$290,000 Settlement Recovered for Client Injured by Firework at Fourth of July Party

South Carolina Burn Injury Attorneys Pursue Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

The Fourth of July is a time for family gatherings, cookouts, and celebrating America’s independence. Unfortunately, when fireworks are handled improperly, a festive evening can turn into a life-changing tragedy in an instant.

Steinberg Law Firm recently secured a $290,000 settlement through a homeowner’s insurance policy for a client who suffered serious burn injuries after a firework malfunctioned during a Fourth of July celebration. The case serves as an important reminder that fireworks can be extremely dangerous when they are not used according to manufacturer instructions and that injured victims may have legal options when negligence causes harm.

A Celebration Turns Dangerous

What began as a backyard Independence Day celebration quickly became a medical emergency.

During the gathering, several six-inch mortar-style fireworks were set up and prepared for launch. However, the fireworks were not used as intended by the manufacturer. Multiple mortar tubes were positioned only inches apart and were detonated simultaneously.

This unsafe setup created a dangerous situation. During the launch sequence, one of the mortar tubes tipped over and redirected its trajectory toward the crowd of spectators instead of safely into the sky.

The firework mortar struck our client directly in the left ankle before exploding, causing severe burn injuries.

In a matter of seconds, a holiday celebration became a painful and traumatic experience that would require medical treatment, recovery time, and significant physical suffering.

“Fireworks can be incredibly dangerous when they are not used according to the manufacturer’s instructions,” said Steinberg Law Firm attorney Wilson Jackson. “What should have been a celebration turned into a painful and preventable injury because basic safety precautions were ignored. Homeowners and individuals handling fireworks have a responsibility to protect their guests from foreseeable risks. When those responsibilities are disregarded, innocent people can suffer serious, life-changing injuries.”

Understanding Fireworks Liability

Many people assume that injuries caused by fireworks are simply accidents. However, there is a difference between an unavoidable accident and an injury caused by careless or improper use of inherently dangerous products.

Fireworks manufacturers provide specific instructions regarding placement, spacing, stabilization, and ignition procedures. These safety guidelines exist to prevent exactly the type of incident that occurred in this case.

When individuals ignore those instructions and create an unreasonable risk of harm to others, they may be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries.

In this case, the evidence showed that the mortar tubes were placed too close together and ignited simultaneously in a manner inconsistent with their intended use. The improper setup increased the likelihood that a tube could become unstable and fire toward nearby spectators.

As a result, a claim was pursued against the homeowner’s insurance policy covering the property where the incident occurred.

Serious Burns Can Have Lasting Effects

Burn injuries are often far more serious than many people realize.

Beyond the immediate pain, burn victims may require emergency treatment, wound care, follow-up medical appointments, physical therapy, and, in some cases, skin grafts or reconstructive procedures. Even when surgery is not necessary, victims frequently experience scarring, sensitivity, mobility limitations, and emotional distress long after the initial injury has healed.

For many burn victims, the injury affects daily activities, work responsibilities, recreation, and overall quality of life.

When evaluating a personal injury claim involving burns, it is important to consider not only medical expenses but also pain and suffering, emotional trauma, permanent scarring, lost income, and future medical needs.

A Successful Recovery for the Client

After investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and pursuing compensation through the applicable homeowner’s insurance coverage, Steinberg Law Firm successfully negotiated a $290,000 settlement on behalf of the injured client.

The recovery helped compensate the client for the physical injuries, pain and suffering, medical treatment, and the lasting impact the accident had on his life.

While no settlement can undo the trauma of a serious burn injury, obtaining fair compensation can provide financial security and help victims focus on healing and moving forward.

“Many people don’t realize that a serious fireworks injury may be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy,” Jackson said. “When someone’s negligence causes an injury, whether it’s a car crash, a fall, or the improper use of fireworks, injured victims deserve to understand their rights and pursue fair compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.”

Fireworks Injuries Are More Common Than Many Realize

Every year, thousands of Americans suffer fireworks-related injuries. Burns are among the most common injuries, particularly to the hands, arms, legs, face, and eyes. Many of these incidents occur during holiday celebrations and involve consumer fireworks being used improperly or without adequate safety precautions.

In South Carolina, fireworks are a popular part of Independence Day celebrations, but with that popularity comes responsibility. Property owners and individuals handling fireworks have a duty to take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of guests and spectators.

When fireworks are used improperly, the consequences can be severe and sometimes permanent.

Injured by Fireworks in South Carolina?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fireworks accident, you may have legal options. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available through a homeowner’s insurance policy, a negligent party, a business, or even a product manufacturer.

For nearly 100 years, Steinberg Law Firm has helped injured South Carolinians pursue the compensation they need after serious accidents. Our attorneys understand how to investigate complex injury claims, identify available insurance coverage, and fight for the full value of our clients’ losses.

Attorney Wilson Jackson brings a unique perspective to injury cases involving safety violations and preventable accidents. In addition to representing injury victims across South Carolina, Jackson holds a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and has completed the National Association of Transportation Management’s Certified Director of Safety program, giving him extensive experience evaluating safety practices, risk management, and preventable hazards.

If you have questions about a fireworks injury or another accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Steinberg Law Firm for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and explore your options for recovery.