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Fireworks and Injuries: Know Your Rights

In Montana, summer skies come alive every Fourth of July and at countless small-town celebrations. However, while fireworks are a fun tradition, they also come with risk—and that risk is not small. Every year, Montanans find their holiday cut short by a visit to the emergency room because of a firework mishap.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2024 alone, about 14,700 people nationwide were treated in hospitals for firework-related injuries—a staggering 52% increase over the previous year. Eleven deaths were reported, and around 1,700 of those injuries involved sparklers, which many mistakenly consider safe. Hands and fingers account for more than a third of all firework injuries, while the head, face, and eyes make up nearly a quarter.

Here in Montana, our emergency rooms see an average of 32 Montanans per year seeking medical care for firework related injuries. This figure does not include countless more who are treated in urgent care or at home for minor burns and injuries. Most victims are male, and kids are especially at risk. Sparklers, often given to children, can burn at an astonishing 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.

When people think about firework injuries, they often imagine self-inflicted accidents: someone lighting a bottle rocket without proper safety or kids horsing around with Roman candles. But a significant number of injuries happen to bystanders—people who did everything right, only to be hurt by someone else’s poor decisions.

In Montana, where backyards can stretch for acres and neighbors often gather informally, firework responsibility is a serious issue. One careless launch, one defective product, or one illegal firework can send debris flying into a child’s face or cause catastrophic burns that change a life forever. Fireworks can also start fires. Someone else’s careless actions can lead to your property catching fire.

If you or someone you love is injured by another person’s firework, it is crucial to act quickly and protect your rights. Your first priority must always be medical care. Even minor burns can become infected, and injuries to the eyes, face, or hands often need immediate attention. Once you or your loved one is safe, gather and preserve as much information as you can. Take photos of the injuries and the area where the accident happened. If possible, keep the firework remains — they can be vital evidence if the device was defective or illegal. Talk to witnesses and write down their contact information before memories fade.

It is also wise to make a report with local law enforcement, especially if illegal fireworks are involved or safety rules were ignored. Montana has a patchwork of local ordinances regulating fireworks. Many towns, including Billings, Missoula, and parts of Great Falls, have strict bans or time-limited windows for consumer fireworks. Ignoring these rules can make a person civilly and even criminally liable if someone is hurt.

Too often, people who are injured by fireworks assume they have no claim or simply accept whatever their neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance offers—if it offers anything at all. But early settlements rarely cover the true cost of what you face. Firework injuries can bring lifelong medical bills: surgeries for burns, skin grafts, reconstructive care, vision loss, or physical therapy for damaged hands or fingers. Fireworks can also damage your property, sometimes burning down houses. Each year, fireworks start an estimated 18,500 fires nationwide and cause an estimated 43 million dollars in damage.

This is where talking to an experienced Montana attorney makes all the difference. At Boland Aarab PLLP, we know how to hold the right people accountable when a celebration goes wrong. Our firm has helped Montanans recover full and fair compensation after serious injuries caused by another person’s carelessness—whether that’s a neighbor who misused fireworks, an event organizer who cut corners, or a manufacturer who sold a defective product that should never have ended up in a backyard.

Montana law can be complicated when it comes to negligence and liability for fireworks. In some cases, multiple people may share responsibility—for example, the person who bought illegal fireworks, the person who launched them, and the property owner who failed to supervise a dangerous gathering. Proving these facts requires clear evidence and, often, expert investigation. A good attorney knows how to build that case while you focus on healing.

Insurance companies will often push injured people to settle quickly and quietly. They know you’re worried about bills piling up. They also know you may not be aware of the full value of your claim. Once you sign on the dotted line, you give up the right to ask for more — even if unexpected surgeries or complications arise later. At Boland Aarab, we stand between you and the insurer’s pressure. We investigate thoroughly, we gather medical opinions, and we push back against lowball offers.

We also bring deep knowledge of Montana’s local firework rules, ordinances, and the patterns we see every summer. Our team understands how small details — like the type of firework, where it was purchased, or who stored it, can change a claim.

If you or your family has suffered because someone else was reckless with fireworks, do not wait to see if things get better. Get medical help, keep records, and talk to a lawyer before accepting any offer or signing any paperwork. Your window for taking legal action can close faster than you expect—and early mistakes can limit your ability to get the justice you deserve.

At Boland Aarab PLLP, we believe Montana families deserve safe celebrations and fair treatment when someone’s negligence turns a joyful night into a nightmare. If you have questions about your rights after a firework injury, whether you’re in Great Falls, Helena, Missoula, or anywhere in Big Sky Country, we’re ready to help. Visit bolandaarab.com to set up a free consultation today or call us at 406-315-3737.