Fireworks, Festivals And Fault – Who Pays When Celebrations Turn Painful?
Fireworks are a central part of both Bonfire Night and Diwali.
While they bring light, colour and celebration, they can also cause serious injuries when used carelessly or when a firework is defective. If another person or organisation was at fault, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim.
A busy fireworks season
Bonfire Night takes place on Thursday 5 November 2026, followed by Diwali, the festival of lights, on Sunday 8 November 2026. With celebrations only days apart, many households, community groups and organised events will be using fireworks across a short period.
The risks are significant. NHS England reported 85 firework related hospital admissions in November 2025, compared with 60 in November 2024. Hands, faces and eyes are particularly vulnerable, and injuries can include burns, scarring, sight loss and long-term disability.
Who may be responsible?
The person or organisation responsible will depend on the circumstances.
- Injury at an organised Bonfire Night or Diwali display
The organiser or fireworks operator may be liable if barriers, safety distances, marshals or firing arrangements were inadequate. - Injury caused by a defective firework
A claim may be possible against the manufacturer, producer or supplier if the firework was defective when supplied and was used as intended. - Injury at a private display
The person in control of the fireworks may be liable if they failed to take reasonable care for guests or neighbours. - Injury caused by intentional misuse
If someone deliberately threw or aimed a firework at another person, a criminal injuries compensation application may be possible if the incident is reported to police. |
Professional operators1,2 using higher-category fireworks must hold public liability insurance covering their use.
Common causes of injury
Many fireworks injuries are avoidable. They often arise from:
- Fireworks being aimed towards people, buildings or vehicles.
- Inadequate barriers or safety distances at public events.
- Children handling fireworks or sparklers without proper supervision.
- Faulty, modified or poorly stored fireworks.
- Bonfires placed too close to people, property or escape routes.
- Someone returning to a firework that has failed to light.
The safest approach is to attend an organised display, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, keep a safe distance and never return to a lit firework.
What to do after an injury
Your first priority should be medical treatment.
If it is safe to do so, preserve evidence yourself and/or by asking a trusted person or witness by photographing the scene, retaining the firework packaging and receipt, noting witness details and reporting the incident to the organiser, landowner or police.
Keep records of medical appointments, lost earnings, medication and treatment costs, travel costs and any other financial losses. These can support a claim for compensation.
Time limits
Most personal injury claims must generally be issued within three years of the accident, or from the date you first knew the injury was significant. Children usually have longer, with the limitation period generally beginning on their 18th birthday.
Unfortunately, individuals or private landowners who organise fireworks may not have any insurance or inadequate insurance to cover compensation for injuries.
Whether your injury happened during Bonfire Night or Diwali celebrations, early legal advice can help establish who was responsible and whether you have a viable claim.
If you have suffered an injury at a Bonfire Night display, Diwali celebration or other fireworks event, our specialist personal injury solicitors can advise whether you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Personal Injury Solicitors for a free initial consultation and expert legal guidance tailored to your circumstances. Call us on 0330 822 3451 or request a call back online and a member of our team will be happy to help.