On August 8, 2013, Big Lots issued an official recall of approximately 30,000 table-top tiki torches after approximately 20 reports of product malfunction resulting in serious burn injuries and property damage were made. It is believed that the cause of the problem stems from the wick of the torch, which has been reported to erupt with hot citronella and liquid fuel after being lit for a period of time. The injuries reported have ranged from minor burns to second- and even third-degree burns. In one particular instance, a man suffered from burns all over his body after he attempted to extinguish the flames from the erupted torch.
The affected items were sold at Big Lots stores across the country from March through June of 2013. This recall affects both the small and larger diameter tabletop torches sold during this time. Customers who have purchased these products are advised to stop using them immediately and contact Big Lots customer service for a refund.
The Surprising Frequency of Burn Injury Cases in the United States
Many people do not realize just how common these kinds of incidents are in the United States. According to the American Burn Association’s 2012 data sets, it is estimated that approximately 450,000 people receive treatment for burn injuries in the United States each year. Even more tragically, about 3,400 people are killed as a result of burn injuries on an annual basis.
Unfortunately, a decent number of burn injury cases are not caused by the victim’s negligence. Instead, they are caused by product defects, such as the Big Lots torches referenced above, or by downright negligence by a company or landlord. Even more sadly, very few burn injury victims realize that they have the right to sue the party responsible for the burn injury in the first place and that they can receive compensation as a result.
Hiring Professional Burn Injury Attorneys
By hiring burn injury attorneys, victims can have professional and experienced attorneys at their side through every step of the often-confusing legal process. With quality attorneys, it is possible for burn injury victims to receive compensation not only for their medical bills, property damage, and other expenses related to the incident, but for pain and suffering as well. For example, in the instance of the Big Lots recall, those 20 people who were affected could hire attorneys to take their side and make sure that they receive compensation for damage done to their home decks, deck furniture, and other property in addition to compensation for their likely large medical bills.
When it comes to hiring attorneys, you should always take the time to do your research and make sure that you are hiring the best attorneys for the case at hand. Fortunately for you, if you are looking for a qualified and experienced burn injury attorney, whether it be for the Big Lots case or any other situation, you do not need to look any further than Attorney Group for Florida. Attorney Group for Florida takes the guesswork out of finding the right attorney, and instead matches you with the best attorney for your case.
By contacting Attorney Group for Florida, you are taking the right step in making sure that your voice is heard in court. Big companies such as Big Lots will have their own teams of lawyers prepared to fight back, which is why it is so important that you have a lawyer on your side who knows how to take on defense lawyers of even the largest of companies out there.
Dealing with burn injuries as a result of somebody else’s negligence is something that nobody should ever have to go through, but as the data shows, it does happen. What is most important is that you recover and fight back for the compensation you deserve. Contact Attorney Group for Florida today to discuss your legal options.
