Fireworks Safety

Last year, former Governor Chris Christie legalized certain types of fireworks just days before the Fourth of July celebrations. Prior to the legislation, New Jersey, Delaware, and Massachusetts were the only three states with a blanket ban on all forms of fireworks.

New Jersey law prohibited the sale or use of fireworks, except for town-approved public displays. The sale of any type of fireworks could be charged as a fourth-degree crime carrying punishments of up to up to a $10,000 fine and as much as 18 months in jail.

Last year’s legislation allows New Jersey residents to buy, sell, and use non-explosive, non-aerial fireworks like sparklers, party poppers and smoke devices on the upcoming holiday. However, it does not permit the sale, possession, or use of explosive, aerial fireworks. Use of such fireworks constitutes a disorderly person’s offense and carries a fine of up to $500.

Fireworks Accidents

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 18,500 fires per year are caused by fireworks. Sparklers, thought to be amongst the safest fireworks, and now legal in New Jersey, actually burn up to 1,200 degrees and cause one-quarter of all fireworks-related emergency room injuries.

The NFPA also reports that in 2015 an estimated 11,900 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries. Children age five-nine are more than twice as likely to be injured by fireworks than any other age group.

It is important to take some precautionary measures in order to avoid potentially severe fireworks injuries. According to the NFPA, 51 percent of injuries in 2015 were to the extremities and 41 percent were to the head.

Fireworks Safety

The National Council on Fireworks Safety has some safety tips for those who are planning on handling fireworks this Fourth of July:

• Read the instructions and labels before use
• Never allow children to handle fireworks
• Always have an adult present to supervise fireworks activities
• Wear safety glasses when using fireworks
• Light fireworks outdoors and away from buildings or vehicles
• Light only one firework at a time
  • Always have a bucket of water ready to soak fireworks
• Wet down fireworks before disposing of them in a metal trash can
• Do not carry fireworks with you in checked baggage or carry-on luggage when flying – it is prohibited by the FAA

Under premises liability law, property owners in New Jersey are required to maintain the safety of their premises so that visitors do not suffer an injury due to dangerous conditions. Property owners could be held liable for injuries resulting from their property’s unsafe design, or because of a temporary hazard that was not appropriately dealt with. Therefore, those injured by a dangerous condition on a property, such as fireworks, may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and financial damages via a premises liability claim.

New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP Represent Those Injured in Fireworks Accidents

If you or a loved one was injured in a fireworks accident, contact the New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP. We have extensive experience representing clients in personal injury and premises liability claims and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. From our offices in Edison, Toms River and Red Bank, we represent clients throughout New Jersey. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 732-777-0100.