Most Americans keep a gas can or two in their shed or garage to use in emergencies or as fuel for lawn equipment. While these men and women might believe they know all there is to know about gasoline safety, the truth is that plastic fuel containers have the potential to ignite and explode if they are not equipped with a flame arrester. Blitz, at one time the manufacturer of 150 million gas cans per year, has been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging that the company produced gas cans made without flame arrestors, causing serious injuries and death.
There are millions of gas cans made in the U.S. each year, and 95 percent are made of plastic. While a great number of gas cans feature a flame arrester that helps to disrupt the emissions and reduce the risk of an explosion, many units produced by Blitz did not. According to numerous reports, this lack of a flame arrester has caused severe burns, catastrophic explosions, and wrongful deaths.
Attorney Group for Iowa is currently investigating potential claims on behalf of individuals who believe they are eligible to file an Iowa Blitz gas can lawsuit. We can help to answer your questions and connect you with an affiliated attorney able to file an Iowa Blitz gas can lawsuit on your behalf. Contact us today for more information about your options.
What are Blitz Gas Cans?
Plaintiffs who are pursuing claims against the manufacturer accuse the company of neglecting to warn consumers of the dangers associated with its products, including an increased risk of injuries, burns, explosions, and death. According to media reports, Blitz has been notified of 75 cases of deaths and burns that happened when a plastic Blitz gas can exploded. 6 out of the 14 people killed were children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 1,200 visits to the emergency room have been the result of exploding gas cans since 1998.
Individuals injured in a Blitz gas can explosion may need several weeks or months in a hospital or treatment facility. Additionally, some patients may require surgeries or skin grafts to help to treat their injuries following an accident. As a result, patients and their loved ones may struggle to pay for these needed but costly procedures. If you or a loved one is in this situation, an Iowa Blitz gas can lawsuit can help you to get compensation for these expenses.
Lawsuits Pending against Blitz, Wal-Mart
If a manufacturer has evidence that one of its products can be harmful if used in a certain manner or not as directed, the company is legally and morally obligated to inform consumers of this information. Lawsuits filed against Blitz allege that the company neglected to warn consumers of the potential for explosions, burns, and death due to use of its product.
Over the past two decades, at least 80 claims have been brought forth by family members of those killed in explosions, as well as by individuals who are currently living with burns and other injuries. Wal-Mart has also been named as a defendant because it was one of the largest retailers of Blitz gas cans. In December 2013, Wal-Mart agreed to pay $25 million toward the resolution of claims, and both Blitz and Wal-Mart have agreed to pay $161 million to resolve additional claims.
Considering Filing an Iowa Blitz Gas Can Lawsuit?
If you or someone you love has been injured due to the lack of a flame arrester on a plastic Blitz gas can, you may be eligible to file an Iowa Blitz gas can lawsuit. Call Attorney Group for Iowa today. We can answer your questions, address your concerns, and review your case in a free, no-obligation consultation to determine whether you have a claim. If you do, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney able to assist you in filing your Iowa Blitz gas can lawsuit and seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
