Over the past century, there has been no lack of new innovations to make our lives supposedly easier and more efficient. By extension, of course, our lives are supposed to be better off for the advent of these varied household appliances and their technical wizardry. Though this is typically the case (for those who actually make use of the devices instead of letting them gather dust), it is with regrettable frequency that both small and large home appliances cause members of a household to suffer serious or even fatal injuries.

While many of these devices come with instruction manuals that outline some of the specific dangers that a particular product may hold, these written materials often fail to fully express the range of potential hazards. They certainly lack any direct engagement with the real world circumstances in which the appliances are likely to be used and deployed, instead covering only those elements that are required by law or regulation. Depending upon the full facts of the situation, it may be appropriate to consider filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of a home appliance that causes you or your loved one to suffer injury when it is used as intended.

Sources of Household Injury  

Perhaps the most alarming thing about the threat posed by household appliances is that it comes from both the objects that seem relatively harmless and also from those that are obviously coupled with some degree of inherent danger. It is incumbent upon the owner or operator of a device to be aware of the hazards that are to be expected and to use it as prescribed by the directions and common sense. There is little planning that can be done, however, to avert disaster when design defects, manufacturing defects, or malfunctions present themselves in the form of an accident.

Some of the household appliances that may prove dangerous and some of the potential adverse effects that a person might experience include:

Toasters and Convection Ovens – May cause electrical shock or start fires Garbage Disposals, Food Processors, and Trash Compactors – Can start due to electrical surge and lead to amputations or severe lacerations Gas Stoves and Water Heaters – Improperly built gas lines can cause gas to leak, creating an explosive danger and the possibility of poisoning; poorly functioning water heaters can lead to scalding burns Space Heaters – If unstable they may tip over and cause fires, also pose electrical risk

Product Liability Professionals

If you have suffered injuries that have required you to seek medical attention, then it may be in your best interest to contact a skilled and experienced attorney. The Phoenix product liability lawyers of Haralson, Miller, Pitt, Feldman & McAnally, P.L.L.C. are happy to assist you with all your legal needs as you seek to recover.

By: Joseph Devine