Keeping Families Safe on Bonfire Night
4 November 2022
Bonfire night is an exciting time of year, but it’s essential to ensure you stay safe and avoid any accidents. Fireworks, sparklers and bonfires are all potential hazards that can cause serious injury.
Each year, hundreds of adults and children attend hospitals and doctors’ surgeries for injuries related to using and misusing fireworks and sparklers. In many cases, injuries can be avoided with caution and the correct use of the products.
However, in some instances, there is negligence on behalf of the firework manufacturer or display provider. If you have sustained a firework-related personal injury caused by faulty products, or negligence leading to injury, you may be eligible to claim compensation. In order to bring a claim, the injury must have occurred within the last three years, unless you are under 18 years old and then you have until you 21st birthday. Different rules also apply if an individual doesn’t have capacity.
Speaking with a legal professional at Redkite Solicitors is the most efficient way to determine whether you are eligible to claim for a firework-based injury. We will assess the details of your case and the nature of the injury to advise you of the success of your claim.
Firework related accidents
Fireworks can burn at temperatures of around 2000 degrees, holding the capacity to cause severe burns as well as long-term scarring and pain. Sparklers are also a common cause of injury on bonfire night. If mishandled, they can cause severe burns to the hands, face and body. Sparklers should always be kept away from children’s faces and clothes and held at arm’s length at all times.
Bonfires can be just as dangerous as fireworks if not appropriately managed. If you are attending a public bonfire, ensure you always keep a safe distance from the fire. If you are having a bonfire at home, ensure that it is located in a safe place away from any buildings or flammable materials. Keep children and pets away from the fire, and never leave the blaze unattended.
Public display
The organisers or companies in charge of a public display are responsible for the safety of their attendees. This includes enforcing safety precautions to eliminate the risk of injury or accident. As such, there should be significant space for the bonfire or lit fireworks and fireworks should always be lit correctly.
Private display
Fireworks, sparklers and other pyrotechnics are readily available to members of the public, enabling them to arrange their own private celebrations and displays. The risks surrounding these events include a lack of training and safety precautions and use whilst intoxicated by alcohol.
If you or your child are injured due to unclear instructions or faulty products, you could be entitled to a claim against the manufacturer.
Tips for staying safe on bonfire night
An incident involving injury can frequently be out of your control, but by following safety instructions, you can help to minimise the risks.
- Be cautious of children
Children are often fascinated by fireworks and want to get involved in the fun. However, keeping them at a safe distance is crucial as they can be easily injured by sparklers or hot debris.
Ensure that children are always supervised, regardless of whether you are at a public display or private occasion. Children under five should never be handed sparklers, and older children should only use them under adult supervision.
- Always read all the instructions
If you intend on lighting your own fireworks or using products like sparklers, it is vital that you read and follow all instructions before lighting the product. By following the manufacturers’ guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risks of sustaining an injury.
Whilst there is always a risk associated with lighting fireworks, they can be minimised by using them in a sensible and safe way.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby
In the event of a fire, it is vital to have a source of water close by so you can extinguish any flames quickly. If you are using sparklers, place them in the bucket of water when you have finished with them. Additionally, always maintain distance from, and never return to a lit firework.
- Road Safety
Remember to have fun but be careful on the roads. You may be walking about in the dark, so please remember to keep children close, and remind them of road safety. Wearing bright colours or a Hi-Vis, and carrying a light, is a good way of warning drivers of your presence.
Final Thoughts
Whilst there is plenty of fun to enjoy on an evening like bonfire night, it is essential to practise measures to keep you and your children safe. Unfortunately, there are risks surrounding the use of fireworks and pyrotechnic equipment, which can be unavoidable in the case of faulty products or user negligence.
Making a personal injury claim with Redkite Solicitors is easy. Our specialist team can help get you the compensation you deserve. We understand that recovering from an injury such as this might be a difficult time for you, and that’s why we will help you deal with your claim in a compassionate and understanding manner. Get in touch today to see how we can help.
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.