Author: Shelby Benavidez
Contributing Attorney: Matthew Brunell, attorney
Picture this: it’s New Year’s Eve, and the air is buzzing with excitement. Maybe you’re at a backyard gathering with family, or watching friends light sparklers down the street. The sky lights up with bursts of color, laughter fills the air, and for a moment, everything feels magical. Fireworks are a part of our traditions – they bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime.
But sometimes, that magic comes with a hidden danger. A firework that misfires, a spark that lands in the wrong place, or even a small sparkler can turn a celebration into a trip to the emergency room. Burns, eye injuries, and serious accidents happen more often than we realize.
Knowing what injuries are most common, how to handle fireworks safely, and your legal rights if something goes wrong can make the difference between a story you laugh about later and a story that changes your life. With a few simple precautions and some awareness, you can enjoy the show without putting yourself or your loved ones at risk.
Understanding Firework Injuries
Most Common Firework Injuries
Fireworks can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor burns to permanent disabilities. The most common injury from fireworks is burns to the hands, face, and arms. Fingers are particularly vulnerable when lighting fireworks. Severe cases may involve amputation. Even sparklers, which seem harmless, can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Eye and ear injuries are other common firework injuries. Eye injuries can range from temporary irritation to permanent vision loss. Flying debris or sparks can easily cause corneal burns or lacerations. Not to mention, fireworks are loud, and repeated exposure can damage hearing or cause tinnitus.
What Firework Has the Most Injuries?
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024. Historically, firecrackers are among the most frequentlyinjured categories seen in hospitals because they explode at ground level, leaving hands, fingers, and feet particularly vulnerable.
Sparklers are another frontrunner for firework-related injuries. Many people hand sparklers to their young children to join in the festivities, but they’re actually very dangerous because of how hot they burn – sometimes hotter than lower-end welding torches. Even though they aren’t explosive, their heat and proximity to skin make them dangerous, and many children experience burns to their hands, arms, and face. In fact, sparklers were directly involved in an estimated 1,700 injuries in 2024.
Shockingly, aerial fireworks like rockets and mortars are less commonly cited in emergency department statistics than small handheld devices. However, when they malfunction, injuries tend to be more severe. Misfires or mis‑aimed rockets can cause eye trauma, facial injuries, burns, and even death.
How Bad Can a Firework Hurt You?
Firework injuries can range from minor cuts to severe trauma requiring hospitalization. Third-degree burns, which damage all layers of the skin, often requiring surgery or skin grafts, and scarringare among the most common injuries from fireworks.
More serious, yet common, forms of firework injuries are loss of limbs and fingers and permanent eye damage, causing blindness or loss of depth perception. While death isn’t as common with firework-related injuries, it does happen. Fireworks are not toys – they are explosives, and even small mistakes can lead to major injuries.
How to Safely Handle Fireworks
How to Properly Do Fireworks
Proper handling of fireworks is essential to prevent injuries.
- Read labels and follow instructions before lighting fireworks. Manufacturers almost always include important safety information.
- Use fireworks outdoors only in open areas, away from buildings, vehicles, and dry grass.
- Have safety equipment, such as protective eyewear and gloves, and keep a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Keep a safe distance and stand far away from the ignition area.
- Light one firework at a time. Never light multiple fireworks simultaneously, as this increases the risk of accidents.
Following these guidelines significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
What Not to Do with Fireworks
Equally important is knowing what not to do.
- Never relight a dud firework. Wait at least 20 minutes and then soak it in water.
- Do not modify fireworks by cutting, altering, or attempting homemade fireworks. This is extremely dangerous and illegal.
- Avoid alcohol while lighting fireworks, as impairment can lead to poor judgment and accidents.
- Do not aim fireworks at people or animals. Fireworks are explosives and can cause serious injuries.
- Do not leave a child unattended with fireworks. Even sparklers, a common fascinator for children, can cause serious damage when handled improperly.
Being aware of unsafe practices is just as important as following proper techniques.
Who Is Responsible for Firework Injuries?
Firework Manufacturers Liability
The majority of firework-related injuries occur due to misuse or improper handling. However, when a firework injury occurs, it’s important to know that liability may fall on multiple parties depending on the circumstances.
Manufacturers are a common culprit for firework-related injuries due to negligence. Firework manufacturers have a responsibility to produce safe products. If a firework malfunctions due to a defect, the manufacturer may be held liable. Examples of defects include design defects, meaning the firework is inherently unsafe, even if used as intended, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn, meaning instructions or warnings are missing or unclear.
If you believe you were injured due to a manufacturing error, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim. Proving manufacturer liability often requires expert testimony and documentation of the defect.
Fireworks Show: Premises Liability
Whether you’re watching a fireworks show put on by your best friend, neighbor, or professional, hosts carry liability risks. For example, if organizers fail to secure the area, maintain safe distancesbetween the display and spectators, or follow legal requirements, they may be held liable for negligent set-up and operation.
If you’re injured on someone else’s property while watching a fireworks display, you may be able to pursue a premises liability claim under their homeowner’s or commercial property insurance. Remember, while it may feel uncomfortable to pursue a claim against a friend or neighbor, their insurance will pay the settlement – not the individual.
Fireworks Retailer Liability
Retailers must also comply with safety regulations when selling fireworks. If they fail to do so, such as knowingly selling a defective product, fail to provide instructions, or sell to minors, they may also be held liable for any firework-related injuries that occur.
It’s also important to understand that firework injury cases don’t always involve just one responsible party. In many situations, liability can be shared among multiple people or businesses, depending on what went wrong. A manufacturer may be responsible for a defective product, a retailer may be at fault for improper sales or lack of warnings, and in some cases, the person who lit or handled the firework may also share responsibility. In Texas, even your own actions can impact your claim if unsafe behavior contributed to the injury. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can evaluate the facts, determine who may be legally responsible, and guide you through the next steps to pursue compensation while protecting your rights.
Key Takeaways: Firework Safety & Liability
Fireworks are a cherished tradition in Texas, especially during New Year’s and other celebrations. However, they are powerful explosives that can cause serious injuries. Awareness of the most common injuries, proper handling techniques, and legal rights can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
If you or a loved one suffered a firework injury due to someone else’s negligence, Texas law provides options to hold responsible parties accountable, whether it’s a manufacturer, retailer, or event organizer. Being informed and cautious allows everyone to enjoy the beauty of fireworks while minimizing the risks.
Celebrate safely, follow proper guidelines, and know your rights because the joy of fireworks should never come at the cost of your safety. Happy holidays!
