Stay Safe This Bonfire Night - Fireworks Cause Serious Injuries

Every year, thousands of people all over the UK gather together and use fireworks to celebrate a special occasion, the most prominent of which being bonfire night. Although we associate fireworks and bonfire night with sparkle and spectacle, it is important to be aware of the dangers too. Regardless of whether you are visiting a local display, a friends display or even putting on your own, you must make safety a priority to minimise the risk of fireworks injuries.

Fireworks injuries, Scotland

There are numerous laws in place to help prevent fireworks injuries and local authorities take measures each year to ensure the safety of residents in public spaces and at home. However, many people are still injured by fireworks through accidents and irresponsible use.

Both adults and children are injured by fireworks, and injuries often cause not only physical damage, but psychological damage also. Frequent injuries caused by fireworks include:

• minor burns,
• major burns
• skin grafting
• eye injuries,
• face, hair and scalp damage,
• psychological distress,
• loss of vision

Fireworks injuries can be life altering and may have a permanent effect either physically or mentally.

Fireworks and the Law, Scotland

Those organising fireworks displays must follow safety guidelines set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). They will usually also have in place insurance to cover the cost of personal injury claims should any unfortunate accidents happen.

Fireworks Injuries at a Personal Fireworks Display

However, it is not always at large events that fireworks accidents happen, many people are injured in their own homes or at the home of a friend or family member. Injuries can occur as a result of a misfiring firework, or because of improper or misread instructions.

If you are planning to carry out your own fireworks display, or even set of a small number of fireworks you should be wary of buying fireworks bought online or even from smaller retailers. Sellers of fireworks require a licence to sell fireworks. Where an unlicensed or online retailer is selling fireworks, there is a greater chance that these fireworks do not meet strict UK standards and may be dangerous to use. Fireworks on sale from certain unlicensed UK retailers may also be out of date or no longer comply with strict EU and UK firework regulations. Although these fireworks may be cheaper, you should ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones by only purchasing fireworks from a licensed and reputable retailer. Any fireworks you purchase should be marked with what is known as as a BS7114 mark or the CE mark.These marks indicate that the fireworks you have purchased have been tested to a high standard, minimising the risk of harm.  If you have been injured by faulty fireworks, you may be able to make a compensation claim. You will be able to make a claim against the company that manufactured the fireworks and thus it is important you keep any packaging and instructions that came with the fireworks.

Fireworks Accidents at an Organised Event, Scotland

Although precautions can be taken, accidents do still happen. If you have been involved in a fireworks accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries. First and foremost you should ensure your injuries are taken care of, immediately following the accident you should visit your local accident and emergency unit. You should also follow up with a visit to your GP. You should ensure that your visit is recorded by your GP in case you decide to make a claim at a later date. You should also take photographs of the injury if possible, and also take the names of any witnesses to the accident. These things can be used as evidence if you make a personal injury claim for a fireworks accident.

It is also unfortunate that often people are injured as a result of a deliberate attempt to throw a firework at another person. In these circumstances you may not only have a personal injury claim, but this may be a criminal offence. If your injury is deemed to be as a result of a criminal offence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

Where you are injured by a firework at an organised event, you should get full details of the site or venue including the address and contact number of the safety officer responsible for the site. The organiser of the event is under a legal duty to reasonably ensure the safety of those attending the event. Where reasonable precautions have not been taken or health and safety guidelines have been breached, if these result in your injury you may be able to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Making a Fireworks Personal Injury Claim, Scotland

If you have been injured in a fireworks accident that wasn’t you fault, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Fireworks injuries can be very serious and even life-altering. If you have been injured, we understand that receiving compensation could make a great difference to restoring your livelihood. You can claim compensation for pain and suffering, loss of earnings and any expenses incurred as a result of your accident. Contact our team today to find out if you can make a personal injury compensation claim.

Contact our Injury Solicitors in Scotland

If you require specialist personal injury advice about a fireworks injury, contact us today:click here to make an online enquiry or call us on 0131 516 9180.