According to The Orange County Register, a man suffered critical injuries in an accident involving illegal fireworks in Huntington Beach, the night of July 4, 2012. This happened after the fact that for the first time in 20 years, residents of Huntington Beach were allowed to legally light state-approved “safe and sane” fireworks. Officials say the victim was injured substantially and had to be transferred from Huntington Beach Hospital to the UCI Medical Center. It is not clear how the injuries occurred and who lit the illegal fireworks in question. The investigation is underway.
My thoughts and prayers are with the man who has been severely injured in this accident. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.
Firework Accident Statistics
According to the Fireworks Annual Report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were three firework-related fatalities in the year 2010. At least one of those fatalities involved illegal fireworks. There is no question that fireworks have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
During that same year, approximately 8,600 people required emergency treatment for firework-related incidents. There were an estimated 900 injuries associated with firecrackers. Of those incidents, 30 percent involved small firecrackers and 17 percent involved illegal firecrackers. Most of the firework injuries suffered in the year 2010 required treatment at an emergency room. An estimated 7 percent, however, required a transfer to another hospital or hospital admittance.
Several Incidents This Year
CBS reports several fireworks-related accidents and injuries involving illegal fireworks in the Southland. In South Los Angeles, a 3-year-old boy and a 38-year-old man received treatment for injuries after using illegal fireworks. In Watts, a 4-year-old girl suffered severe burns to her neck after she was burned by an illegal Roman Candle.
Liability Issues
Depending upon the circumstances of the incident, victims of illegal fireworks may be able to pursue financial compensation for their injuries, damages and losses. Those who set off illegal fireworks and cause injuries can be held liable for their negligence and recklessness. An experienced Orange County personal injury attorney will be able to better advise victims of firework accidents about their legal rights and options.