Space Heater Sold by Large Retail Chain Catches Fire and Results in Death

Case Overview

This case involves a 24-year-old male who died in a fire caused by a space heater. The space heater was purchased at a large national retail chain. The victim’s family sued the manufacturer as they alleged that the space heater caused the fire. Additionally, they’ve named the retail store as a defendant, as they alleged that a more stringent buying process should have been in place to prevent a potentially unsafe product from appearing on the shelves of that retailer.

Questions to the Retail Store expert and their responses

What are the buying practices pertaining to product safety and testing at large, national retail chains?

Large retailers have formal buying processes that take into account safety and liability. The retail store has a safety department and when purchasing a product from a multinational corporation with a strong reputation, it is unreasonable to expect any additional safety or compliance testing to be offered by the retailer for the specific product.

Are there any safety precautions taken by large retailers to ensure that the products they inventory and sell are safe for consumers?

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has over 20 years of experience in the retail buying field. After receiving his BA in business administration from Cedarville College, he went on to work as a regional merchandise manager for 80 electrical, tools and hardware vendors. He then worked as the vice president of sales and marketing at Spectrum Creations Lighting. Most recently, he worked as the senior procurement officer at Home Depot. Currently, this expert works as the owner of a retail consultancy in California.

E-004863

Specialties:

Retail Store

Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.