public fireworks show, an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney from our law firm is available to discuss your case. We represent injury victims throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.