As we head into the festive season, fireworks are a familiar sight at bonfire night events and winter celebrations. They’re exciting, colourful, and often a highlight of the evening — but they also carry risks. If something goes wrong, the consequences can be serious.
We have spoken to people who’ve been injured by fireworks and want to understand their legal options. While there are routes to compensation, firework-related claims can be more complex than expected.
Common firework injuries
Even when safety advice is followed, fireworks can still cause harm. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends attending professionally organised displays, where trained technicians manage the event and spectators are kept at a safe distance; but accidents can still happen.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Burns and scarring – often caused by flames or clothing catching fire
- Impact injuries – from misfired rockets or falling debris
- Eye damage – including burns, foreign bodies, or even loss of sight
- Hearing loss – sudden loud blasts can cause tinnitus or permanent damage
- Psychological trauma – such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress after a serious incident
Who might be responsible?
If you’ve been injured, the first step is understanding who may be legally responsible. This depends on where the incident happened and how it occurred. Possible parties include:
- Event organisers or occupiers – Public display organisers must follow safety rules and have the right licences. If they don’t, and someone is hurt, a claim may be possible. Most commercial organisers have public liability insurance.
- Private individuals – If someone sets off fireworks negligently and causes injury, they may be liable. These claims can be harder to pursue, especially if the person isn’t insured.
- Manufacturers or suppliers – If a firework is faulty, the Consumer Protection Act 1987 allows you to claim against the producer, importer or retailer — even without proving negligence.
- Criminal acts – If fireworks are used deliberately to harm someone, the police should be informed. In some cases, victims may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Why these claims can be tricky
Even when someone is clearly hurt and another party seems to be at fault, firework claims can be difficult. Here’s why:
Evidence disappears quickly
Fireworks are designed to explode and vanish. Without photos, packaging, or witness details, it’s harder to prove what happened.
Identifying the right person or organisation
At public events, responsibility might lie with the display company, the landowner, or a contractor. At private events, it could be someone without insurance.
Contributory negligence
Defendants often argue that the injured person was partly to blame (e.g. standing too close or ignoring safety advice). If this is proven, compensation may be reduced.
Criminal behaviour
If someone used fireworks deliberately to cause harm, a civil claim may still be possible, but it’s more complex. CICA may offer an alternative route.
Time limits
Most personal injury claims must be started at court within three years of the incident. Acting quickly is essential.
What you can do if you’re injured
If you or someone you care about has been hurt by fireworks, here are some practical steps to take:
- Get medical help straight away and keep records of all treatment.
- Preserve evidence — keep damaged clothing, packaging, and take photos or videos of the scene and injuries.
- Collect witness details and any information about the organiser or venue.
- Report criminal incidents to the police — this helps with evidence and may support a CICA claim.
- Speak to a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. We can help you understand your options, preserve evidence, and advise on the best route forward.
How can we help?
Lisa Preece is a Partner in our expert Personal Injury team, ranked in Tier One by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500, and Commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2025. Lisa specialises in serious personal injury cases, including brain injury claims, accidents at work and inquests.
We understand how distressing firework injuries can be — both physically and emotionally. Our personal injury team is here to support you. We’ll:
- Help identify who’s legally responsible, whether that’s an organiser, occupier, manufacturer or individual.
- Preserve and assess key evidence, including expert reports if needed.
- Advise on time limits and alternative routes to compensation, including CICA.
Please contact Lisa or another team member in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.
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