California Fireworks Accidents
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Fireworks Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help You Understand Your Legal Rights.
Fireworks are a big part of many celebrations across California and the rest of the United States. From Fourth of July parties to New Year’s Eve countdowns, fireworks light up the sky and bring people together. Whether it’s a backyard display or a public spectacle, fireworks help mark special moments with family and friends.
However, with all the excitement comes serious risks. Fireworks can be dangerous, especially when they are defective, mishandled, or used without proper care. In 2024, 11 people died in fireworks-related incidents, with most involving device failures or unsafe use. An estimated 14,700 people were injured that same year, which marked a sharp increase from 2023. These accidents can turn a joyful moment into a medical emergency.
If a fireworks accident injured you or someone close to you, you may have legal options. Our attorneys work with injured individuals from all backgrounds, including those who:
- Are experiencing financial hardship.
- Have concerns about immigration status.
- Speak limited English.
- Belong to any racial or cultural background.
- Have been denied help elsewhere, or feel no one will listen
Everyone deserves a fair chance to pursue justice. Speak with our fireworks accident lawyers about your situation. Call us at (888) 488‑1391 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We offer both in-person and virtual appointments for your convenience.
What A Fireworks Accident Lawyer Can Do
A fireworks accident lawyer helps guide you through the legal process while you focus on recovery. After a serious injury, it can be hard to manage paperwork, insurance calls, and legal deadlines on your own. An attorney can walk you through the steps and help you understand how the process works.
Here’s what a fireworks injury attorney can do for you:
- Investigate the accident and determine who may be liable.
- Gather key evidence, including photos, witness statements, and medical records.
- Explain the laws and regulations that may apply to your case.
- Assess potential damages, such as medical bills or lost wages.
- Handle communication with insurers and opposing parties.
- Refer you to doctors who specialize in your type of injury.
- Advocate for you in court if your case goes to trial.
Why Hire Our Attorneys Who Handle Fireworks Accident Cases
If you’re dealing with a fireworks injury, our legal team is ready to guide you through your options. While we don’t make promises about the outcome, we approach each case with care, professionalism, and respect for your situation.
Here’s what you can expect when working with our fireworks accident lawyers:
- No Win, No Fee — You don’t pay attorney fees unless your case results in a settlement or award. Some case-related costs may apply, and we’ll explain them before you sign anything.
- Free Consultation — You can talk to us about your accident at no cost. We’ll answer your questions and explain the next steps.
- Multilingual Support — Our team includes members who speak Spanish, Farsi, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and other languages, helping us communicate clearly with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Personalized Approach — We review your specific situation and adjust our strategy to fit your needs.
- Dedicated Case Manager — You’ll have one point of contact to provide updates and answer questions.
Our team takes questions 24/7. You can visit our Los Angeles office, meet us anywhere in California, or schedule a consultation.
Life after an accident can be overwhelming. We’re here to listen and offer free accident lawyer advice. Your first case review costs nothing and is completely confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fireworks Accident Claims
After a fireworks accident, you may have questions about legal deadlines, costs, or what happens if you signed a waiver. This section covers common concerns, like how long a case may take and what it costs to hire a lawyer. If you need legal advice based on your situation, you can contact Arash Law.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Fireworks Accident Lawyer?
Many injured individuals wonder, “I need a personal injury lawyer, but what if I can’t afford one?” Most attorneys handling fireworks accident cases work on a contingency fee basis. That means they help you recover compensation through a settlement or award.
However, there are other case-related costs. These expenses will also be taken out of any settlement or court award, but that depends on the terms of your contract. Your lawyer will go over all fee details before moving forward, so you understand how costs may apply.
If you still have questions, ask for a full breakdown of fees and costs. Having clear information up front can help you make informed decisions.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit Involving A Fireworks Accident?
California gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations, and it also applies to fireworks accidents. Filing late can result in the dismissal of our case, even if the injuries were severe.
Some exceptions include:
- Injured Minors — The two-year deadline may start when the child turns 18. A parent or legal guardian can file a claim on their behalf before then.
- Delayed Discovery of the Injury — If you didn’t realize at first that fireworks caused your injury, the deadline may start when you found out or should have found out through medical evaluation or other evidence.
- Government Liability — If a government agency is involved (such as a city-sponsored fireworks display), you must file a claim within 6 months.
- Mental Incapacity — If the injured person is mentally incapacitated at the time of the injury, the court may pause the clock until they regain mental capacity. A legal guardian or representative can still file a claim on their behalf during that time.
The rules around legal deadlines can be complex. A fireworks accident lawyer can review your case and clarify which ones apply to your case.
How Long Will My Fireworks Accident Case Take?
Every fireworks accident case is different. Some settle in a few months, while others may take over a year, especially if the case goes to trial.
Several factors can affect the timeline:
- Severity of Your Injuries — Serious injuries often require more time to heal. It’s usually best to complete treatment before settling, so the full cost of your care is clear.
- Ongoing Medical Treatment — If you’re still seeing doctors or in rehab, your lawyer may wait to calculate your total losses.
- Complexity of the Case — Cases involving multiple parties or unclear fault may take longer to investigate.
- Willingness to Settle — Insurance companies or defendants who delay or refuse to settle can slow down the process.
- Court Scheduling — If your case goes to trial, court calendars and hearing dates can cause delays.
- Expert Involvement — Your lawyer may work with medical or accident experts whose reports and analysis take time.
Rushing a case may lead to a lower payout or even the loss of your claim. It’s better to give your fireworks accident attorney and their team time to collect all the right information.
While no lawyer can guarantee a timeline, they can usually offer a general estimate once they review your situation.
Will A Liability Waiver Stop Me From Suing?
Signing a liability waiver doesn’t automatically prevent you from filing a lawsuit. These documents aim to protect event organizers or property owners, but they don’t excuse negligence or the use of dangerous products.
You may still have a legal case even if you signed a waiver, especially if the person or company:
- Acted recklessly.
- Ignored or failed to follow safety rules.
- Used unsafe or illegal fireworks.
California law may still allow legal action in cases of gross negligence, such as ignoring serious safety concerns or going forward with a fireworks display despite warnings or prior incidents.
Your fireworks accident lawyer may also find that:
- The Risk Wasn’t Covered — You may have been injured in a way that wasn’t part of the event’s expected or disclosed risks.
- The Waiver Was Hidden or Unclear — Some waivers are buried in fine print or not clearly shown during registration or ticket purchase.
An attorney can review your waiver and the facts of your case. If they find evidence of misconduct, the waiver may not prevent you from pursuing legal action.
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An attack that took place when a homeless man used an unsecured baseball bat in the Walmart store to attack a husband and wife who were shopping nearby. The jury found that Walmart was 50 percent liable for the attack, and the amount of the judgment against the company exceeded $30,000,000.– BRIAN BEECHER
How A Lawyer Establishes Liability In Fireworks Accident Cases
To move forward with a personal injury claim after a fireworks incident, first identify who may be at fault. A fireworks accident lawyer will investigate the facts, gather evidence, and apply legal theories such as negligence or strict liability to build your case.
- Negligence — To prove negligence, your lawyer must show four key elements:
- Duty of Care — For example, a professional pyrotechnics company putting on a public fireworks show had a duty to follow safety regulations, maintain secure launch zones, and ensure the crowd was kept at a safe distance.
- Breach of Duty — They failed to meet that responsibility. For instance, the crew may have set up fireworks too close to the audience, ignored wind conditions, or used untrained workers to handle explosive materials.
- Causation — That breach directly caused your injury. If a firework misfired due to improper setup and exploded near spectators, causing burns or hearing damage, your lawyer would link that failure to your injury.
- Damages — You suffered actual harm, such as emergency room bills, missed work, long-term medical care, or emotional trauma from the explosion.
Your lawyer may use video footage, event permits, safety logs, and expert reports to demonstrate where safety protocols were ignored and how those failures caused your injuries.
- Strict Liability — If the firework was defective or dangerous, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller may be legally responsible, whether or not they acted carelessly. Manufacturers may be accountable if they:
- Design or manufacture fireworks that are defective.
- Fail to include clear safety instructions.
- Use banned or dangerous chemicals.
- Sell fireworks that explode too early or with too much force.
In these situations, your attorney may look into product recalls, safety tests, and expert reviews. They will assess whether the fireworks should have been on the market.
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Potentially Liable Parties In A Fireworks Accident Case
Different people or businesses may be involved depending on where and how the accident happened. Understanding who may be at fault can help you decide what steps to take next.
Here are some of the parties who may be held liable:
- Homeowners — If the injury happened at a private event, the homeowner or host may be responsible. It may occur when:
- They set off fireworks too close to people.
- They failed to warn guests about the risks.
- They used illegal fireworks.
- You can file a personal injury claim through the homeowner’s insurance or directly against the homeowner.
- Individual Users — People who use fireworks must follow safety rules. If someone uses them in a careless or unsafe way, they could be responsible for any injuries.
- Professional Fireworks Display Companies — Pyrotechnic companies must follow strict rules during public events. They may be liable if they:
- Set up equipment incorrectly.
- Launched fireworks too close to the crowd.
- Failed to train their workers or keep the area secure.
- Event Organizers — Organizers may be at fault if they didn’t take steps to protect guests. It includes not setting up safety zones or not hiring trained staff for crowd control.
- Fireworks Manufacturers — Companies that make fireworks must follow national safety guidelines. They may be liable if a firework:
- Malfunctions or explodes early.
- Lacks proper safety warnings.
- Contains unsafe chemicals or design flaws.
- Sellers & Transporters — Businesses that sell or deliver fireworks may be responsible if:
- They knew the product was unsafe.
- They didn’t follow the transport rules set by the Department of Transportation.
- The fireworks they sold turned out to be defective.
A fireworks accident lawyer reviews the incident and each party’s role to determine liability. This helps assess your eligibility for compensation.
Damages You May Be Eligible To Claim After A Fireworks Accident
A fireworks accident can lead to serious injuries, medical costs, and long-term changes in your life. If someone else was responsible, you may be eligible to seek losses (known as damages) under the law. These damages aim to address both financial and emotional impacts.
Here are common types of damages you may be able to pursue:
- Medical Expenses — Fireworks can cause burns, eye damage, fractures, or even the loss of fingers or limbs. You may need emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, or long-term treatment. These medical costs may form part of your claim.
- Lost Income — If you couldn’t work due to injuries like a broken arm, traumatic brain injury, or loss of a hand, you may claim lost wages. If your injuries affect your future ability to earn a living, you may also pursue those losses.
- Pain & Suffering — Injuries such as burns, hearing loss, or scarring can cause ongoing physical pain and emotional stress. You may be able to claim damages for how the accident has affected your daily comfort, sleep, or mental health.
- Property Damage — If the explosion or fire damaged your clothing, phone, or other personal items, you may request payment to replace or repair them.
- Loss of Companionship — Serious injuries like brain trauma or permanent disability can affect your ability to support or connect with loved ones. You can also include this loss in your damages.
If someone you love died in a fireworks-related accident, the law may allow surviving family members to claim:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of their loved one’s income or benefits.
- Emotional loss and loss of support.
Each case is different. A fireworks accident lawyer can review your injuries, look at how they’ve impacted your life, and explain which damages you may be eligible for.
Typical Reasons Why Fireworks Accidents Happen
Figuring out what caused these incidents is important as it helps identify who may be legally responsible and gives you a clearer path if you want to explore a personal injury claim.
Below are some common reasons why fireworks accidents happen:
- Improper Handling — Fireworks can cause serious injuries when people ignore safety rules. Some light multiple fireworks at once or try to relight a dud, which increases the risk of an explosion.
- Defective Fireworks — Some fireworks may explode too early or with too much force. These product defects can cause burns, eye injuries, or even limb loss.
- Lack of Supervision — Children and teens often get hurt when fireworks are used without proper adult supervision. Untrained users may not understand how to light or position fireworks safely.
- Crowded Areas — When fireworks go off too close to a crowd, people may not have enough space to move away. It can lead to burns, hearing damage, or injuries from flying debris. Strong winds and a lack of barriers also make these situations worse.
- Wrong Use or Placement — Setting fireworks in the wrong direction or lighting them in unsafe locations (like near buildings or trees) can quickly lead to injuries or property damage.
- Illegal Fireworks — These often contain too much explosive material and are banned for a reason. They are unpredictable and can cause life-threatening injuries.
Fireworks must be stored in a cool, dry place, away from flammable materials. Unsafe storage can cause fires or even explosions. In 2025, a fire at a warehouse storing fireworks in Esparto, California, triggered a huge accidental display and destroyed nearby buildings. Seven went missing after the explosion.
A fireworks accident lawyer can collect witness statements, photos, and videos from the scene. They can also review safety guidelines, fire department reports, and expert evaluations.
Protecting Your Rights After Sustaining Injuries In A Fireworks Accident
Even if you’ve already called 911 or reported the incident to the police, there are still steps you can take afterward that may support your personal injury case. While not required, the actions below can help protect your rights and provide helpful information later.
- Seek Follow-Up Medical Care — See a doctor after the accident, even if you feel okay. Follow-up care creates medical records that show the timeline and severity of your injuries.
- Organize Your Evidence — If you were able to take photos or record videos of the scene, your injuries, or the fireworks involved, keep them together in one folder. Also, collect and organize the following:
- Witness Information — List the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident. If possible, include written statements.
- Other Evidence — Save damaged clothing, fireworks debris, or any objects connected to the incident.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Advice — Stick to the treatment plan your doctor gives you. Missing appointments or ignoring medical advice may affect your recovery and your legal options.
- Keep All Records — Save everything related to your injury and recovery:
- Medical bills and prescriptions.
- Doctor’s notes and care instructions.
- Proof of missed work or lost income.
- Insurance letters or claim documents.
- Limit What You Share — Avoid posting about the accident on social media. The opposing party may take even simple updates out of context and use them against you, which could affect your case.
- Track Any Changes in Your Health — Write down how your injury affects your daily life. Keep notes on pain levels, sleep issues, mobility problems, or emotional distress. These can support your claim over time.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer — A lawyer who handles fireworks accident cases can review what happened, assess your evidence, and explain whether you may be eligible for compensation under the law.
Fireworks Accident Statistics
Each year, Americans spend millions on fireworks for Fourth of July celebrations. In 2021 alone, they spent $1.5 billion, with a third planning to attend public shows. These big celebrations may lead to a spike in emergency room visits, especially during the first week of July.
Fireworks can light up the sky, but they can also cause serious harm. A fun night can quickly turn into a hospital visit or something worse. Behind every injury or death is a real person, possibly someone like you or someone you care about.
In 2024, an estimated 1,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for injuries involving sparklers, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Adults ages 25 to 44 made up the largest group injured (32%), followed by those 15 to 24 (24%).
- The most injured body parts were the hands and fingers (36%) and the head, face, and ears (22%).
- Burns were the most common injury, making up 37% of all firework-related ER visits.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023. These fires caused:
- Over 15 people have lost their lives.
- Around 58 more suffered injuries.
In the same year, U.S. emergency rooms treated about 9,700 people for fireworks injuries. In 1 month, from June 16 to July 16:
- Nearly half of the injuries involved the arms, legs, hands, or fingers.
- About 22% of injuries affected the head, face, or ears.
- Children under 15 made up 31% of the injuries recorded.
If you or someone close to you sustains an injury, speak with a fireworks accident lawyer. They can review the situation and explain what legal options may apply to your case based on the law.
Talk To A Firework Accident Lawyer To Learn About Your Rights
Even if you follow all safety rules, fireworks accidents can still happen. These incidents can cause serious injuries, missed work, and costly medical bills. If you or someone you love was hurt in a fireworks-related incident, you may have the right to take legal action.
Our team can walk you through your legal options and help you understand what steps may apply to your situation. Similar to how our car accident lawyers assist victims of auto collisions, our fireworks accident attorneys are ready to listen and offer guidance based on your specific case.
You can visit our local office at 2960 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, to speak with a fireworks accident lawyer in person. If getting to the office isn’t possible, we also offer virtual consultations by phone or video. Your first consultation is always free and confidential.
Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I have a case?” form to get started. We work with clients across California, including San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and many other cities and counties statewide.
