The waning COVID-19 pandemic has taught many of us to appreciate the simpler, yet finer, things in life. This year’s Fourth of July is set to be the first somewhat-normal holiday in a while. That means good food, good company, and, of course, fireworks.
The vast majority of fireworks are set off without incident. User error is the culprit behind most fireworks-related accidents. However, Americans are occasionally able to (unwittingly) get their hands on illegally made fireworks, which can result in severe injuries or worse. Interestingly enough, most fireworks-caused injuries are from consumer products and not the massive shows put on by large cities.
Where Do Illegal Fireworks Come From?
For a few decades now, almost all fireworks purchased in the U.S. are imported from China. So, if you or someone you know was injured by defective fireworks, understand that the product or products that caused the injuries were almost certainly manufactured in China. Unfortunately, many Chinese-made fireworks flout rules and regulations. For instance, it’s not uncommon to find multi-repeater fireworks with pyrotechnic power greater than 500 grams, which is the limit in the U.S. Of course, manufacturer error can happen even with fireworks that supposedly meet all applicable requirements.
Who Can You Sue?
If the manufacturer produced a defective product, it seems natural, then, to proceed with legal action against the manufacturer. The matter is a little more complicated with imported fireworks, though. Our firm has handled many personal injury cases involving fireworks, and we have found that Chinese fireworks manufacturers are extremely hard to pin down. A common practice among these manufacturers is to dissolve the company before legal action can be pursued.
As a result, most successful lawsuits associated with fireworks injuries happen after filing suit against the American distributor and/or seller. This could also mean exploring a lawsuit against the entity that received the fireworks at the port. Our firm has experience using creative methods to find the money in the U.S. after a fireworks accident.
How Do You Know if You Have a Case?
One of the most important components in any personal injury case involving illegal or defective products is the user’s behavior. Did you read the instructions before using the product? Did you use the product the way it was supposed to be used? Did you purchase the product from a reputable seller?
Ultimately, your potential case needs to be scrutinized by a team of experts to determine its validity. Ryan R. Cox & Associates knows what it takes to properly investigate a personal injury case. If we think you have a case, we will get to work immediately for you and your family. Call us at (636) 946-6886 to take advantage of a free legal consultation.