In the harsh winters of Chicago, a portable space heater is a common source of heat, but they are potentially hazardous. Misuse or defects can lead to winter house fires, causing serious consequences including serious burn injuries, smoke inhalation, loss of life, and more.
A Chicago space heater fire lawyer from our firm is ready to help you seek justice. If you’re a victim of such a disaster, you can rely on the experienced house fire lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers to help secure fair compensation for your losses due to others’ negligence or a manufacturing or design defect.
How Safe Is an Electric Space Heater?
Electric space heaters, while convenient, carry inherent risks. Electrical devices can overheat, have faulty wiring, or tip over, potentially sparking home heating fires. While most space heaters primarily pose a fire hazard, certain types can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning (CO), a potentially deadly condition. Fuel-burning space heaters, such as those that use propane, natural gas, kerosene, or oil, emit carbon monoxide during operation.
Can All Space Heaters Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
No, only fuel-burning space heaters, such as those using propane, natural gas, kerosene, or oil, can produce carbon monoxide. Electric space heaters do not generate carbon monoxide.
When Are Space Heater Fires Valid Personal Injury Claims?
Space heater fires can lead to valid personal injury claims when home heating fire deaths or injuries resulted from space heater manufacturers’ defects, inadequate warnings or instructions for home heating equipment, or negligence by a property owner or a third party.
What Should I Do if My Space Heater Causes a Fire?
If your portable heaters cause a fire, evacuate and call 911 for fire department help. Once safe, report the incident to your insurance company, document any property damage, and consult with a personal injury lawyer to explore potential compensation avenues.
What Compensation May Be Available for Injuries from a Space Heater Fire?
Injured victims may be eligible to seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
What Are the Safety Guidelines for Using Space Heaters?
When operating a space heater, it is important to follow the safety guidelines and use safety measures and features to avoid heaters catching fire, electric shock, or home fires:
- Placement: Keep heater on a flat, non-flammable surface, away from flammable objects.
- Supervision: Always turn portable electric heaters off before leaving.
- Inspection: Regularly check for signs of wear or damage—especially the heating element— to prevent malfunction. Make sure that your model is not on the Consumer Product Safety Commission list of recalled space heaters.
- Usage: Follow manufacturer’s guidelines; avoid using an extension cord and pay close attention to the wall outlet to reduce fire risk. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, space heaters can overload and overheat a power strip, and extension cords, and potentially cause a house fire.
Can I Leave My Space Heater on Overnight?
It is generally not advisable to leave a space heater on overnight due to the risk of fire. If it’s essential to run a heater while you sleep, use one with safety features such as a timer, tip-over shutoff, and overheat protection, and ensure the heater is in a safe location, away from flammable materials.
What Causes Most Space Heater Fires?
Common reasons that space heaters cause fires include:
- Improper Placement: Heaters near flammable materials.
- Overloading Power Outlets: Overload can result in electrical fires.
- Equipment Malfunction: Faulty wiring, power cord, or design.
- Lack of Maintenance: Dust accumulation can trigger overheating.
How Can a Lawyer Help in Space Heater Fire Cases?
A Chicago space heater attorney from our law firm can investigate the cause of the fire, including examining the product or property and collecting evidence. We may consult with industry experts to support your case. We’ll negotiate with insurance companies to seek compensation, and if necessary, we’ll represent you in court.
Contact a Chicago Space Heater Fire Lawyer Today
In a situation when space heaters cause harm or property damage as the result of someone else’s negligence, reach out to The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers.
Contact us now for a free consultation. During our meeting, we will assess your case, discuss legal options, and answer any questions you may have.
(312) 223-1700