FLIKRFIRE and Colsen Liquid-Burning Fire Pit Burn Injury Lawsuit Lawyers

The Dangers of Liquid Fuel Fire Pits and Legal Options for Injured Victims

A recent consumer safety warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights the significant dangers posed by certain alcohol and liquid-burning fire pits. These tabletop fire pits, which rely on pooled liquid fuel such as isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, or bioethanol for ignition, have been linked to two deaths and at least 60 serious burn injuries since 2019. The primary hazards identified include uncontrolled pool fires and flame jetting, both of which can lead to catastrophic injuries for users and bystanders.

The CPSC has issued a strong warning for consumers to stop using these dangerous products immediately, emphasizing that many models, including FLIKRFIRE and Colsen-branded tabletop fire pits, violate voluntary safety standards under ASTM F3363-19. This standard is specifically designed to prevent hazards associated with flammable liquid use in open containers.

How Dangerous Liquid-Burning Fire Pits Can Harm Consumers

Liquid-burning fire pits pose severe safety risks due to the way they are designed and used. These products often require users to pour liquid fuel into an open container or bowl and ignite it directly in that space. This process can create multiple dangers, especially when refilling the fuel.

One primary hazard is flame jetting, a phenomenon where flames can suddenly shoot out of the fuel container when refilled while a flame is still present. This violent ignition can occur because small flames in the pit are often difficult to see, leading the user to assume it is safe to add more fuel. When the flammable liquid makes contact with residual flames, it can ignite instantly, creating a dangerous explosion.

The extreme heat generated by these flames can exceed 1,600°F, hot enough to cause third-degree burns in under a second. This risk is amplified by the unpredictable spread of flames, which can travel long distances, endangering not only the user but also nearby individuals.

Another significant danger is the risk of pool fires. These occur when the liquid fuel spreads out in the open container or spills outside the fire pit, causing flames to spread uncontrollably along the surface of the flammable liquid. This hazard becomes even more severe if the flames reach combustible materials nearby, leading to larger fires that can cause extensive property damage and life-threatening burns.

The injuries reported in incidents involving these fire pits have been devastating, with victims suffering severe burns requiring extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation. Such injuries can result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma.

Legal Rights for Victims of Fire Pit Injuries

Victims harmed by defective fire pits that fail to meet safety standards may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for putting these dangerous products on the market.

Product liability laws hold companies accountable when their products cause harm due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or failures to provide proper warnings. In the case of the recalled liquid-burning fire pits, multiple legal issues arise that could justify a lawsuit:

• Design Defect: The design requiring the direct ignition of a flammable liquid in an open container makes the product inherently dangerous.
• Failure to Warn: Manufacturers have a duty to provide adequate warnings about the risks associated with flame jetting and pool fires. Many of these products failed to clearly explain the risks, leading to consumer injuries.
• Violation of Safety Standards: The failure of these products to comply with ASTM F3363-19 standards provides strong evidence of negligence in ensuring product safety.

Victims who have been injured due to these hazards may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses through a product liability lawsuit. These cases aim to hold negligent manufacturers accountable while also securing financial recovery for victims.

Steps in the Product Liability Lawsuit Process

Filing a product liability lawsuit involves a series of steps to ensure the victim's rights are fully protected. Understanding this process is essential for anyone seeking justice after a fire pit injury.

1. Initial Case Evaluation: Victims should consult an attorney who can assess the details of the incident, including how the injury occurred and whether the product involved was defective.

2. Evidence Collection: Building a strong case requires collecting critical evidence, such as medical records, purchase receipts, photographs of the fire pit, and expert analysis of the product’s design flaws.

3. Filing the Complaint: A formal complaint is filed against the responsible parties, outlining the product’s defects, the harm caused, and the legal basis for seeking compensation.

4. Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange evidence, including documents, expert reports, and witness testimonies. This phase is crucial for establishing liability.

5. Negotiation and Settlement: Many product liability cases settle before reaching trial. An attorney can negotiate with the opposing parties to secure a fair settlement.

6. Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial where a judge or jury will determine liability and damages based on the evidence presented.

A qualified product liability lawyer ensures that each of these steps is handled professionally, advocating for maximum compensation for victims.

Why Victims Need a Product Liability Attorney

Handling a product liability lawsuit without legal representation can be overwhelming, especially when facing large corporations and their defense teams. An experienced product liability attorney plays a critical role in protecting victims' rights by managing the legal complexities and ensuring that their case is presented effectively.

Attorneys provide essential services such as investigating the cause of the injury, identifying all liable parties, working with safety experts to explain how the defect caused harm, and negotiating for appropriate compensation. Without legal representation, victims risk being undercompensated or having their claims dismissed due to technicalities.

Types of Damages Available in Fire Pit Injury Cases

Victims of fire pit injuries may be eligible to recover several types of damages in a product liability lawsuit. The goal of these damages is to compensate the victim for both financial and emotional losses caused by the defective product.

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care resulting from burn injuries.
• Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life caused by the injury.
• Permanent Disfigurement: Compensation for scarring or permanent physical damage caused by the burns.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to penalize the manufacturer and discourage similar safety violations in the future.

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries due to a defective alcohol or liquid-burning fire pit, you may have a right to seek justice and financial compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national product injury law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims and holding negligent manufacturers accountable.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

Contact us by calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation and learn how our legal team can help you seek the compensation your case deserves. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our national product injury law firm is ready to assist you.