Rochester, New York, Firework And Sparkler Injury Lawyers

The Dietrich Law Firm, P.C., Could Help You Secure the Compensation You Need to Recover from a Rochester Firework or Sparkler Injury.

For years, New York State had some of the strictest firework laws in the country. Although the state legalized the sale and purchase of low-grade fireworks a few years ago, Monroe County continued its prohibition for four additional years. Recently, however, county officials relaxed restrictions and authorized the sale of certain ground-based fireworks. Today, Rochester residents can enjoy sparklers on special occasions.

Although New York State and Monroe County’s firework laws are designed to keep consumers safe, accidents still happen with alarming regularity. Local legislators have gone so far as to call for a renewed ban on sparklers, citing numerous reports of structural fires, animal abuse, and injuries.

Unfortunately, many firework-related injuries are severe. If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a Rochester firework injury that was not your fault, you could be entitled to significant compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. could help you make a compelling case for recompense.

Since our founding in 2005, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has striven to provide Rochester residents the highest level of personal injury service. Our hardworking team of firework injury attorneys knows what it takes to convince an insurance adjuster, a judge, or a jury that a negligent person, business, or firework manufacturer should be held responsible for their wrongdoing. We could help you secure the compensation you need to begin moving past a tragic accident. Please send us a message online or call us today at 585-939-3939 to schedule your free, no-hassle consultation.

The United States Consumer Safety Commission has identified an alarming trend: in recent years, firework injury rates have risen drastically. Each year, an estimated 15,600 Americans are injured and hospitalized after firework-related injuries, with most injuries occurring in the two weeks before and after the 4th of July. Firework-related injuries can happen:

1. During public firework displays;
2. At home;
3. At family gatherings; and
4. In public places, such as Rochester parks and nearby beaches.

Most injuries can be attributed to fireworks’ inherent incendiary and explosive properties. Common injuries include but are not limited to:

1. Burns;
2. Lacerations;
3. Hearing damage;
4. Vision loss or impairment; and
5. Loss of digits or hands.

Some of these injuries are minor and do not require extensive medical care. Sadly, some are severe, necessitating emergency room treatment and specialist care. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has spent nearly two decades fighting for our client’s rights. We know what it takes to get our clients recompense—and our record speaks for itself. Since our founding, we have secured more than $175 million in damages. Our clients have used this money to pay off their medical bills, afford physical therapy, and begin rebuilding their lives. We could help you, too. Please send us a message online or call us at 585-939-3939 to find out more about your rights after sustaining a firework injury.

New Yorkers once had to drive to neighboring states to purchase fireworks. But in recent years, former Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill legalizing the sale of “sparkling devices,” subject to some restrictions. Fireworks, for example, may only be legally bought, sold, and used between the dates of June 20 through July 5 and December 26 through January 2.

Under New York State Code § 5601.1.13, only specific types of Division 1.4G fireworks may be bought, sold, and possessed. Division 1.4G fireworks are defined as those that “contain restricted amounts of pyrotechnic materials designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion.” The types of Division 1.4G fireworks permitted for use in New York are limited to so-called “sparkling devices” that meet all of the following criteria:

1. Must be ground-based or hand-held;
2. Emit a shower of white, gold, or other colored sparks as their primary pyrotechnic effect;
3. Do not rise into the air;
4. Do not emit inserts or projectiles; and
5. Do not “explode” or produce an audible blast.

Legal fireworks include but are not limited to:

1. Cylindrical fountains;
2. Cone fountains;
3. Wooden or dipped sparkler sticks;
4. Party poppers; and
5. Snappers.

The residents of New York State may also set off “smoke bombs,” provided that the primary incendiary effect is the emission of colored, non-toxic fumes. New York State’s fireworks laws are all applicable to Monroe County. However, the Rochester City Code does stipulate that permitted Division 1.4G fireworks cannot be used in public parks without prior written permission from a Rochester Department of Recreation and Human Services parks commissioner.

When people purchase and use illegal fireworks, ignite legal fireworks recklessly, or discharge them in public places, they could be held liable for any resulting injuries. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. believes that nobody should ever have to pay the price for another person’s carelessness. We could help you recover damages related to your Rochester firework accident injury—damages you could use to pay off your medical expenses, secure better care, and replace the income you lost while taking time away from work. Please call us at 585-939-3939 to speak to a legal professional and discuss your options for relief.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 585-939-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Rochester, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!