Georgia Injury Law Blog
As Americans gear up to celebrate the Fourth of July and our nation’s 250th anniversary, many plan to shoot their own fireworks. However, before you purchase and use fireworks, it’s important to know which fireworks have been recalled, which fireworks are legal in your state, and how to use them safely.
While fireworks can be fun and awe-inspiring, they are also responsible for injuries and even deaths. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks use has doubled from 2000 to 2025, with estimated injuries also growing 36.8%. In 2025 alone, fireworks were associated with an estimated 13,005 injuries, with 25% of these injuries requiring hospitalization and 24 fatalities. The most common types of injuries in 2025 were fractures, amputations, and burns. The National Fire Protection Association also reports that in 2024, fireworks resulted in 34, 079 fires, causing both structural damage and injuries, including injuries to children.
While most fireworks purchased in the US are legal, there are fireworks that have received one or more Notice of Violation from the CPSC. These notices were for violations such as pyrotechnic material leakage, containing prohibited chemicals, being prone to turn over while in operation, or lack of secure fuel attachment. If you were injured while using fireworks, it’s worth making sure that your product was not the target of one of these notices. In addition to NOVs, some fireworks are recalled for lack of safety. On June 18, 2026, Bada Boom Fireworks recalled their product “Diablo Rising.” This product was found to violate the federal limit for pyrotechnics, and therefore is liable to cause severe burns and injuries. Customers who purchased this product can return it for a full refund by contacting Bada Boom Fireworks at (570) 646-9029 or by email at badaboomfireworks@yahoo.com. In addition, before purchasing other fireworks it’s worth checking to make sure your product hasn’t been recalled.
The legality of fireworks use depends on your state. According to Georgia law, residents over 18 years of age can purchase consumer fireworks that comply with CPSC standards. Certain products are banned outright, including cherry bombs and M-80 salutes. Firecrackers cannot have more than 50 milligrams of pyrotechnic composition, and devices used to produce loud sounds or bangs are limited to 130 milligrams of pyrotechnic composition. Statewide, fireworks use is legal from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., with exceptions for certain holidays, but local ordinances on noise vary. Fireworks are also banned around sensitive locations including hospitals, nursing homes, and gas stations. Crucially, alcohol use while operating fireworks is prohibited.
If you do decide to use fireworks, remember the following safety tips from CPSC:
- Keep a garden hose or bucket of water handy in case of fire
- Never allow children to play with fireworks, including sparklers
- Never try to re-ignite fireworks that did not light properly
- Light fireworks one at a time, and move back quickly after igniting
- Never hold fireworks in your hand unless instructions specify to do so
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The Georgia personal injury lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered an injury from fireworks use in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries from fireworks, especially for products under recall, talk to a lawyer at our firm, and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other forms of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.