Who’s Responsible for Burn Injuries from Faulty Products or Electrical Accidents? 

The entity that created the hazard, whether through a design flaw, a manufacturing error, or a failure to maintain a safe property, is liable for the burn injury. In Florida, you must identify these responsible parties and file your claim within 2 years of the incident to secure legal restitution. 

These injuries devastate families, and taking quick action is the best way to recover. The first step is revealing the truth about faulty wiring and defective products. The next step is hiring a legal team that knows the local laws and fights to hold every negligent party accountable.

(1) What parties are responsible for a faulty electrical product?

The law considers the route from a factory to your home to be a chain of distribution. Every link in that chain bears some degree of responsibility for your safety.

(i) The Original Manufacturer

When a product has a fundamental defect, the manufacturer is the most likely target of a lawsuit. This includes assembly-line errors and the use of low-cost, flammable components. If a battery explodes during normal use, the company that manufactured it is frequently held liable.

(ii) The Product Designer

Sometimes the assembly is perfect, but the design is dangerous. A space heater that lacks an internal fuse to prevent overheating is considered a design failure. I hold designers accountable when they prioritize aesthetics or cost savings over human safety.

(iii) The Retailer and Distributor

Stores that sell products are part of the legal chain. If a retailer sells an item that they knew was subject to a safety recall, they share responsibility. We investigate whether the store provided adequate warnings or ignored the manufacturer's safety alerts.

(2) Who is liable for electrical fires in Florida apartments?

Florida property owners must follow strict building codes. When an electrical fire occurs in a rental unit, the landlord frequently faces significant liability for electrical injury.

(i) Landlords and Property Managers

Landlords must ensure that their electrical systems can handle the load of modern appliances. Many older Florida buildings have outdated wiring, which poses a fire risk. 

If a landlord ignores your complaints about flickering lights or warm outlets, they are negligent. I focus on proving that the owner was aware of the danger but chose to postpone repairs.

(ii) Independent Electrical Contractors

If a landlord hired a professional to repair the wiring and the professional did an inadequate job, the contractor is liable. We seek evidence of "shoddy" work that violates Florida's electrical codes. This third-party liability is a critical means of obtaining full compensation you deserve for your injuries.

(iii) Utility Companies

In rare cases, a power surge from the main grid can cause an appliance to catch fire. If the utility company fails to maintain their transformers or line stabilizers, we will pursue them for the resulting damages.

(3) How does Florida law affect your chemical burns injury claim?

Florida has recently updated its civil lawsuit laws. These changes have a significant impact on how a burn injury lawyer will handle your case.

(i) The Two-Year Filing Rule

The most important change is the timeline for your lawsuit. You have only 2 years from the date of injury to file a claim. If you wait until the third year, the court will dismiss your claim. This limited time frame necessitates that you contact my office as soon as your medical condition stabilizes.

(ii) The Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Florida currently uses a "51 percent" rule for fault. You can only recover damages if your share of the blame is 50% or less. If a jury determines that you are 51 percent responsible for the accident, you will receive no compensation. 

My job is to establish that the manufacturer or property owner bears the majority of the blame. I build a case that protects your right to recovery by highlighting the other parties' failures.

(4) What evidence is necessary for a burn injury lawsuit?

Success in a personal injury case is determined by the quality of your evidence. I always tell my clients to be as thorough as possible in the hours and days after an accident.

(i) Physical Evidence Preservation

Save the item that caused the electrical burns or thermal burns. If a hair dryer catches fire, place it in a safe container with the cord and packaging. This item is the most significant piece of evidence we have. My team will send it to a lab for testing to determine exactly why it failed.

(ii) Medical Documentation

Burn injuries necessitate specialized treatment. We need records from a burn center or a plastic surgeon. These records should describe the severity of the burn and the need for future skin grafts or physical therapy. I also ask my clients to keep a daily journal of their pain levels and the limitations the injury has on their lives.

(iii) Witness Statements

If anyone witnessed the accident or the fire, their testimony is invaluable. We also look for neighbors who have previously complained about similar electrical issues. This demonstrates a pattern of negligence by the landlord or property owner.

(5) Step-by-Step Guide to Pursuing a Burn Injury Claim

Following an electrical accident or product failure, you should take the following steps to protect your future.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Care

Electrical shocks frequently cause undetectable internal damage to the heart or nervous system. To ensure your safety, a doctor must perform an EKG and other diagnostic tests.

Step 2: Document the Scene

Take high-quality photos of the area where the fire or shock occurred. Document the charred walls, the melted device, and any warning labels on the product.

Step 3: Identify the Exact Model Number

For product liability cases, we need the device's specific model and serial number. This allows us to search for current recalls or similar lawsuits across the country.

Step 4: Refrain from Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

The manufacturer's or landlord's insurance company will contact you promptly. They want to record you saying that the accident was your fault. It’s highly advisable to hire an experienced attorney. This protects you from accidentally damaging your own case.

Final Steps Toward Your Recovery

It is exhausting to recover from a burn injury. You're dealing with physical pain and suffering while attempting to comprehend a complex legal framework. I'm here to carry the legal weight for all burn injury victims. 

My knowledge of Florida's new tort laws ensures that your case is filed correctly and argued persuasively. We work on a contingent fee basis. This means that my firm only gets paid if we successfully recover money for you. There is no financial risk in requesting my assistance.

Would you like me to go over the details of your accident today? I can advise you on the next steps in your pursuit of justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if the fire marshal says the cause is unknown?

Yes. A fire marshal investigates criminal intent or general cause. My firm hires private investigators to look into civil liability. 

Does a product recall make my case easier to win?

A recall provides strong evidence that a product is dangerous. It demonstrates that the manufacturer acknowledged a defect. If you were injured by a recalled item, we will use the recall to determine their liability.

What if I was injured by a product I bought years ago?

Florida has a "Statute of Repose," which generally limits lawsuits to within 12 years of product delivery. However, there are some exceptions for products with a longer expected life or if the manufacturer concealed the defect. 

Are landlords responsible for smoke detector failures?

Florida requires landlords to provide working smoke detectors. If there is a fire and the detectors fail due to old batteries or poor maintenance, the landlord is responsible for the increased severity of your injuries.

Can I recover money for the scars from a burn?

Absolutely. Scars are an example of permanent disfigurement. In Florida, juries frequently award substantial compensation for the emotional and physical consequences of permanent scarring. 

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For help with any personal injury case, reach out to Robert Johnson.