While fireworks are illegal in New Jersey, some residents may choose to travel to other states in order to shoot off firecrackers and enjoy sparklers this Independence Day. Others, whether willfully or out of ignorance of this state’s laws, may find fireworks within this state and light them despite New Jersey’s laws prohibiting fireworks.
Therefore, this serves as an opportunity to remind all of our readers that carelessness with fireworks, even legal ones, can lead to a major child injury. While most fireworks that are commonly available are not designed to maim or seriously burn people, the misuse or unauthorized re-designing of these fireworks can lead to serious accidents. A child in another state suffered a serious injury to his hand while he was playing with an explosive device, which was thought to be fireworks.
One New Jersey police department stated that around 8,800 people around the country suffered injuries from fireworks in 2008. Of these 8,800 people, over half of the victims were under the age of 20 and over one-third were under the age of 15. Receiving a significant injury from common fireworks is entirely possible, especially when one also considers the large number of fires that are the result of fireworks each holiday season.
Fireworks are unlawful in New Jersey and not following the law in this respect can lead to substantial fines and even jail. Moreover, those who are in New Jersey and supply fireworks to minors may be held accountable for their actions in a civil personal injury suit if a child gets hurt while shooting illegal fireworks in New Jersey.
Source: Fox 2, “Child Injured By Fireworks In North St. Louis,” June 21, 2013
