Fireworks Injury in Binghamton? Know Your Options

Fireworks are meant to bring excitement, not send someone to the emergency room. But each summer, what starts as a backyard celebration can end in serious injury. Burns. Vision loss. Hearing damage. Sometimes it’s a faulty firework, sometimes it’s careless handling, and sometimes it’s a public display that didn’t go as planned.

Our Binghamton accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, have seen what these moments can do to families in Binghamton and across Broome County. Whether your injury happened at a local festival near the Chenango River or during a gathering in your neighborhood, we’re here to step in and take control of the legal side. 

From figuring out who’s at fault to building your case with real evidence, our team is ready. If you're looking for an experienced Binghamton law firm to guide you through your options, you’re already on the right track.

Fireworks Gone Wrong? Here’s How to Take on the Manufacturer and Win

You did everything right. You followed the rules. But the fireworks had other plans. When a firework malfunctions, maybe it explodes too soon or fires off in the wrong direction, it’s often not your fault at all. It’s the company that made or sold it.

You can sue a manufacturer under product liability law. And here’s the good news: you don’t have to prove they were trying to hurt anyone. You just need to show the firework was defective and caused your injury. That’s it. Here’s what we see most often:

• Premature explosions. A faulty fuse can turn a celebration into chaos in seconds. Injuries and even fatalities can arise because fireworks didn’t work like they were supposed to.
• No safety instructions. Some fireworks hit store shelves without basic warnings. That’s not just careless. It’s dangerous.
• Design issues. If the base is unstable or it launches sideways instead of up, that’s a design flaw, and it puts everyone nearby at risk.

These cases fall under New York’s “strict liability” rule. That means if the product hurt you, the company can be held responsible. Just make sure to keep photos of the scene, leftover packaging, and anything else that shows what happened.

When a Neighbor’s Fireworks Turn Dangerous: Who Pays the Price?

You’re enjoying a summer night on your porch when boom. A firework zips past your window, crashes onto your roof, or worse, hits someone. Backyard shows in places like Southside and the West Side might seem harmless, but when things go sideways, it’s serious.

If your neighbor was lighting illegal fireworks or just being reckless, they may be legally and financially responsible for the damage. Here’s what usually supports a strong case:

• Illegal use. Under New York Penal Law Section 270.00, fireworks are flat-out banned for private use in Binghamton. That’s not a gray area. It’s illegal.
• Reckless behavior. Launching fireworks near trees, homes, or people? That’s a recipe for disaster. And the courts take that seriously.

Your neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance might cover some of your losses, like property damage or even medical bills.

Injured at a Public Fireworks Show? Here’s Who Might Be Liable

Let’s say you were watching a fireworks display at Recreation Park or catching the big show near NYSEG Stadium. It’s crowded, kids are excited, the air smells like summer. Then out of nowhere, an explosion too close. People screaming. Someone gets hurt.

Public events are supposed to be safe. So if you were injured, someone probably dropped the ball. Liability could fall on:

• The fireworks company. They need a license under New York Fire Code Section 5601, and they’re supposed to know how to handle explosives.
• Event organizers. They’re supposed to plan for safety - barriers, emergency exits, enough space for the crowd. If they didn’t, they could be on the hook.
• Property owners. If they let someone hold a fireworks show without checking for permits or enforcing rules, they could share the blame.

Videos, witness names, and your medical records can all help prove what went wrong.

Blown Away by a Fireworks Explosion? Proving Fault Is Tougher Than You Think

You know what happened. You saw the blast. You felt the heat. But now, everyone’s asking: “Who’s responsible?” And in fireworks cases, that question gets messy fast.

Here’s what might’ve gone wrong:

• Somebody lit it wrong. In 2022, more than 10,000 people ended up in the emergency room because someone used fireworks the wrong way.
• The firework failed. It was defective. Maybe it was one of those imported brands that skipped safety checks.
• The venue was careless. No barriers. No first aid on-site. Poor crowd control.

Police reports, fire department findings, expert analysis - all of that helps build a clear story. You’ll also need witnesses who can speak up about what they saw. This process can echo the challenges of pursuing workplace injury compensation - another type of claim that also demands strong proof and legal clarity.

Burns, Blindness, and Trauma: What You Can Claim After a Fireworks Injury

Fireworks injuries don’t stop when the flames go out. You might be dealing with surgeries, skin grafts, or even permanent scarring. And let’s not forget the mental toll - panic attacks, nightmares, and fear of loud noises for months (or years) afterward.

Here’s what we’ve seen firsthand:

• Severe burns. The American Burn Association ranks fireworks among the top causes of summer burn injuries.
• Vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says firework use results in over 2,000 eye injuries every year.
• Disfigurement. Burns and blasts to the hands or face can require multiple surgeries.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder. Loud noises. Crowds. Smoke. They can trigger panic for months.

If someone else caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Hospital stays, surgeries, and therapy
• Missed paychecks if you couldn’t work
• Ongoing pain and suffering - physical or emotional
• Long-term costs like mental health care or reconstructive procedures

Sometimes, you can even get punitive damages if the person responsible was seriously reckless.

Think Fireworks Are Legal in Binghamton? Think Again. Here’s What the Law Says

Let’s clear this up. In Binghamton, you can’t light fireworks just because it’s the Fourth of July. Broome County doesn’t allow consumer fireworks. Period. Not even sparklers.

Here’s the deal:

• Possession. You could face fines or even jail time. The New York State Police are clear: personal fireworks aren’t allowed.
• Selling. Running a fireworks stand without a license? That’s a Class B misdemeanor under NY Penal Law Section 270.00.
• Injury liability. If someone’s hurt by fireworks you used illegally, that’s an open-and-shut case of negligence.

If someone broke the law and you ended up hurt, you don’t just have a claim. You’ve got a solid case.

Let Horn Wright, LLP, Help You Get Justice

Our Binghamton accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, treat fireworks injuries with the seriousness they deserve. You’re not just another case. You’re a person who got hurt, and we want to help you get your life back. 

From start to finish, our legal team handles the hard stuff, so you don’t have to. If you’re searching for representation that will fight for real results while you focus on healing, we’ve got your back. 

When you’re ready to take the next step, know that you can hire one of the best law firms in America to stand in your corner. Call our office today for your FREE consultation.