Appliances

Defective Appliance Attorneys Serving New Jersey

Product liability lawyers protecting consumers injured by dangerous home appliances

Electric and gas kitchen appliances sold to consumers in New Jersey are supposed to be designed, manufactured and installed under the highest standards for product safety. Despite some of the strictest product liability laws in the nation, people continue to suffer serious burns, electrical shock and other catastrophic injuries because of defects and dangers that the manufacturer overlooked.

If you were injured in an accident caused by a defective or dangerous appliance in your home in New Jersey, schedule a no-cost consultation to discuss your case with a NJ product liability lawyer at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP. We are recognized among the state’s most successful personal injury law firms protecting the rights of people injured by defective and dangerous appliances and consumer products.

What defines a defective product?

Under the theory of product liability, a defective product is one that causes injury or damage as a result of some sort of defect with either the product itself, the way it is used, or its labeling. When a product defect causes injury to a consumer, the manufacturer can be held liable. Household products and appliances that can cause injury range from everything from a handheld blender to a space heater.

Which household appliances commonly cause accidents?

Most of us use so many appliances to make everyday life easier, we hardly even think about it. Some of the more common appliances – and also more likely to cause injury – include:

  • Ceiling fans. Although they are typically safer than free-standing box fans (tempting for little fingers), ceiling fans don’t come without hazards. If not installed correctly or defective, ceiling fans can lose a blade or even fall off the base, resulting in injuries to both children and adults.
  • Space heaters. Space heaters cause a tragic amount of house fires every year. If space heaters are left unattended or placed too close to flammable items like clothing or bedding, they can start a fire. Additionally, space heaters that run on gas or kerosene should never be used indoors as they can cause toxic fumes without proper ventilation.
  • Stoves and ovens. Extreme heat can lead to extreme burns. Microwave ovens can catch fire, and stovetops can also catch fire when left unattended. Defective ovens can release toxic fumes during the self-clean option or, in the case of improper repairs on a gas appliance, even explode.
  • Toasters and toaster ovens. Both of these appliances have the tendency to become very hot on both the interior and exterior. Defective toasters can cause electrical shock, especially if food becomes stuck inside and a consumer attempts to remove it with metal flatware.
  • Washer and dryer units. Any appliance that relies on water and power to work comes with risks. Clogged up lint traps in dryers can result in a fire. Defective parts in a washer could short out and cause electrocution or electric shock Children can also become trapped in front-loading washer and dryers.
  • Prewired furniture. Desks, tables, and even sofas come predesigned and installed with electrical components, such as foot rests and USB ports. A defective or damaged wire can lead to electrical fires, which in turn can lead to burns.

Other, smaller, home appliances can cause just as serious or catastrophic injury. Food processors, blenders, garbage disposals and other gadgets that work with a blade can cause consumers to lose a finger if they malfunction during use.

Common injuries from defective New Jersey household appliances

Malfunctioning or defective household products can cause chaos and lead to a variety of accidents and injuries. These can range from serious to life-threatening, including:

In its 2017 annual report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported over 3.5 million injuries in one year, all associated with defective household appliances and furnishings. According to the CPSC, the most commonly recalled home goods for defects include “ranges/ovens, refrigerators/freezers, clothes washers and dryers, air conditioners, heaters/space heaters, countertop appliances, shelving units, and dressers/cabinets.”

What are the three types of product defects?

No matter what the type of household product – from a hot water heater to a curling iron – it may have one of three defects under product liability law.

  • Design defects. This means that the inherent design of the product is dangerous, and is unsafe even for its intended use.
  • Manufacturing defects. This means that the product was manufactured improperly, either overall or within components.
  • Marketing defects. All products must carry instructions for use and warning labels against improper use.

How do NJ defective appliance product liability actions work?

If you or a loved one were injured by a defective household product, you may be eligible to file a product liability action against the manufacturer. Appliance manufacturers are required by law to provide detailed and understandable instructions on how to safely install their product. They must also provide warning labels for potential hazards.

For a successful product liability case against the manufacturer, you must show that the appliance was installed according to instructions and was being used as intended. If so, you are likely eligible to seek compensation for your injuries. Liable parties can include the manufacturer, distributor, or the installer.

If you suffer injury as a result of a defective household appliance, the attorneys at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP will work to prove that:

  • The manufacturer of the product had a duty to ensure it was safe for consumers
  • They were negligent (or breached) that duty
  • You incurred injury or losses due to that negligence

We will investigate your accident in detail, bringing in professional experts if necessary, to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

What kinds of damages can I recover in my NJ defective appliance case?

With a successful product liability case like a dangerous household appliance, you may be eligible for damages like the following:

  • Medical bills, current and future, including any ongoing physical therapy
  • Lost wages, including loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages, which are damages awarded by the court in cases of extreme negligence

Our attorneys work to build you a strong case, to ensure you secure the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled.

Experienced New Jersey product liability attorneys advocating for the injured

From offices in Edison, Red Bank and Toms River, the lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP advise and represent clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout New Jersey. We welcome the opportunity to evaluate your potential dangerous and defective product case. Call us today at 732-777-0100 or contact us online to request a free consultation.

William Crutchlow was the contributing author to this content.