If you suffered a firework injury in Colorado, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To get it, you’ll need to show that someone was negligent, whether the fireworks were used legally or illegally. Get medical care first, then document what happened and who was involved.
Fireworks may be synonymous with celebration, but unfortunately, celebrating with fireworks can lead to serious injury. Colorado’s fireworks laws are strict. In Colorado, regulations exist to help reduce the risk of danger or damage associated with the use of fireworks. Colorado law only allows consumers to use “permissible fireworks,” such as sparklers, fountains and ground spinners. Aerial fireworks and firecrackers are not allowed. Some cities and counties ban fireworks entirely, and fire restrictions can add limits when fire danger is high.
What if I’m Injured by Fireworks in Colorado? Your Next Steps
Whether your injury involved legal or illegal use of fireworks, if you were hurt by one, you may be able to work toward compensation. Follow these steps after a firework injury:
- Treat your injuries. Getting swift medical attention is important for several reasons: it’ll put you on the road to recovery, and medical records will help substantiate your claim.
- Document the incident. If you’re able, take pictures of the scene and your injuries, get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and file a police report. (Don’t push yourself, though; if you’re seriously hurt, concentrate on getting help.)
- Find out what type of fireworks were used. This may inform both your medical treatment and your legal strategy. Keep the packaging and write down the product name if you can.
Who Was Involved in the Fireworks Incident?
After you get medical help, get in touch with a Colorado personal injury lawyer. To show negligence, it helps to find out who was involved. These are things to identify, not conclusions about who is responsible.
The Person Handling the Fireworks
- Who lit or set off the firework
- Whether they were at a private gathering or a public event
- What they were doing when the injury happened
The Event Organizer
- Who organized or hosted the event, if there was one
- Whether a professional display company was involved
- Where spectators were placed and how the area was set up
The Product or Supplier
- The brand and product name
- Where the fireworks were bought
- Any packaging, labels or leftover pieces
For more on how fault is measured, read Ordinary vs. Gross Negligence in Colorado.
Greer Law Can Help With Your Firework Injury Case
Firework injuries can have extreme repercussions for your health and well-being. Building a claim takes knowing Colorado’s laws and doing a lot of research, and while you’re in recovery, you shouldn’t have to think about that. That’s where we come in. Fill out our brief contact form, or give us a call at 303-331-6460.
