Wal-Mart Recalls 2.2 Million Electric Heaters Because of Fire and Burn Hazards
While the cold weather lingers many of us have sought out ways to stay warm, including the use of portable space heaters. Anyone who has purchased such a heater at Wal-Mart should be aware that the company recently announced a voluntary recall of 2.2 million portable electric heaters sold in its stores because of potential fire hazard and burn injuries. The portable heaters were recalled because they can malfunction and overheat causing them to melt or cause smoke, fire and burn injuries and property damage.
The portable heating units covered by the recall include 1500 watt heaters sold under the brand names Flow Pro, Airtech, Aloha Breeze and Comfort Essentials. The heaters were made in China and were sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from December 2001 through October 2009 for about $18.
Wal-Mart has received 21 reports of incidents involving the heaters malfunctioning, including eleven resulting in property damage and four resulting in injuries including burns and smoke inhalation. The other reports included smoke irritation, sparking or property damage beyond the heater. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heater and return the product to any Wal-Mart store for a full refund.
If you have suffered burns, smoke inhalation or other injuries resulting from a defective space heater, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, represents people throughout Georgia and the Southeast who suffer serious injuries or wrongful death caused by defective products. If a defective product, such as a defective electric heater has injured you, you should contact the Georgia product liability Attorneys at Montlick and Associates for a free consultation to discuss your legal right to compensation.
Recently released government data indicates that portable heaters cause approximately 3,800 fires a year. The risk of fire-related fatalities from portable heaters is especially high. Although portable heaters cause only 2% of residential fires, they are responsible for 25% of all fatalities resulting from residential building fires. If you use a portable heater, a few basic safety precautions can greatly reduce your risk of fire and burn injuries.
• The unit should be placed on a hard non-flammable surface such as ceramic floor tile or counter-top.
• Portable heaters should be kept a safe distance (several feet) from flammable material like drapes and bedding.
• Do not use older models of portable heaters that will typically not comply with current safety standards.
• Keep portable heaters plugged into a power strip with a circuit breaker.
These simple safety guidelines can help prevent residential fires caused by portable heaters. If you or someone you love has suffered serious burn or smoke inhalation injuries caused by a portable heater or other defective products, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been representing those who suffer serious injuries, including fire and burn-related injuries, for over 39 years.
Our experienced Georgia fire and burn injury attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.