Holding Manufacturers Liable for Burn Injuries

Feb 28th, 2024 | Personal Injury

Burn injuries can occur in an instant yet leave a lasting impact, disrupting every aspect of daily life. From lasting scars to psychological trauma, burns can be painful and debilitating, bringing not only physical suffering but also emotional and financial burdens.

When a defective product is responsible for a burn injury, the manufacturer deserves to be held accountable. In Connecticut, product liability lawsuits offer a pathway to justice for burn victims, compelling these companies to pay for their medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more.

Defective Products That Can Cause Burn Injuries

The marketplace is filled with products intended to make life easier and more enjoyable. However, when these products are flawed, they can pose a significant fire hazard or burn risk. Here are a few examples of defective products that can lead to burn injuries:

  • Electronic Devices: Faulty wiring or batteries in smartphones, laptops, and other electronics can overheat or even explode, causing burns.
  • Kitchen Appliances: Microwaves, toasters, and ovens with manufacturing defects can catch fire or become excessively hot.
  • Children’s Toys: Toys with electrical components can overheat, posing burn risks to vulnerable children.
  • Beauty Products: Curling irons and hair straighteners that do not regulate temperature correctly can cause severe burns.

Are Manufacturers Liable for Burn Injuries in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, manufacturers are indeed liable for burn injuries resulting from defects in their products. Manufacturers must ensure that their products meet the ordinary expectations of consumers regarding safety. When a product poses unforeseen dangers that lead to burn injuries, the manufacturer can be held accountable for violating these expectations.

Liability can arise from design flaws, errors during the manufacturing process, or the failure to provide adequate warnings and instructions. To prove a manufacturer’s liability, however, you will need to prove that the following facts are true:

  • The product was defective in its design, manufacturing, or warnings and instructions.
  • You suffered burn injuries.
  • The defective product is directly responsible for these burn injuries and associated damages.
  • You were using the product as the manufacturer intended.

How to File a Product Liability Lawsuit in Connecticut

The goal of a product liability lawsuit is to compensate an injured consumer for their losses and to compel manufacturers to uphold high standards of product safety. Victims of burn injuries can recover damages for any economic or non-economic loss caused by the product defect, such as:

  • Past and future medical expenses associated with the burn injury
  • Disability accommodations now required due to the burn injury
  • Lost wages and loss of earning potential caused by the burn
  • Property damage caused by the product-related fire or explosion
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering, such as disfigurement, scarring, emotional distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The process of filing a product liability claim begins with a consultation with an attorney who specializes in these lawsuits. A Connecticut product liability lawyer can assess your burn injury, the defective product, and how the injury occurred. If your case qualifies for litigation, they will file your complaint in civil court and begin the process of holding the manufacturer accountable for your losses.

If you have suffered a burn injury due to a defective product, reaching out to a personal injury attorney in New Haven is a critical first step. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to explore your legal options and hold the manufacturer accountable.