Legal Options for Victims of Severe Burns and Families Facing Loss
FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces have become the subject of serious safety warnings following multiple incidents of catastrophic injuries and fatalities. These alcohol-fueled devices, designed as decorative tabletop accents, pose significant hazards, including uncontrollable fires and flame jetting that can cause severe burns or death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has urged consumers to stop using these products immediately due to the risk they pose.
The Dangers of FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces
The primary hazard with FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces is their reliance on isopropyl alcohol as fuel. Isopropyl alcohol burns at temperatures exceeding 1,600°F, with the potential to cause third-degree burns in less than a second. These devices violate voluntary safety standards by requiring users to pour alcohol into the container and ignite it in the same location, which can create uncontrollable pool fires.
Pool fires occur when alcohol spills or pools within or around the fireplace. Once ignited, the flames can spread rapidly, often reaching beyond the immediate area of the product. The risk is compounded by the difficulty of seeing an active flame, leading users to mistakenly believe the fire is extinguished.
Flame jetting is another severe hazard. When refueling a FLIKRFIRE that has even a small, hard-to-see flame, the alcohol can ignite mid-pour, causing an explosive projection of flames and burning liquid. This can lead to extensive burns to the user or bystanders.
These dangers are not theoretical. A June 2024 incident tragically claimed the lives of an elderly couple when a third person attempted to refill a FLIKRFIRE they believed was extinguished. Other reported incidents have left victims with third- and fourth-degree burns over large portions of their bodies.
The manufacturers of FLIKRFIRE products, FLIKR LLC and Seera Creative LLC, are no longer in business and have not offered any recall remedies. Consumers are left without direct support, underscoring the importance of legal action for those harmed by these defective products.
Harm Caused by FLIKRFIRE Products
The injuries caused by FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces are devastating. Victims suffer extensive burns, requiring prolonged medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Burn injuries are not only physically painful but also emotionally and financially draining, as victims often face permanent disfigurement and loss of mobility.
In fatal incidents, families endure profound grief and financial strain. Losing a loved one due to a preventable hazard leaves families seeking answers and justice.
These injuries and losses are often exacerbated by the absence of warning labels or safety mechanisms on the product, leaving consumers unaware of the severe risks they face when using FLIKRFIRE fireplaces as intended.
Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims injured by defective products like FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces have the right to seek compensation through a product liability lawsuit. Such claims can help recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Families of individuals who have died due to these products may file wrongful death lawsuits to recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
The process begins with gathering evidence to prove that the product was defective and directly caused the injury or death. This often includes obtaining the defective product itself, eyewitness accounts, medical records, and expert testimony. In cases where the manufacturer is no longer in business, attorneys may identify other liable parties, such as distributors or retailers, to ensure victims receive compensation.
Lawsuits often involve complex legal issues, such as identifying the appropriate legal theory (design defect, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn). Skilled attorneys ensure that claims are filed within the statute of limitations and are prepared to negotiate with opposing counsel or present the case in court if necessary.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Product liability claims require thorough investigation, strategic planning, and knowledge of consumer safety laws. Victims benefit from having an attorney handle every aspect of the case, from filing the claim to negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation.
An experienced attorney can anticipate the tactics used by defendants to deny liability or minimize payouts. They will work to ensure that victims receive the full compensation they are entitled to, addressing both immediate financial needs and long-term care requirements.
Damages Recoverable in Product Liability Cases
Victims of FLIKRFIRE-related injuries may recover damages for:
- Medical costs: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost income: Compensation for wages lost during recovery and any reduction in future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Addressing the physical and emotional trauma caused by the injury.
- Wrongful death: For families, this includes funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional damages.
In cases where the manufacturer acted with gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish reckless behavior and deter similar actions in the future.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
If you or someone you love has been injured by a FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplace, you deserve justice. At Parker Waichman LLP, our experienced product injury attorneys are ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to discuss your legal options. We are committed to holding manufacturers and retailers accountable and helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide personal injury law firm is ready to assist you.