Firework Injuries and Preventative Measures for Bonfire Night

Posted: November 2, 2015

Posted in: Personal Injury 

Three boys were injured last week in Liverpool by fireworks with the children receiving serious burns and injuries.

Sadly, it is unlikely that this will be the last injury this year relating to fireworks and some of the dangers that are likely to be faced by many of Bonfire Night. According to statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, every year, hundreds are hurt by fireworks, sparklers and other dangerous objects associated with the 5th November. On average 1000 people are injured each year by fireworks with the last survey reporting that 990 people were injured between October and November 5th.

Firework Injuries and Bonfire Night

Despite legislation being in place to reduce the number of firework accidents in the UK, there are still a number of serious accidents each year. Fireworks and sparklers can have a serious effect on those injured. The most typical types of injuries from fireworks are burns and scalding. However, inappropriate or unsafe use of fireworks can result in serious burns, scarring, nerve damage, loss of fingers, muscle damage, severe scarring or even fatal burns or injuries. A rocket firework can travel at more than 150mph with sparklers burning at three times the temperature of cooking oil. Thus, serious injuries can be caused by such objects.

As well as the injuries that are possible to obtain, such injuries can also cause physiological damage and emotional issues.

Safety Procedures: Some Key Steps

We strongly urge anyone wishing to enjoy the festivities of Bonfire Night to go to a council planned event or a local community display that will have safety measures in place and emergency crews in place. In Glasgow, the event in Glasgow Green has a number of safety features in place. However, if you are planning an at home display we strongly urge you to take as many safety measures as possible to reduce the chance of injury.

We urge anyone who is having a private display to follow safety measures:

• Do not consume alcohol when setting off fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Stand well back from the firework display
• Light at arm’s length lighting with a taper if possible
• Do not let children use sparklers unsupervised
• Never throw fireworks or light them if they are not secure in the ground
• Do not go near a lit firework, even if it has not gone off

Firework Injuries: Making a Claim

If you are injured as a result of negligence during a firework display or injured by another when attending a firework display, you could make a claim.

It is important that a personal injury solicitor has as much evidence as possible to build the strongest possible case when taking legal action. A solicitor may require evidence of your injuries, details about how it occurred, photographic evidence and any statement from witnesses who saw the incident occur. When making a personal injury claim not only can you claim for the injuries sustained, but also any damage/scarring and rehabilitation time and costs.

Making a Claim: Contact Us

While there are some safety campaigns to try and encourage safe practice during Bonfire Night, it is highly likely that someone will be injured. If you have been injured through no fault of your own, contact our team today to find out if you could make a personal injury claim.

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