Fireworks accidents in California occur every year during Fourth of July and New Year’s celebrations, including Chinese New Year, Tet, and Lunar New Year. San Jose has a complete ban on all types of fireworks, and the city encourages residents to report illegal fireworks in the surrounding area. However, there are businesses in the Bay Area who still illegally sell dangerous fireworks that can severely harm you and your family.
How Are Businesses Illegally Selling Fireworks in San Jose?
Cities such as San Jose and Los Angeles ban all types of fireworks, whereas some other California cities allow the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks that don’t leave the ground or explode in the air. Some fireworks even have enough pyrotechnic composition to be qualified as “explosives” under federal law, even though they could be labeled as “consumer fireworks” for United Nations shipping classification. Fireworks that are not approved by the state are illegal to possess, store, transport, or use in California. These types of fireworks include:
- Cherry bombs
- Bottle rockets
- Firecrackers
- Aerial shells
Businesses that sell illegal fireworks can easily purchase them from neighboring states and transport them into California where they can be sold. Selling illegal fireworks can result in a $1,000 fine and a period of jail time. Possessing and/or selling more than 100 pounds of illegal fireworks is considered a felony.
What Catastrophic Injuries Could I Sustain From a Firework Injury?
Illegal fireworks can cause severe and catastrophic injuries, including:
- Loss of limb
- Vision loss
- Severe burns and lacerations
If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a defective firework or a business’s negligence, you should contact a personal injury lawyer in the San Jose area. The Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia can help you determine if it would be possible to recover compensation for firework injuries, so contact us today.
