With the 4th of July just around the corner, Nebraskans are scrambling to prepare with hot dogs, mini American flags, and, most importantly, fireworks. Every year, the state of Nebraska imports an estimated $23,227,351 worth of fireworks for Christmas, New Years, and the 4th of July. This increase in fireworks is often accompanied by a series of questions: what fireworks are legal, who can use them, and how can I protect myself or loved ones from firework-related injuries?
- Who can purchase and use fireworks? When can I purchase them?
- When is it legal to sell / fire fireworks in my city?
- What fireworks are legal for citizens?
- What if my neighbor or another person accidentally hurts me, my family, or loved one with a firework?
- Would being hurt by a firework be considered a personal injury?
- Additional Resources
Who can purchase and use fireworks? When can I purchase them?
In the state of Nebraska, fireworks can be bought and fired by a person 16 years or older. Anyone younger must be supervised by an adult aged 19 years or older. According to the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, “Fireworks may only be sold between June 24 and July 5 on a JULY License OR between December 28 and January 1 on a DECEMBER License each year unless a local government enacts different restrictions.”
When is it legal to sell / fire fireworks in my city?
| City | Ordinance |
| Omaha, Nebraska | ● Should be sold June 28 – July 4 w/ permit
● Should be fired July 2 – 4 from 12 PM – 11 PM |
| Papillion, Nebraska | ● Should be sold / fired June 25 – July 4 from 8 AM – 10 PM ;
July 4 from 8 AM – 11:59 PM |
| La Vista, Nebraska | ● Should be fired June 25 – July 2 from 7 AM – 10 PM ;
July 3 – 4 from 7 AM – 11 PM |
| Bellevue, Nebraska | ● Should be sold / fired June 25 – July 3 from 8 AM – 10 PM ;
July 4 from 8 AM – 12 (midnight) |
| Gretna, Nebraska | ● Should be fired June 25 – July 5 from 8 AM – 10 PM ;
July 4 from 8 AM – 12 (midnight) |
| Lincoln, Nebraska | ● Should be sold / fired July 3 from 8 AM – 11 PM ;
July 4 from 8 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Grand Island, Nebraska | ● Should be sold June 28 – July 4
● Should be fired July 28 – July 2 from 8 AM – 10 PM ; July 3 from 8 AM – 10 PM ; July 4 from 8 AM – 12 (midnight) |
| Columbus, Nebraska | ● Should be fired June 25 – July 3 from 8 AM – 11 PM ;
July 4 from 8 AM – 12 (midnight) |
| Norfolk, Nebraska | ● Should be fired June 25 – July 3 from 8 AM – 11 PM ;
July 4 from 8 AM – 12 (midnight) |
| Scottsbluff, Nebraska | ● Should be sold June 25 – July 4
● Should be fired June 25 – July 3 from 8 AM – 10 PM ; July 4 from 8 AM – 11:59 PM |
What fireworks are legal for citizens?
According to Nebraska Revised Statute 28-1241, consumer fireworks must meet the requirements set forth in 16 CFR parts 1500 and 1507 and be approved by a nationally recognized testing facility or the State Fire Marshal. 1.4G explosives, or “Class C” fireworks, are considered consumer fireworks.
16 CFR part 1500 lists the mandatory labeling conventions of fireworks. It’s required that legal fireworks have the manufacturer’s name and cautionary labeling on them; fireworks without this information are probably illegal. 16 CFR part 1507 describes the manufacturing requirements of fireworks; fireworks that don’t abide by these requirements are probably illegal.
The American Pyrotechnics Association summarizes the law, describing that a “Class C” firework must contain less than 50 mg of explosive material to be legal. Anything more is illegal for people to purchase and use in small communities. Larger fireworks, used for events and public displays, require multiple people to operate due to the potential danger and should be handled as such.
What if my neighbor or another person accidentally hurts me, my family, or loved one with a firework?
If you or your family has suffered firework-related injuries you have 2 options: filing an insurance claim or pursuing a lawsuit. Choosing the best course of action largely depends on the circumstances of the injury and how much damage was inflicted. More details on how to proceed can be found in our article on being compensated for a personal injury.
Would being hurt by a firework be considered a personal injury?
Yes. Injuries resulting from accidents or negligence can include broken bones, burns, fractures, and catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. For victims and their families, these injuries can have life-altering consequences. Individuals injured due to another person’s careless or reckless actions have the right to pursue legal action or insurance claims in Nebraska for compensation. A personal injury lawyer helps clients understand their rights, represents them throughout legal proceedings, and aggressively advocates for them to secure compensation and justice.
Additional Resources
How to Treat a Burn From a Firework – Omaha’s Urgent Care step by step help for what to do if you happened to be burned by a firework. Visit Omaha’s Urgent Care Website for more information on how to treat yourself or a loved one and when to go to the emergency room.
When to Go to the Emergency Room – Nebraska Medicine’s guide on when to visit the emergency room for care following an incident. Visit Nebraska Medicine’s website for more information on which situations require immediate intervention.
Hire a Firework Injury Lawyer in Omaha, Nebraska
At Liberty Law Group, our experienced Nebraska injury attorneys are fierce advocates in the courtroom, fighting on behalf of injured victims.
Our firm proudly serves the communities of Omaha, Lincoln, Papillion, Council Bluffs, and surrounding areas of East Nebraska and West Iowa, including Douglas County, Lancaster County, Sarpy County, Dodge County, Cass County, Washington County, Saunders County, and surrounding areas. If you or a loved one has been injured, you have the right to seek adequate compensation.
Contact our firm today at (402) 865-0501 to request a free consultation to discuss your case with an attorney.
