Defective Fire Extinguisher Accidents and Injuries

There is no disputing that fire extinguishers can help save lives in the event of a fire. When you grab one of these devices, there is an expectation that it will work as intended. Unfortunately, there are many cases of fire extinguishers failing and causing serious harm to one or more people.

Did you or a member of your family suffer injuries due to a defective fire extinguisher? Our lawyers are here to explain your legal rights, including a lawsuit for manufacturer negligence. By filing a product liability claim, you can demand accountability from the product maker, along with compensation to help with medical expenses and other financial burdens. Call Kenmore Law Group today for more information on suing for fire extinguisher defects leading to injuries and property damage.

How can I Tell if the Fire Extinguisher is Still Good?

Unlike many other products in your home, a fire extinguisher does not have a specific expiration date. But there is a frame of time that’s determined as “too old,” and this may be anywhere from 5 to 15 years. There’s a pretty big gap between these numbers, and that’s why you should look for other indicators, such as:

• Inspection sticker, which is normally on the side of the tank
• If there is a pressure gauge, needle should point to the green area
• Any rust or corrosion

If none of these tips offer any clarity, go ahead and contact the manufacturer. The serial number should help them locate the model and tell you whether it’s still good to go. If you continue to have any doubts, it’s better to be safe than sorry and replace the extinguisher altogether. If you are a renter, ask your landlord or provide you with a new fire extinguisher or arrange to have the cost reimbursed to you.

Nationwide Recall on Kidde Fire Extinguishers

One of the most prominent cases of fire extinguisher defects involves Kidde, a manufacturer that issued a recall in 2017 for about 38 million units. The recalled fire extinguishers may become clogged, making them unreliable during a fire. There were also reports of the nozzle coming off with enough force “to pose an impact hazard.”

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received close to 400 complaints of nozzle detachment or reduced usability because of clogs. We know of at least 16 people who were injured, one fatality, and 19 cases involving property damage.

Injuries Caused by Defective Fire Extinguishers

When a fire extinguisher becomes ineffective in any way, its ability to prevent a fire from raging out of control is diminished. As a result, people can be injured in many ways, including:

• Severe burns
• Inhalation of smoke (or ash and soot)
• Oxygen deprivations (hypoxia)
• Disfigurement
• Vision loss from eye injuries
• Frostbite from the release of carbon monoxide

Responsibility for Accidents Involving Defective Products

Defects that existed with the product before it was purchased by the consumer are usually blamed on the manufacturer. Thus, it is quite often the manufacture that is liable when someone is injured by a defective fire extinguisher. On the other hand, you may have a case where someone was harmed because of negligence by a property or business owner.

A lot of venues and public buildings are susceptible to fires, and this is why it’s essential to inspect and maintain all fire extinguishers. That’s why some of these lawsuits are filed against a specific company or government agency. You can also file claims against more than one entity if negligence by multiple parties caused or contributed to your injuries.

Attorneys Specializing in Defects with Fire Extinguishers

Gathering evidence and making a strong argument for liability is incredibly challenging. To succeed in a product liability lawsuit, it’s in your best interest to work with a defective product injury lawyer right from the start. Here are some of the ways we can assist you:

• Determining the exact defect with a product, whether it’s a design flaw, mechanical error, quality control, or lack of critical warnings.
• Establish a clear link between the product’s defect and the injuries you sustained
• Make a clear case to prove that the product was used as intended, i.e., in a “reasonably foreseeable” way.
• Request specific amounts of compensation based on your monetary losses, physical pain and suffering, and mental anguish

A skilled attorney can handle every aspect of your case, including negotiations with the insurance company. Far too many victims end up with inadequate settlements due to their lack of legal knowledge or manipulative pressure tactics from insurance adjusters. That’s why you should consult a product liability law firm about your rights and legal options.

Monetary Damages in a Product Defect Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit is a way for victims and their families to ensure accountability by the guilty party. However, compensation is another important aspect of why people choose to take legal action. After all, being in an accident comes with heavy financial burdens, which you should not have to bear on your own shoulders. From a defective fire extinguisher injury claim, we can bring you some or all of the following:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and income opportunities
• Pain and suffering – for physical pain and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage
• Punitive damages

No Cost Legal Services

There is no doubt that legal services are expensive, and this is why injury victims try to navigate the claims process on their own. But this is unlikely to end well for you and your loved ones, and here a Kenmore, we do not want you to go without the representation you need and deserve.

By reaching out to us, we will extend the Zero Fee Guarantee, so you pay $0 out of pocket. Rather than asking you for a retainer or any fees upfront, we agree to take your case on contingency. That means we can only get paid by winning your case, and if you don’t receive compensation, you owe us absolutely nothing.

Taking advantage of this offer is easy – just contact our office 24/7 and schedule a free, confidential case review.