Were you or someone you know injured by a fire that was caused by a defective portable gas stove? Unfortunately, it’s not unusual to get burned by portable gas ovens, as well as portable electric ovens due to a number of reasons that are beyond the user’s control. Manufacturing defects are often to blame in these situations, which is why there are laws in place to protect and compensate injured consumers.
Under California’s products liability law, a manufacturer is responsible for any injuries that are caused by their products due to a mechanical flaw, design defect, or issues during the manufacturing process. If any of these conditions caused you to suffer bodily harm from a portable gas oven or electric stove, you may be entitled to monetary compensation from the manufacturer. However, the legal process for a defective product lawsuit can be rather complicated, so it’s in your best interest to seek guidance from a seasoned personal injury attorney.
If you’re interested in learning about your rights and legal options, contact Normandie Law Firm to speak with a portable stove / gas oven explosion fire injury lawyer.
Recall on Portable Gas Oven Models
Fire hazards from defective gas or electric portable ovens has been an on-going issue for many years. Within the past couple of years, there have been several recalls on portable gas stoves, including:
- Optimus Gemini Portable 2-burner Stoves by Katadyn North America
A recall was issued by the manufacturer on October 6, 2022 on approximately 1,100 models due to a tear in the gas regulator’s seal, which can cause a gas leak. The stoves are about 12 inches long and 4 inches wide, with a black metal exterior and a silver burner surface. The serial numbers, which range from RG023004 through RG023323 and RG000001 through RG006788, can be found on the black connector that attaches to the gas canister.
- Camp Chef Portable Gas Stoves
The recall, which was issued on December 16, 2020, affects around 20,600 models of Camp Chef portable stoves, model numbers MS40A, MSHP, or MSGG. Recalled models will also have a gas regulator date code between 1923 and 2030, which are engraved on the unit’s regulator. The gas regulator component in these stoves may have a sharp edge, which poses a fire risk if it punctures the gas regulator seal.
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Injuries Caused by Gas Stove and Electric Oven Fire Accidents
An electrical fire or gas explosion often results in devastating injuries, particularly first to fourth degree burns. Burn injuries are categorized as follows:
- First Degree – similar to sunburn, first degree burns affect the epidermis, which is the top layer of the skin. The area will be painful, red, and dry, and there may be long-term skin discoloration, but serious tissue damage is rare.
- Second Degree – these injuries affect the lower layer of the skin, known as the dermis. Along with redness and pain, the site of injury may be swollen and blistered.
- Third Degree – Also known as full thickness burns, these injuries destroy the upper and lower layer of the skin (epidermis and dermis). The burnt area typically has a white or charred / blackened appearance.
- Fourth degree – the injury goes beneath the epidermis and dermis, as well as the subcutaneous tissue, which is the innermost layer of the skin. The underlying muscles and bones may be affected, leading to numbness resulting from permanent nerve damage.
It should be noted that burns are not the only injuries you can end up with. When there is a fire-related explosion, the resulting blast can knock the person over or cause them to be injured by flying or falling debris. These conditions can cause a number of serious injuries, such as concussions, traumatic brain injury, and broken bones and fractures.
How to File a Claim
There are very specific steps that you must follow in order to lay the foundation for a successful accident injury claim. From the moment that you are injured, please make sure to:
- Take photos or video of your injuries and the scene of the accident (or have someone do it for you). Make sure to take photos of the defective product and any damage to your personal property, which will help to illustrate the serious nature of the accident.
- Get treated for your injuries right away, as you will need medical records to prove the harm you’ve suffered from the accident.
- Contact the manufacturer to report your accident and the injuries you’ve sustained. Refuse to give a recorded statement, as you may end up saying something that can hurt your case. In addition, refuse any offers for a refund, replacement product, or repair service. Accepting one of these offers will most likely invalidate your right to sue the manufacturer.
- Safeguard any evidence, including medical records, proof of lost wages, and the clothes / shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident.
- If anyone witnessed the incident, get written statements from them or ask for their contact information.
- Contact an experienced product recall lawsuit attorney to discuss the legal actions that are available to you.
How can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit on this Case?
When there is a product recall, it opens the potential for hundreds or thousands of victims, who are all suffering from similar injuries. As a result, class actions lawsuits and mass torts are very common when it comes to defective product injury claims. Our law firm can help you if you are wondering, “Is there a class action lawsuit for these cases?” To join a class action or initiate a lawsuit, just give us a call and take some time to speak with a product recall lawyer at our office.
Compensation from a Lawsuit against the Manufacturer
The extent of your injuries and how they’ve affected your life will allow you to seek various economic and non-economic damages from the manufacturer. These damages typically include:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages / income
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Legal fees
Due to the serious harm that can be caused by a gas explosion, it’s possible that the victim will die due to the severity of their injuries. In these situations, loved ones of the decedent may have grounds for wrongful death compensation, which will help them recover medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of consortium, and other financial and emotional losses.
A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit attorney at our office will help you understand the laws and what can be done to help you obtain justice for your harm and suffering.
Average Case Value for a Fire Injury Accident Claim
Burn injuries can lead to extremely serious health complications, so it’s only natural that you would want to know, “How much is my gas oven explosion injury case worth?” The value of a defective product lawsuit settlement can be quite valuable, with many cases falling within the range $250,000 to over $1.5 million. Of course, there are settlements with lower values, as well as cases that are worth $5 million or more. At the end of the day, the value of a fire injury accident claim is a very personal issue, so you will need to speak with an experienced attorney to determine what your own lawsuit is worth.
Statute of Limitations to Sue the Manufacturer
Lawsuits involving defective product accidents must be filed within 2 years from the date you were injured. You may be granted extra time in limited circumstances. For example, if you were physically and/or mentally incapacitated after the accident to the point where taking legal action was not possible, the court may grant you additional time to file a lawsuit. However, most claimants will not meet the standard to qualify for an extension, so it’s in your best interest to contact our office and take immediate action on a claim for monetary compensation.
How long do these Cases take to Settle?
How long your case will take to settle depends on various factors, including the type of legal action you are filing, the severity of your injuries, and the defendant’s willingness to admit liability. The best we can say right now is that it may take anywhere from 30 days to one or more years to recover your compensation award. We can talk to you about this process in more detail during a free consultation, so please give us a call as soon as possible.
Help for Those with Pending Accident Claims
Some of you reading this article may have filed a claim already, but maybe you’re not happy with the way your case is being handled. If you have any concerns with your case and want to discuss your legal options with an accident injury attorney, contact us to schedule a free second opinion. This is a no-cost service at our law firm, so you can feel free to meet with us for any issues that are on your mind. We look forward to evaluating your claim and helping you determine the best course of action.
Contact a Law Firm with Experience in Defective Product Injury Claims
An unexpected accident has far-reaching consequences for you and your loved ones, including lifelong health complications and financial hardship. That’s why manufacturers are legally responsible for any injuries that are caused by an unsafe product. However, achieving justice can be a long and arduous road for most accident victims, which is why it’s essential to retain legal representation right away.
Normandie Law Firm has decades of experience in catastrophic injury settlements for all types of accidents, including defective product fires and explosions. We have the skill, experience, and dedication to fight for your rights and bring you every penny you deserve for your physical and emotional injuries. In addition, we will provide you with free legal services from beginning to end with the Zero Fee Guarantee. You won’t be charged for any legal fees, since we wait until the end of your case to receive payment from the manufacturer. And if we don’t recover your settlement, you owe us nothing at all.
We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, so please call anytime to speak with a portable gas stove explosion lawsuit attorney.
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