More Fireworks in Michigan Leads to More Injuries

This is the 2nd year that consumers have been able to buy aerial fireworks in Michigan. Michiganders used to have to drive to the Ohio border to purchase “the good stuff.”

Before the ban on aerial fireworks was lifted, disappointed patrons would stop at Michigan’s firework stands and think:

You’re gonna stand there, ownin’ a fireworks stand, and tell me you don’t have no whistlin’ bungholes, no spleen splitters, whisker biscuits, hoosker don’ts, cherry bombs, nipsy daisers, with or without the scooter stick, or one single whistlin’ kitty chaser?

Michigan has to balance its financial interest in selling more fireworks against the liability of having more dangerous ones.

While firework sales dramatically increased as a result of Michigan’s new law, so did the amount of injuries.

A young girl was hospitalized in Detroit when a mortar tipped over and exploded into her family’s garage. In Sterling Heights, the same scenario occurred when a firework tipped over and also exploded into a garage injuring 6 people.

While these incidents weren’t fatal, they send a grim reminder about the dangers of using high-powered fireworks.

Responsible firework owners should:

• Only deploy fireworks in wide open spaces
• Avoid using aerial fireworks in neighborhoods
• Ensure that the firework is detonating off of a stable mount
• Thoroughly read the directions before using
• Have a place to cover after the firework is lit

While we encourage fireworks as a way to celebrate our country’s independence, we want to eliminate firework injuries in Michigan. If you have fireworks left over from the long holiday weekend, then please celebrate responsibly.

And remember, if you or your loved ones have been injured by a firework, then there are legal remedies available. Our firm specializes in Michigan personal injury laws and we continually update our blog with safety tips to prevent the very injuries we defend.