Rochester, New York, Space Heater Fire Accident Injuries

We Fight to Obtain Unrivaled Results for Victims Severely Burned in Space Heater Fires in Rochester, New York, Monroe County, Throughout New York State, and Beyond.

Throughout the cold winter months, many households use space heaters to stay warm. Space heaters are one of the quickest ways to heat any room or complement a home’s heating system. These devices are typically small, portable, and electric. Unfortunately, no winter season passes without a tragic space heater fire. Each year, these devices are responsible for tens of thousands of fires throughout the country. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating is the second leading cause of home fires and injuries, as well as the third leading cause of home fire-related fatalities. Fire departments respond to an average of 48,500 fires involving heating equipment per year. These fires resulted in approximately $1.1 billion in property damage, 1,350 injuries, and 500 fatalities.

Most people striving to stay warm in the brutal cold never imagine their space heaters will short circuit and spark deadly fires. Fires ignited by space heaters can cause severe burns as well as lethal smoke inhalation injuries. Not to mention, when homes catch fire, victims may get trapped and be unable to escape. Victims injured by space heaters may be entitled to seek monetary compensation for damages, such as hospital bills, lost wages and benefits, disabilities, permanent injuries, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and other unexpected losses. Additionally, families unfortunate enough to have lost loved ones can file wrongful death lawsuits. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has a proven track record with over 23 years of legal experience. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested space heater fire lawyers have successfully represented victims of fires for decades and are well equipped to handle your claim today.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. founded the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. in 2005 with a mission to provide the highest level of representation to injured victims. Throughout the years, Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his elite team of Rochester, New York fire injury lawyers have devoted their lives to seeking justice. Our veteran team has uncompromisingly litigated to obtain more than $175 million in verdicts and settlements for clients. We promise that we will battle to demand the best result for your fire-related injuries and property damage. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned team is available for your complimentary consultation 24 hours per day and 7 days per week by calling 585-939-3939 or by completing our online consultation form.

While space heaters cause only about one-third of all winter house fires, they are responsible for 80 percent of the fatalities. Since there are no visible flames, individuals who use this type of heater often let their guard down. However, various problems can arise while using a portable heater. Some of the main causes of space heater fires include:

1. Unattended or Improper Use: Equipment being left unattended while in use. This includes individuals falling asleep without turning off their space heaters. Additionally, disregarding operating instructions and safety warnings can lead to devastating blazes.
2. Placement Near Flammable Objects: When heaters are positioned too close to combustible objects, such as clothing, bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, area rugs, or curtains, these items can easily catch on fire.
3. Positioning Close to Fuel-Burning Appliances: Portable heaters should never be situated near heating equipment, such as chimneys.
4. Faulty Heaters: Design and manufacturing defects, such as malfunctioning wires or thermal protection failing to turn off when a device overheats, are responsible for a large portion of all heater-related fires.
5. Overloaded Circuits: Due to excessive electrical currents, space heaters can overload electrical circuits and cause a fire. Portable heaters usually place connected circuit breakers at full capacity.

Most fires caused by space heaters take place at night when children are sleeping and are particularly vulnerable. This explains the high mortality rate in these types of fires. If you are planning on using a space heater, it is crucial to always use it safely.

Regretfully, most people do not realize their heaters are not working properly until it is too late. According to New York law, all products must be reasonably safe for their intended use and should never pose undue safety risks. Depending on the circumstances that led to your space heater fire, several parties could be held liable, including:

1. The Manufacturer of the Heater: The manufacturer of a portable heater may be held accountable if the heater itself is defective. Dangerous and defective space heaters could have design or manufacturing defects, such as overheating coils or broken motor mounts that allow the heating element to touch the interior. Furthermore, when manufacturers fail to provide consumers with clear instructions regarding usage or proper safety warnings, they can be held responsible. For instance, the warning label does not mention that the heater must be placed at least 3 feet away from all flammable objects.
2. The Manufacturer of Defective Parts: If the space heater was built with faulty components acquired from another producer, you could also file a product liability lawsuit against that company.
3. Retailers and Wholesalers: When a hazardous heater with foreseeable risks is placed on the market, various entities in the product’s chain of distribution can be found partially liable. For instance, the store that sold you the inherently defective heater.
4. The Mechanic: When a mechanic or repair shop improperly repairs a heater, and it is linked to a fire, they may be held responsible.
5. Your Insurance Company: If you have a fire insurance policy and your insurer denies coverage, you may be able to file a bad faith insurance claim. As per the policy, your insurance company is legally obligated to compensate you for all covered losses.

At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., our founding attorney Jed Dietrich, Esq., has forced insurance companies and negligent parties to pay at least $1,000,000.00 or more 38 times to compensate his clients. Our battled-tested team is highly experienced in identifying all those believed to be responsible for space heater fires. After the Dietrich Legal Team’s seasoned attorneys determine the exact cause of your fire, we will devise the most effective litigation tactics to level the playing field, demonstrate liability, boost your chances of obtaining the highest compensation, and guarantee that justice prevails. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his veteran Rochester, New York attorneys promise to always treat you with the compassion and respect that you deserve. Please, schedule your free consultation at our Rochester Office by calling 585-939-3939.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 585-939-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Rochester, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!