Burn injuries can be severe and life-threatening, and when they’re caused by a defective product, they often lead to complex legal claims. From exploding appliances to overheating electronics, more consumers are being injured by everyday items that they should be able to trust.
If you or someone you love has suffered burns caused by a defective or dangerous product, you may be entitled to compensation under California’s product liability laws. The below guide, written by a Los Angeles burn injury lawyer, can help you decide if your case is worth pursuing.
Common Products That May Cause Burn Injuries
Burns can result from defective or poorly designed products across many categories, including:
- Kitchen appliances (like pressure cookers, toasters, or microwaves)
- Space heaters and electric blankets
- Batteries in phones, e-bikes, and other electronics
- Beauty products containing chemical irritants
- Children’s toys with faulty wiring
- Fire-prone consumer goods that lack safety warnings
When a product malfunctions, overheats, or lacks proper safety warnings, the manufacturer may be held liable, especially if they failed to disclose known risks to consumers.
What Makes a Burn Injury a Product Liability Case?
Not every burn injury is grounds for a lawsuit, but many are. You may have a valid claim if:
- The product was defective in its design, manufacturing, or labeling
- You were using the product as intended
- The defect was a direct cause of your injury
- You suffered harm requiring medical care, time off work, or long-term treatment
Some burn cases may also qualify as catastrophic injury claims, especially when they involve permanent scarring, surgeries, or lasting disability.
What To Do After a Burn Injury Caused by a Defective Product
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, here’s how to protect your health and start building a strong legal case:
- Get medical attention right away and keep all treatment records
- Save the product, packaging, manuals, and receipts
- Take photos of your injuries and keep a written record of your recovery
- Avoid contacting the manufacturer until you’ve spoken with a lawyer
Speaking with a burn injury lawyer who handles product liability cases can help you understand your rights and avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.In certain situations, like burns occurring in rental units or retail environments, your case may also involve premises liability in addition to product-related negligence.