A lot of us will make plans to enjoy firework displays with our friends and family, particularly around Halloween and New Year. These events are a much-loved activities. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when hosting or attending a firework display this season.
If you are hosting the event, there are some practical boxes to tick in anticipation. In Northern Ireland, it is a legal requirement that a licence be obtained for the possession, purchase, sale, handling or use of fireworks. Before organising your event, you should ensure that the appropriate licence is obtained.
It is also important to ensure that the retailer from whom you purchase your fireworks is a registered and licenced retailer. Certain categories of fireworks are prohibited and licenced retailers should be able to advise you appropriately in this regard. There are strict penalties for Fireworks offences in Northern Ireland. Therefore, it is essential that you are aware of the regulations in place.
Health and safety is of paramount importance for an event organiser as well as an attendee. The firework safety code sets out safety steps designed to avoid accidents occurring. These include keeping a bucket of water nearby, supervising children around fireworks, wearing gloves and not drinking alcohol when handling fireworks. Further safety steps can be found online, and use can be made of them by anyone who is attending or hosting a firework display.
It is important for firework event organisers to obtain the appropriate insurance so that they are covered, should an accident occur. Event Insurance cover can be used for a variety of events, and it is recommended that this be obtained.
Should an accident occur which causes a person to be injured or property to become damaged, you could be liable. Fireworks are great when everything goes to plan. However, they are extremely dangerous when something goes wrong, and the consequences could be severe. A valid insurance policy will protect event organisers from being personally liable for high-value damages as a result of injury or property damage.
If you have been injured or your property has been damaged as the result of a firework display, you should gather as much information as possible about how the accident occurred. If appropriate, take photographs and witness details. This will assist with any future investigations.
Should you wish to pursue a claim, you should contact a solicitor and provide details of the event and its organisers so that investigations into their insurance status can be carried out. Your solicitor can then deal with the insurer directly and pursue the claim on your behalf.
Your solicitor will investigate liability and advise on your likelihood of success. If you are injured, medical appointments will be organised on your behalf so that expert reports can be obtained. Hiring a professional and knowledgeable solicitor will allow you to focus on your recovery as you trust their guidance through the various stages of pursuing a claim.
