Some fireworks are legal in San Jose, but all fireworks can be dangerous. Even sparklers that are marketed for children can cause devastating burn injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were eight deaths and about 11,400 injuries reported as a result of fireworks in the year 2013.
That is a considerable increase from the 8,700 injuries reported in 2012. About 7,400 of the injuries sustained in firework accidents in 2013 occurred in the 30 days around Independence Day. These numbers were calculated by the CPSC through careful review of hospital emergency room firework incident reports, news reports, and death certificates across the country.
The majority of firework accidents occur when people play with lighted fireworks or when they ignite a firework while still holding it. One of the tragic realities of firework accidents is that children are often the ones who suffer the most. The CPSC reports that children younger than 5 experienced the highest rate of injury per capita. Sparklers and rockets accounted for over 40 percent of the firework-related injuries suffered in 2013, and these dangerous devices are often handed to children as if they are toys.
Firework-related injuries can result in severe burns that may be costly to treat. Many burn injuries require painful and expensive procedures, such as skin grafts. When a firework-related injury is caused by negligence, injured victims can get compensation from the at-fault parties for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, surgeries, continuing treatment, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has suffered a firework-related injury, please contact an experienced San Jose personal injury lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.