Many Americans keep gas cans in their garages or sheds to hold fuel for lawn equipment or to use in case of an emergency. While most people understand the importance of gasoline safety, the truth is that certain types of plastic gas cans can potentially catch on fire and explode if they are not equipped with a flame arrester. At one time, Blitz was the largest manufacturer of these plastic gas cans, producing more than 150 million units each year. However, the company is currently facing lawsuits filed on behalf of plaintiffs who have allegedly been injured by the cans, claiming that the company failed to equip them with a flame arrester.
It is estimated that 95 percent of the millions of gas cans produced each year in the U.S. are made of plastic. While many of these feature a flame arrester that disrupts emissions and reduces the likelihood of an explosion, many plastic gas cans produced by Blitz did not.
In a free, no-obligation consultation, Attorney Group for Colorado can help you determine if you are eligible to file a Colorado Blitz gas can lawsuit if you were injured in an explosion while using a Blitz gas can. If you are eligible, we can put you in contact with an affiliated attorney who can file a Colorado Blitz gas can lawsuit on your behalf.
Blitz Gas Can Overview
According to reports, Blitz received word of 75 accidents involving burns and deaths that occurred when the company’s gas cans exploded. Six out of the 14 people that died were children. An estimated 1,200 emergency room visits have occured due to exploding gas cans since 1998, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Those who have been burned may likely require long-term stays in hospitals or rehabilitation centers, and many need skin grafts or surgeries to help to treat their injuries. If you are facing these added and unexpected medical costs, consider seeking legal counsel to determine whether you can file a Colorado Blitz gas can lawsuit to seek compensation for these expenses.
Blitz and Wal-Mart Facing Lawsuits
If a manufacturer has knowledge that a product may be dangerous if used in a certain way, that company is often legally obligated to inform the public. Plaintiffs who are filing lawsuits against Blitz allege that the manufacturer failed to warn consumers of the potential for its plastic gas cans to cause burns, explosions, and death.
Over the past 20 years, more than 80 lawsuits have been filed on behalf of victims who suffered from burns as well as by family members who lost loved ones in explosions. While Blitz is the main defendant in these claims, Wal-Mart, the largest retailer of Blitz products, has been named as well. Wal-Mart agreed to a $25 million settlement to help resolve claims in December 2013, and both companies have agreed to a $161 million settlement to resolve additional lawsuits.
Eligible to File a Colorado Blitz Gas Can Lawsuit
If you or a loved one sustained an injury due to a plastic Blitz gas can, you may be eligible to file a Colorado Blitz gas can lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries. Attorney Group for Colorado can review your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. If you determined that you have a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can file a Colorado Blitz gas can lawsuit on your behalf. You may be entitled to seek compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more. Call today.
