Injured by a Firework While Holding It? You May Still Have a Firework Injury Claim in South Carolina
Every summer, fireworks light up the skies across South Carolina. Unfortunately, they also send thousands of people to emergency rooms nationwide. Many injured individuals assume they cannot pursue a legal claim if they were holding the firework when it exploded—especially if the product included warnings or instructions. However, that is not always the case.
At Romeo Deters, our attorneys have successfully represented clients who suffered devastating injuries from defective fireworks, including cases where the injured person was holding the firework at the time of the explosion.
Firework Injuries Are More Common Than Many People Realize
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, representing a significant increase from the previous year. Hands and fingers accounted for 36% of reported injuries, while burns remained the most common injury type. Adults ages 25 to 44 experienced the highest percentage of reported injuries.
South Carolina health officials have also warned residents about increasing fireworks-related injuries, particularly during the weeks surrounding Independence Day celebrations. National data shows that nearly 70% of all fireworks injuries occur in the one-month period around July 4.
Holding the Firework Does Not Automatically Eliminate Liability
Many fireworks injury victims mistakenly believe they are automatically at fault if they were holding the device when it exploded. In reality, product manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers can still be held accountable when a firework malfunctions, explodes prematurely, contains a manufacturing defect, or fails to perform as intended.
South Carolina product liability laws often focus on whether the product was defective and whether that defect caused the injury—not simply whether the injured person was handling the product.
Even when warning labels exist, manufacturers may still be liable if the product is unreasonably dangerous or fails to perform safely during foreseeable use.
Romeo Deters Has Recovered Millions for Firework Injury Victims
Romeo Deters has built a national reputation for handling complex fireworks injury and product liability cases.
Recent results include:
- $3.5 million settlement for a client who suffered a below-the-elbow amputation after a defective mortar firework exploded in his hand.
- $1 million settlement for a client who lost portions of three fingers when a mortar firework exploded next to his hand.
- $750,000 settlement for a severe firework injury involving hand trauma.
- $550,000 settlement for another fireworks-related injury claim involving defective consumer fireworks.
Importantly, these cases demonstrate that injury victims in Charleston may still have viable claims even when they were handling the firework at the time of the incident.
Firework Safety Tips for South Carolina Residents
While legal options may exist after an injury, prevention remains the best strategy.
Firework safety recommendations include:
- Never hold a mortar, reloadable shell, or aerial firework in your hand.
- Light fireworks one at a time and move away immediately.
- Never attempt to relight a malfunctioning firework.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
- Do not allow children to handle fireworks.
- Purchase fireworks only from reputable retailers.
- Avoid alcohol or drug use when handling fireworks.
Learn More from Attorney Chris Romeo
For those interested in the legal complexities of fireworks litigation, Attorney Christopher Romeo recently discussed these issues in depth during the podcast episode "Fireworks Litigation: Liability, Damages & Experts | Episode 16" on the Best Practices with Kenny Berger podcast.
During the episode, Chris Romeo shares insights into how firework injury cases are investigated, the role of expert witnesses, product defect theories, and the challenges of proving liability in catastrophic injury claims.
Contact Romeo Deters After a Firework Injury
A firework injury can lead to permanent disability, disfigurement, lost income, and significant medical expenses. If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a firework explosion, do not assume you are barred from recovery simply because you were holding the device.
The experienced product liability attorneys at Romeo Deters can investigate the incident, preserve critical evidence, and determine whether a defective product or negligent party contributed to your injuries.
Understanding your rights may be the first step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve.