Large-scale fireworks disasters are rare, but injuries and deaths from defective fireworks are very common around the 4th of July. In recent years, over 700,000 fireworks and sparklers have been recalled for explosion hazards.
Need a Texas Defective Firework Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by a defective firework, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
What Causes Fireworks Injuries & Deaths?
Firework injuries are mostly caused by malfunctioning fireworks (errant flight paths, tip-overs, early ignitions, explosions, etc.) or misusing the firework by holding it in the hand or standing too close.
How Many People Are Injured by Fireworks?
In 2014, fireworks caused 11 deaths and 10,500 injuries that were serious enough to require treatment in a hospital emergency room, according to a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Are Sparklers Dangerous?
Even sparklers can be hazardous. About 37% of fireworks injuries involve sparklers. The sparks themselves cool off quickly and are relatively harmless, but the stick burns extremely hot — 1800ºF to 3000ºF — easily hot enough to cause severe burns or melt clothing.
Types of Defective Firework Injuries
The most common types of injuries from fireworks include:
- Burns (50% of all firework injuries)
- Hit by a firework
- Shrapnel
- Hearing loss or deafness
- Vision loss or blindness
- Blowing off fingers, arms, or legs
- Smoke inhalation
- House fires
- Death
$300,000 Lawsuit Filed Over Defective Fireworks
In July 2017, a defective firework lawsuit (PDF) was filed in Oregon by 3 people who were burned by handheld fountain fireworks sold under the names “Dazzling Diamonds,” “Glow Beam,” and “Touch of Sparkler.”
The victims include a 7 year-old boy who was burned on his torso, as well as a 4 month-old girl and her mother, Kori Ware, who watched in “extreme terror” as the firework exploded and burned her baby’s face, arms, hands, and legs.
The problem is that the rear plug can dislodge while the firework is lit, resulting in burn injuries to the person holding the device. There were 6 reports of burn injuries by the time a recall was issued in December 2015.
Grandma’s Fireworks Recall
In June 2019, Grandma’s Fireworks recalled about 25,000 fireworks that were sold in West College Corner, Indiana from January 2009 through April 2019 because they are overloaded with pyrotechnics. The recall was issued after an 8 year-old boy lost his hand when one of the fireworks exploded.
Patriot Pyrotechnics Fireworks Recall
In June 2019, Patriot Pyrotechnics recalled about 11,000 fireworks that were sold in Sheridan, Michigan from January 2017 through July 2018 because they are overloaded with pyrotechnics.
GS Fireworks Recall
In June 2019, GS Fireworks recalled about 260 fireworks sold exclusively in Wyoming, Michigan from March 2018 through May 2018 because they are overloaded with pyrotechnics.
Keystone Fireworks Recall
In June 2019, Keystone Fireworks recalled G-Force Fireworks that were sold from November 2018 through May 2019 for about $60 because they are overloaded with pyrotechnics.
Fireworks Over America Recalls “Serious Spinout” Fireworks
In September 2017, Fireworks Over America recalled over 13,000 of the “Serious Spinout” multi-effect fireworks because they could tip over and fire shells at bystanders, posing a serious injury, burn, and fire hazard. They were sold nationwide from October 2016 through July 2017. Click here to read more.
Jumbo Fireworks “Surprise Fountain” Recall
In December 2018, Matrix Fireworks Inc. has issued a recall for the Jumbo Fireworks “Surprise Fountain” because it is overloaded with an illegal amount of pyrotechnics, posing a burn and explosion hazard. Click here to read more.
TNT Red, White & Blue Smoke Firework Recall
On June 27, 2017, American Promotional Events issued a recall for about 36,100 of the TNT Red, White & Blue Ammo Smoke fireworks.
The manufacturer says the recalled TNT Ammo Smoke fireworks can explode out of the bottom of the tube, which is particularly dangerous because a lot of people hold smoke bombs in their hands.
There were 3 reports of the fireworks exploding unexpectedly after being lit, resulting in 3 people suffering burn injuries.
The recalled fireworks were sold with three canisters per bag for $5 at Albertsons, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Wal-Mart and other retailers in Illinois, Ohio, Vermont and Wisconsin from May 2017 through June 2017.
Black Cat Glitter Fountain Firework Recall
In July 2016, Winco Fireworks recalled about 14,000 “Black Cat Cone Fountains” after 3 reports of the fireworks spraying outward. They were sold nationwide from March 2016 to June 2016 for about $9.
Yo Yo Sparkler Recall Lawsuit
In June 2015, Jake’s Fireworks recalled about 651,500 “YO YO Sparklers” after 12 reports of the sparklers burning too fast down the stick and causing burn injuries to a users’ hands.
In September 2016, a lawsuit was filed in Georgia by Johnny L. Bruins, a man who was burned by a YO YO Sparkler on the 4th of July in 2015 — just before he handed the sparkler to a child:
“But as soon as he lit the sparkler, rather than it merely emitting sparks, it exploded in his hand, catching fire and engulfing Mr. Bruins’ left hand in fire, causing severe and painful burns.”
Space Monkey Firework Recall
In November 2015, Fireworks Over America issued a recall for about 36,500 Space Monkey multi-effect fireworks that shoot flaming balls. The problem is that the lit firework can tip over and fire shells at bystanders posing burn, fire and impact hazards to consumers. They were sold from November 2014 to August 2015 for about $15 each.
Need a Defective Firework Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas defective firework lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: