| Are Fireworks Accidents Covered? |
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| Monday, 07 June 2010 12:02 |
 A longtime and popular summer tradition is to set off fireworks. However, it’s important to think before setting off that first smoke-bomb, sparkler or bottle rocket.
For as much fun as they are, fireworks can cause serious injuries and damage to property. If you cause a fireworks accident, are you insured? In most cases, if you have a homeowners policy, you are protected. Imagine you're setting off fireworks in your driveway with your children and their friends. Suddenly, a sparkler you gave to a neighbor’s child flares up, burning her hand and face. Your policy could cover her injury in a couple of ways. If the injuries are minor, her medical treatment could be handled under the Medical Payments portion. However, if the child’s injuries are more serious and her parents sue, your policy’s liability portion should handle your legal defenses as well as legal judgment. Another example of a loss that could be covered: While setting off bottle rockets, one smashes through a neighbor’s window. The rocket sets the home’s curtains on fire, spreading to the carpet and the room’s furniture. The neighbor is able to put out the fire, but it causes thousands of dollars in damage. Your policy should handle this damage. Coverage Shortfalls There are cases where your homeowner policy does not offer coverage:
When dealing with fireworks, make sure they’re legal and that they’re used carefully and only for entertainment. Then your chances are good that any loss may be covered. Information from Rough Notes. |