Space heaters are used by many in Missouri and Illinois to supplement their homes’ main forms of heating during the winter. Unfortunately, these alternative forms of heating can also be dangerous, especially if not used properly or if they prove to be defective products. Recent reports indicate that fires started by space heaters appear to be responsible for the deaths of seven people in Missouri in early February of this year. Fatal fires like these often leave family members behind to mourn untimely deaths and wondering how to pick up the pieces as they grieve.
This recent series of fires has reportedly been tied to the use of space heaters, although it is not yet clear if any of the heaters are suspected to have been defective products. Statistics released by the National Fire Protection Association indicate that approximately one-third of all fires related to home heating methods are connected to space heaters. Additionally, about 80 percent of all fatalities related to home heating are linked to space heaters.
The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is now investigating at least two of the fatal fires involving space heaters that have taken place since Feb. 1. In addition to the seven fatalities in these fires, six others have suffered burn injuries. Another fatal fire that is suspected to be tied to a space heater is being investigated by the University City Fire Department. That fire caused the deaths of a grandmother and two young children. Four other family members apparently escaped that catastrophic fire, but are now left behind to mourn the lost lives. The loss of the two children, a 4-year-old and 6-year-old, seem especially tragic.
While it is certainly important for certain safety precautions to be followed when space heaters are used, it is equally important that these products be safe for consumers who will be using them. In the event that space heaters prove to be defective products, those who are injured in fires resulting from their use may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the product’s manufacturer. Similarly, surviving relatives of those who lose their lives due to such products may be able to pursue wrongful death lawsuits.
These lawsuits obviously will not bring back the lost lives, but they can help provide a measure of financial comfort as family members move on after such fatal fires. Those who believe that the fires that injured them or killed their family members were caused by defective products like certain space heaters may benefit from calling our burn injury law firm at 1-888-586-7041 to set up a free initial meeting. We can help you learn more about your rights under personal injury and wrongful death laws so you can seek the financial restitution to which you are entitled.
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