Fireworks Injuries on the Fourth of July: Who’s Liable When Celebrations Go Wrong?
Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
Every year, Las Vegas lights up with dazzling displays of patriotism on the Fourth of July. From rooftop fireworks and hotel-sponsored celebrations to backyard barbecues and street festivities, the city transforms into a sparkling playground of red, white, and blue. But behind the bright lights and booming fun lurks a very real danger: fireworks injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), thousands of people are injured by fireworks each year—and many of those injuries occur around the July 4th holiday. When an explosive celebration turns catastrophic, victims are often left wondering: Who is legally responsible for my injuries?
This article breaks down Nevada law surrounding fireworks injuries, including what rights victims have, how liability is determined, and how a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages after a fireworks-related incident.
Common Fireworks-Related Injuries in Las Vegas
Fireworks injuries can range from minor burns to life-altering trauma. During the summer months, and particularly around July 4th, hospitals across Las Vegas see a spike in cases involving:
Burns to the hands, arms, and face
Eye injuries, including blindness
Lacerations from shrapnel or explosions
Traumatic amputations, especially of fingers
Hearing damage from close-range blasts
Fire-related injuries due to property damage or improper use
Even spectators at organized displays can be injured by defective fireworks, falling debris, or poor crowd control.
Legal Framework: Nevada’s Fireworks Laws
In Clark County (which includes Las Vegas), fireworks are tightly regulated. Most “Safe-N-Sane” fireworks—those that don’t explode or fly through the air—can only be sold from June 28 through July 4, and only in permitted areas.
Illegal fireworks (like Roman candles, bottle rockets, or firecrackers that leave the ground or explode) are prohibited year-round in many parts of the valley. Even “legal” fireworks can become dangerous when:
Used incorrectly
Handled by children
Used in dry or windy conditions
Deployed too close to structures or people
Importantly, liability may attach to individuals, property owners, or event organizerswho misuse fireworks or allow others to do so on their premises.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Fireworks Injuries?
1. The Individual Who Set Off the Fireworks
The most straightforward case involves negligence by the person who lit the firework. If they aimed it improperly, failed to follow safety warnings, or were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be held responsible.
2. The Property Owner or Host
Premises liability laws in Nevada state that property owners and party hosts have a duty to maintain safe conditions for guests. If a homeowner invites people to a Fourth of July party and allows illegal fireworks—or fails to supervise safe use—they may be liable for injuries sustained on the property.
3. Public Event Organizers and Sponsors
Injuries at large-scale displays—such as those hosted by casinos, resorts, or municipalities—may result in lawsuits against:
The event organizer
The property or venue owner
The pyrotechnics company
Security firms responsible for crowd control
Failure to properly cordon off hazardous areas, warn spectators of risks, or inspect fireworks equipment may all constitute negligence.
4. Manufacturers or Retailers
If the firework itself was defective, the injury victim may pursue a product liability claimagainst the manufacturer, importer, or retailer. These claims do not require proof of negligence—only that the product was dangerous when used as intended.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Fireworks Injury Case?
Like most personal injury cases in Nevada, a successful fireworks injury claim typically requires proving:
Duty of Care – The at-fault party had a legal duty to act safely.
Breach of Duty – They failed to uphold that duty (e.g., using fireworks illegally or unsafely).
Causation – Their actions directly caused the injury.
Damages – The victim suffered actual harm (medical bills, lost wages, pain, etc.).
Photographs, eyewitness statements, medical records, police/fire reports, and video evidence (especially common during holidays) can all help build a strong case.
What Damages Can Fireworks Injury Victims Recover?
If you’ve been hurt by fireworks in Las Vegas, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehab)
Lost income from missed work
Loss of future earning potential (in cases of disfigurement or disability)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Scarring or permanent disfigurement
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or illegal activity)
What If I Was Injured by Fireworks at a Las Vegas Hotel or Casino?
Hotels and casinos that host fireworks events can be liable for injuries caused by inadequate crowd control, failure to warn, or defective equipment. Many of these entities have strong legal teams, but an experienced personal injury attorney can fight back to ensure victims aren’t left footing the bill for someone else’s recklessness.
Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Partially at Fault?
Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you’re found partially responsible—but you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault.
So, if you were handed a firework by someone and it exploded due to a defect, you may still have a case even if you participated.
Why You Need a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney
Fireworks injury cases often involve multiple parties, complex liability issues, and tight filing deadlines. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help by:
Investigating the cause of your injury
Identifying all liable parties
Preserving crucial evidence
Handling insurance companies
Filing a lawsuit within Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations
Celebrate Safely—But Know Your Rights If Something Goes Wrong
The Fourth of July should be a time of joy, not trauma. But when fireworks celebrations turn dangerous, the road to recovery can be painful, expensive, and legally complicated. If you or a loved one was injured in a fireworks accident—whether at a private gathering, public display, or hotel event—don’t face it alone.
The personal injury team at The Firm, led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., is here to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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