Defective Space Heater Causes Serious Burns

Case Overview

This thermal analysis case takes place in Ohio and involves the alleged improper function of an electric space heater. The plaintiff purchased an electric heater from a large online retail chain for use in her home. He had the heater on its highest setting, located on the floor several feet away from her. Suddenly, the heater malfunctioned, and the temperature generated increased significantly in a very short amount of time. This rapid temperature spike caused burns and scorching on the floor and furniture in front of the heating unit, as well as severe burns to the plaintiff’s right foot. It is alleged that the heater was defectively designed and / or manufactured, and that the dangerous malfunction in the heater’s temperature control unit was directly responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries.

Questions to the Fire expert and their responses

Do you have extensive experience with the engineering and design of electric heaters?

I do have extensive experience with electric heaters and the forensic analysis of heaters involved in product liability cases. Additionally, I have extensive experience in product testing, radiant heat transfer, and electrical design/circuit analysis.

Have you ever served as an expert on a similar case?

I have had multiple cases in the past involving electric heaters with similar allegations. Typically, it is alleged that the heater caused a fire or physical injury as a result of a malfunction.

About the expert

This highly-qualified expert is a multidisciplinary engineer with focuses in thermal fluids and electrical systems. He is a registered professional engineer and a member of numerous professional affiliations in the Fire/Engineering/Pyrotechnics space, including the International Association of Arson Investigators, the National Association of Fire Investigators, and the Burning Man Pyrotechnics Group. His current role includes conducting on-scene fire and explosion investigations, laboratory examination of appliances, investigation of electrical failures and accidents, electrocutions, lightning losses, fire extinguisher failure, and machinery defects.

E-013337

Specialties:

Fire