Space Heater Accidents

Defective Space Heaters

Burn injuries can cause severe scarring, nerve damage, disfigurement, permanent disability and serious pain and suffering. Burn victims, whose injuries are the result of defective products, may have a viable legal claim against a negligent company that manufactured defective space heaters and failed to warn consumers of the risks of injury.

Third degree burns may require sustained medical attention, skin grafts and rehabilitation and medical costs can soar. Product liability lawsuits can recover expenses for plaintiffs and encourage portable heater companies to make safer products in the future.

In 2015, a California federal jury awarded over $59 million to the family of a woman who died in a fire sparked by a Sunbeam Products Inc. space heater. The jury found the company negligent in designing the product, and in failing to adequately warn consumers.

The jury determined that Sunbeam was aware of the fire risks posed by its product when it was manufactured, and concluded that the Holmes brand heater presented a substantial danger that ordinary consumers wouldn’t recognize. There are hundreds of other pending lawsuits against manufacturers, and each year space heater models are recalled because of the risks they pose.

Space Heater Hazards

Portable electric heaters are typically high-wattage appliances that have the potential to ignite nearby combustible materials including curtains, mattresses, beds, upholstered furniture, paper, clothing, and flammable liquids. Space heaters come in two types: those powered by electricity and those powered by fuel. Both have been known to cause fires.

Millions of Americans rely on space heaters in the winter months, utilizing portable gas and electric heaters. But a combination of defective products and improper use creates a serious safety threat to many households. Space heaters are dangerous when left on for long periods, and safety is not always a priority for many companies and individuals. Space heater burn injury accidents and carbon monoxide poisoning are not as uncommon as consumer safety advocates would like.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 5,000 people were admitted to the emergency room for burn injuries related to space heaters. Many of the burn victims are children. The CPSC has offered safety guidelines for consumers, which include:

• All heaters should be inspected before use or annually
• Space Heaters should be located away from furniture, draperies and anything combustible
• Children should be supervised if in the same room with a space heater
• Use heaters with an automatic device that turns the heater off if it tips over
• Avoid using extension cords with heaters

Space heaters are often used as a primary home heating appliance, mostly in low income communities. Alternative home heating choices is common in low-income communities when landlords fail to provide working heat.

As a result, space heater related fires occur disproportionally high in low-income communities, and therefore the disadvantaged experience a higher percentage of deaths and burn injuries.

Space Heater Recalls

Defective portable heaters, including space heaters, heater fans, patio heaters and propane heaters are recalled each year by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), though the recalls are usually only announced once burn injuries and fires have already taken place. Victims of space heater burn injury accidents and fires can take legal action and seek compensation for medical expenses and damages related to heating product defects.

Each year, thousands of portable heater accidents and fires are reported to consumer safety agencies and fire prevention programs. Space heaters, in fact, are a leading cause of fires and associated fatalities in American homes, and can be prevented if companies are held accountable for producing and distributing unsafe and inferior products.

Joe Lyon is an experienced burn accident and Product Liability Lawyer investigating heater defects and space heater recalls for plaintiffs nationwide.

Space Heater Safety

Safety should be a top consideration while using space heaters. When buying and installing a small space heater, here are some guidelines to follow:

• Only purchase model heaters that have all of the current safety features.
• Make sure the heater carries the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label. Space heaters bearing the UL mark must pass certain safety tests.
• Do not purchase oversized heaters.
• If a heater is left on and unattended, a fire could result. It is best to turn off space heaters when leaving the room where they are used.
• Metal space heaters are generally safer than ones made of plastic.
• Locate the heater on a level surface, and away from foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the heater.
• For liquid-fueled heaters, use only the approved fuel. Follow the manufacturer’s fueling instructions. Never fill a heater that is still hot. Do not overfill the heater
• Plug heaters directly into the wall outlet. Follow any manufacturer’s instructions pertaining to the use of extension cords.
• Buy units with a tip-over safety switch, which automatically shuts off the heater if tipped over.

Inadequate Space Heater Warnings

While space heater manufacturers warn that space heaters must be constantly attended, and must always remain at least three feet away from combustibles, the warnings are not practical.

Therefore, safety tests require space heaters to shut off if they are tipped over. These safety tests also require that space heaters not ignite combustibles, which are in actual contact with the space heaters.

Year after year, these precautions are still not enough to guarantee safety. To minimize future accidents, the manufacturers of space heaters must be held responsible for all resulting fire deaths, burn injuries and property damages.

Space Heater Lawsuits

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 300 deaths a year result from space heating accidents. The high frequency of space heater fires resulting in burn injuries, deaths and property damage make it necessary for manufacturers to bear more responsibility. Space Heater recalls have increased in recent years.

Some cities have even banned the use of many types of portable space heaters. Before purchasing or using any type of space heater, it is advised to check with the local fire department to find out if it is legal in the community.