Heated blankets (or electric blankets) provide the same cozy comfort of a traditional blanket with the added luxury of being able to heat the material. But, while nothing beats a warm blanket draped over your body on a cold night, you also need to be aware of potential fire danger.
Not all heated blankets are faulty; however, there is enough evidence of poorly designed or manufactured models to indicate there is a risk of burn injuries, fire, or electrocution related to the electronic device.
Did you get injured by a heated blanket? If so, you can pursue damages from the manufacturer for producing a defective product that caused your personal injury. Reaching out to a personal injury attorney at Stewart & Stewart can help you collect financial damages for your injuries and associated medical costs.
The Hidden Dangers of Heated Blankets
Heated blankets and other types of electronic devices that stimulate heat and comfort are popular products for a reason. There is a substantial market for electric blankets, particularly during the winter months.
While many heated blankets are safe and produced by reliable manufacturers, others present a health risk. Unfortunately, a number of products have poor design or low-quality production. Some of these faulty products get into homes and have the potential to cause burns or electrocutions.
Defective heating pads may cause serious burn injuries. This type of blanket produces heat to targeted parts of your body and can be dangerous if not applied correctly or left unattended. Users often have control over the heat settings and the ability to turn the product off, but that isn’t always enough to protect people. These products are particularly dangerous in the hands of infant children or the elderly. Furthermore, defective heating blankets may bring internal temperatures to potent levels, which can cause electrical malfunctions and fires.
The United States recently recalled several brands of electric blankets. The trend is comparable in the United Kingdom, where one study found that as many as one-third of all electric blankets are defective. Continuing to use any of these recalled products can easily lead to personal injury and expensive medical costs.
Defective Heated Blankets
Heated blankets can be quite convenient, especially during periods of bitter cold. Though the luxury is nice to have, there are also many risks associated with electric blankets that consumers fail to recognize until it’s too late.
In many circumstances, heated blankets that cause house fires, electrocutions, or burns are old and worn products. The blanket may have been designed and produced correctly, yet became damaged over time. This is why most manufacturers recommend that you don’t overuse a heated blanket or continue to use an obviously old product to avoid any personal injuries or damage to your property.
However, in other situations, your injuries may be the result of a defective product with design or manufacturing flaws. Recalled heated blankets have a history of associated dangers and, therefore, should stop being used. If you were unaware of the recall and experienced property loss or injury as a result of your defective heated blanket, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages.
Personal Injury Cases for Defective Heated Blankets
No one is perfect, and many accidents that happen are nothing more than bad luck and poor timing. However, many accidents are avoidable with the right precautions. There is nothing more frustrating than having your life altered because of personal injuries from a product you believed was safe to use.
Though there are obvious fire dangers associated with electric blankets, many consumers fail to recognize that they are also a burn and electrocution hazard. Defective blankets with lousy design or manufacturing characteristics may cause serious injuries that lead to expensive medical bills and missed time from work.
This is why you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately if you are injured because of a heated blanket. Some models have been recalled, and, even if the product isn’t on the list, you may be the first of many cases deriving from the same brand. Your prompt action can not only get you financial compensation for your injuries but may also prevent injuries to others in the future who may be using the same product.
What to Do When Injured by a Defective Electric Blanket
Consumers file defective product lawsuits every year in enormous volumes because of design flaws or poor construction. The margin for error with heated blankets is amplified because the product deals with electricity and heat. Any small mistake in the design or manufacturing process can lead to catastrophic injuries and property damage for the consumer.
Lawyers that are skilled in product liability and personal injury cases can help you bring a new case up against a manufacturer for a defective heated blanket. Though the product may or may not have been recalled at the time of your injuries, bringing attention to your circumstances and the source of the problem may bring you some peace of mind, secure just compensation, and prevent future accidents.
The dangers of heated blankets are often not adequately reported to warn consumers. Electric blankets can lead to home fires, burn injuries, electrocution, and even wrongful death. Additionally, many families are not aware of the added dangers that heated blankets present to infants and the elderly. If you have been hurt by a defective heated blanket, document your injuries and any property damage, and reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Seek Justice for Injuries Caused by Defective Heated Blankets
Heated blankets are fire hazards and may burn or electrocute you, even when they’re fully functional. If you suffered personal injuries because of a defective heated blanket, it’s time to bring awareness to the problem—and the manufacturer. You may have used a recalled product or discovered a new model that also has design flaws. Regardless, speaking with a qualified attorney at Stewart & Stewart can start you on the path toward receiving compensation for your injuries.
Contact Stewart & Stewart today to schedule a free initial consultation. We have personal injury lawyers available to discuss the details of your case and the financial compensation you may be entitled to for damages. Reach out to us at 1 (800) 33-33-LAW or through our contact form.