Space Heater Accident Lawsuits

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.

Building a Strong Legal Case

Product liability claims against space heater manufacturers require proving several key elements. First, the product must contain a defect rendering it unreasonably dangerous. Second, this defect must have existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control. Third, the defect must directly cause your injuries. Finally, you must have been using the heater in an intended or reasonably foreseeable manner.

Preserving evidence becomes crucial for successful litigation. The defective space heater itself serves as primary evidence—never discard the device despite its connection to traumatic memories. Photograph the accident scene, including the heater’s position, surrounding materials, and any fire or heat damage. Document your injuries through medical photographs and maintain comprehensive records of all treatments, bills, and work absences.

Expert testimony plays an essential role in space heater litigation. Electrical engineers examine components to identify failure modes and determine whether defects caused the malfunction. Fire investigation specialists reconstruct accident sequences to establish causation. Medical experts quantify injury severity, explain treatment requirements, and project future care needs.