Defective Firework Lawsuit

Every year, thousands of Americans are seriously burned or injured by defective fireworks around the 4th of July. Recalls have been issued for over 700,000 fireworks and sparklers since 2015.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting firework induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by defective fireworks, sparklers, or firecrackers, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

How Many People Are Injured by Fireworks?

Defective fireworks cause around a dozen deaths every year and thousands of serious injuries, amputations, and permanent disfigurement or scarring. In 2018, there were about 9,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments due to fireworks during 2018, according to the CPSC.

What Causes Fireworks Injuries & Deaths?

Most of these injuries and deaths were caused by defective fireworks that exploded, flew erratically, tipped over, blew up too early, hit people in the face, or started house fires with people trapped inside. Fireworks injuries are also commonly caused by misusing fireworks — examples include standing too close, mischief, holding fireworks in the hand, smoking cigarettes around fireworks, or modifying it to explode.

Are Sparklers Dangerous Too?

Sparklers are less hazardous than mortars, rockets, fountains, and firecrackers, but they are still dangerous. About 37% of injuries involve sparklers. While the sparks are relatively harmless, the stick can be up to 3000ºF — easily hot enough to melt clothes or cause severe burns.

Common Types of Fireworks Injuries

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

Defective Firework Lawsuit Filed in Oregon

In July 2017, a lawsuit (PDF) was filed on behalf of three people who were seriously burned by handheld fountain fireworks. The victims include Kori Ware, a mother who was burned along with her 4 month-old daughter while using the fireworks. The third victim is a 7 year-old boy who suffered severe burns to his abdomen.

The defective fireworks were named “Dazzling Diamonds,” “Glow Beam,” and “Touch of Sparkler.” They were recalled in December 2015 because the rear plug can pop off when the firework is lit, burning the person holding it.

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.

Jumbo Fireworks “Surprise Fountain” Recall

December 2017 — 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.

Fireworks Over America Recalls “Serious Spinout” Fireworks

In September 2017, a recall was issued for over 13,000 of the Fireworks Over America “Serious Spinout” multi-effect fireworks. There was 1 report of the firework tipping over and firing shells at bystanders. No one was injured, but the fireworks pose a serious injury, burn, and fire hazard. Click here to read more.

TNT Red, White & Blue Smoke Bomb Firework Recall

In June 2017, about 36,100 of the TNT Red, White & Blue Ammo smoke bomb fireworks were recalled by American Promotional Events because the bottom of the tube can blow off.

The issue is particularly dangerous because a lot of people hold smoke bombs in their hands. There were 3 reports of people who suffered burn injuries. The recalled fireworks were sold 3-to-a-bag for $5 at Albertsons, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Wal-Mart and other retailers in Illinois, Ohio, Vermont and Wisconsin from May 2017 to June 2017.

Black Cat Glitter Fountain Firework Recall

In July 2016, about 14,000 of the “Black Cat Cone Fountain” fireworks were recalled by Winco Fireworks after 3 reports of them spraying outward instead of up. They were sold nationwide from March 2016 to June 2016 for $9.

Yo Yo Sparkler Recall Lawsuit

In June 2015, about 651,500 of the “YO YO Sparkler” fireworks were recalled by Jake’s Fireworks after 12 reports of the sparklers burning too fast down the stick and severely burning a user’s hands.

In September 2016, a man who was burned by a YO YO Sparkler filed a lawsuit in Georgia. He lit the sparkler intending to give it to a child, according to the lawsuit:

“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, about 36,500 of the “Space Monkey” multi-effect fireworks that shoot out flaming balls were recalled by Fireworks Over America. The lit firework can tip over and fire shells at bystanders, posing injury as well as property damage hazards. They were sold for about $15 from November 2014 through August 2015.

Do I have a Defective Firework Lawsuit?

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.