Inspired by the pyrotechnic splendour of this summer's Olympics? Can’t wait to see how Gary from next door's annual fireworks display will measure up?
Well, however it turns out, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable bonfire night.
If you are thinking about hosting your own fireworks party, then here are some things to consider;
Put Safety First
As enjoyable as small private displays can be, such gatherings are responsible for more than 50% of all firework related injuries. On average, there are 1000 people injured in firework accidents each year with the main culprits being the rocket and following close behind, the humble sparkler! 29% percent of all fireworks accidents result in eye injuries.
Fireworks burn at thousands of degrees Centigrade (°C). Even sparklers reach up to 2,000°C, (20 times the boiling point of water) and rockets can can reach speeds of 150mph – not quite Felix Baumgartner speeds but still pretty impressive!
Follow the Firework Code:
- Supervise children at all times
- Only purchase fireworks that are marked with BS 7114
- Store fireworks in a closed box
- Don’t drink alcohol if you are dealing with fireworks
- Follow each individual firework's instructions
- To light, use a taper and stand well back
- Never return to a lit firework.
- Don’t throw fireworks or put them in your pocket
- Sparklers should be lit one at a time and whilst wearing gloves
- Don’t give sparklers to children under 5
- Keep pets indoors
Fire or No Fire?
Statistically, your event will be safer without a bonfire, however, if you decide on going ahead with a fire, ensure you choose somewhere well away from buildings (including houses, garages and sheds) as well as fences, cables, trees and any fireworks.
Are You Insured?
As a home owner you can be held legally responsible if a guest, or innocent neighbour, is injured due to a firework display or bonfire. Check your home contents insurance policy to ensure that you are adequately covered. Most home content insurance policies provide cover for up to around £2,000,000 if a third party is injured due to an accident on the homeowners property and this is exactly the cover that will be needed if someone makes a personal injury claim against you.
Injured by a Firework?
If you have been injured while attending a firework display, either organised or at a friends or neighbours then you may be entitled to claim for compensation. It is important that you seek medical attention, either by visiting your GP or visiting your local A&E department, depending on the extent of your injuries. If possible, have the injuries photographed.
It’s also important that you get the contact details of anyone who may have witnessed the accident (or have someone do this for you). If you believe the injuries were sustained due to a faulty firework keep the firework packaging and any remaining fireworks, these may be need to be inspected at a later date.
There are many different people who may be responsible for firework related injuries:
The Organisers of the Display
Organisers have a duty of care to everyone attending and need to ensure all safety procedure are followed.
Fireworks Manufacturers
If the fireworks are faulty then a claim can be made against them
Shops Selling Fireworks
Shops need to ensure they are not selling to under-age children and that the fireworks are within their best before date.
Persons Using Fireworks in the Wrong Way, or in a Criminal Manner
It is illegal to set off fireworks in a street, therefore, if you have been injured as a result of such an act, it may be possible to bring a claim via the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority for victims of crime.
Claiming Compensation for a Firework Related Injury
If you, or a family member, have been injured in a firework accident though no fault of your own you could be a position to make a personal injury compensation claim. Call us now on 0800 756 7774 and our friendly specialist consultants can talk to you about your situation and see if you have a valid compensation claim. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us. Alternatively, complete our online claim form (on the right).
If we feel you have a valid claim we will assign one of our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors to take on your case. If you win the case, you get 100% of the compensation awarded and we obtain our legal fees from the negligent party’s insurers. If the case is unsuccessful then our underwriters pay our legal fees. Either way you are not required to pay anything, hence the saying“no win, no fee”.
If you have a genuine claim, contact a genuine company.
May I Claim, is a trading name of R Costings Limited and our CRM number is 25770
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and suffered an injury - you can trust us to handle your claim professionally.
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/239474/Top-Tips-for-Avoiding-Firework-Injuries-this-Guy-Fawkes-Night
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