How to Prevent Fourth of July Fireworks Injuries in Des Moines

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest holiday weekends of the summer in Des Moines. Families gather for cookouts, neighborhood celebrations, and fireworks displays across the city. One moment, people are enjoying a backyard celebration. Seconds later, a defective firework, unsafe launch, or sudden explosion can leave someone facing severe burns, permanent eye damage, or life-changing injuries.

Even legally purchased fireworks can be dangerous when used carelessly, handled improperly, or manufactured defectively.

If you or a loved one was injured in a fireworks accident, the Des Moines personal injury lawyers at MSMC Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation.

Fireworks Are Dangerous Even When Sold Legally

Under Iowa law, the sale and use of many types of consumer fireworks, including aerial fireworks and Roman candles, are permitted, though local restrictions may still apply in some areas. However, legal access does not eliminate the serious risks posed by fireworks to users, nearby spectators, neighbors, and pedestrians.

Des Moines officials have cited repeated damage to city parks from fireworks as one reason for maintaining strict fireworks restrictions. It is reported that in 2024, approximately one-third of Des Moines’ parks sustained damage from fireworks or required cleanup.

Many people assume that if fireworks are legally sold to consumers, they are relatively safe for backyard use. In reality, fireworks continue to cause thousands of preventable injuries every year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in a single year.

Fireworks generate intense heat, sparks, and an explosive force that can cause catastrophic injuries in just a few seconds. Improperly used fireworks may also ignite homes, garages, dry grass, vehicles, fences, or nearby structures.

Common Injuries From Fireworks

Fireworks injuries are often far more serious than many people realize. Some victims require emergency surgery, skin grafts, or long-term rehabilitation after a malfunction or unsafe handling.

Burns

The most common fireworks injuries treated during the Fourth of July holiday period are burn injuries.

Victims may suffer:

• First-degree burns
• Deep tissue burns
• Facial burns
• Clothing ignition injuries
• Permanent scarring

Sparklers are particularly dangerous for children because they burn at up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt some metals. Despite their appearance, sparklers are not harmless toys.

Eye and Facial Injuries

Fireworks can propel sparks, debris, and fragments at high speeds. Serious eye injuries may include:

• Corneal abrasions
• Retinal damage
• Eye punctures
• Facial lacerations
• Permanent vision loss

These injuries can occur even when someone is standing several feet away from the fireworks being used.

Hand and Finger Trauma

Holding fireworks while lighting them greatly increases the risk of severe injuries. Premature explosions and defective products can cause:

• Fractures
• Deep lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Crushed fingers
• Partial amputations

Fire and Smoke Injuries

Fireworks also cause residential fires and outdoor fires during holiday celebrations. Victims may suffer smoke inhalation, respiratory injuries, burns, and property damage.

Common Causes of Firework Accidents

Investigations into fireworks accidents often reveal preventable safety failures, dangerous misuse, poor supervision, or defective products.

Lack of Adult Supervision

Children should never handle fireworks without close adult supervision. Young children do not fully understand how quickly fireworks can become dangerous.

Unsafe Handling

Some of the most dangerous fireworks behaviors include:

• Lighting fireworks while holding them
• Leaning over fireworks after ignition
• Attempting to relight “dud” fireworks
• Throwing fireworks at others
• Standing too close to launch areas

These behaviors increase the risk of explosions, severe burns, traumatic injuries, and accidental fires.

Alcohol and Impaired Judgment

Alcohol use during Fourth of July celebrations can impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of unsafe fireworks handling and serious accidents.

Defective Fireworks

Not every fireworks injury is caused by user error. Some fireworks malfunction because of manufacturing or design defects.

Examples may include:

• Faulty fuses
• Premature explosions
• Improper launch angles
• Unstable bases
• Excessively forceful detonations

When defective fireworks cause injuries, manufacturers or distributors may be held liable under product liability laws.

Firework Safety Tips for Families in Des Moines

Following basic safety precautions can reduce the risk of injuries this Fourth of July.

The CPSC’s fireworks safety recommendations and Iowa firework safety guidance suggest:

• Purchasing fireworks only from licensed retailers
• Reading and following all product instructions
• Keeping children away from fireworks and sparklers
• Lighting fireworks one at a time
• Moving away immediately after ignition
• Having water or a hose nearby
• Never relighting malfunctioning fireworks
• Soaking used fireworks in water before disposal
• Ensuring spectators are at a safe distance

Professional fireworks displays are safer than consumer fireworks used at home.

What to Do After a Firework Injury

Anyone injured in a fireworks accident should seek immediate medical care, even if the injury initially appears minor. Burns, eye injuries, and internal trauma can worsen rapidly without treatment.

If possible, injured victims should also:

• Photograph injuries and the accident scene
• Preserve fireworks packaging or debris
• Collect witness information
• Keep medical records and receipts
• Document how the incident occurred

Strong documentation can be extremely important if a legal claim arises later.

Who May Be Liable for a Firework Injury?

Depending on the circumstances, several parties may potentially be held responsible after a fireworks accident.

Liable parties may include:

• Individuals who used fireworks negligently
• Property owners who allowed unsafe conditions
• Event organizers
• Manufacturers of defective fireworks
• Retailers that sold dangerous products

Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Contact MSMC Injury Lawyers After a Fireworks Accident

A fireworks injury can leave victims dealing with painful medical treatment, missed work, permanent scarring, and financial stress. Insurance companies may also attempt to minimize injuries or dispute liability after these accidents.

Our personal injury lawyers can investigate the incident, secure evidence, and determine whether negligence or defective fireworks contributed to your injuries. Quick action may also help preserve important evidence before debris is discarded, witness memories fade, or surveillance footage disappears.

Acting quickly can make a real difference in a fireworks injury case. Contact MSMC Injury Lawyers in Des Moines today to schedule a free consultation and find out how our team can help.