From kitchen appliances to personal devices, household electronics are a part of everyday life. But when those products are poorly designed, improperly manufactured, or sold without proper safety instructions, they can cause serious harm. Injuries from defective electronics are more common than many people realize—and they often result in product liability claims.
If a faulty household device has injured you, you may have a viable product liability claim. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Product Defect?
A product defect occurs when a device poses a danger to consumers due to its manufacturing, design, or labeling. Under Texas law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective products—especially when proper warnings were not provided or when reasonable safety standards were ignored.
There are three main categories of product defects:
- Design defects – The product is inherently dangerous due to how it was designed
- Manufacturing defects – A problem occurred during assembly or production
- Marketing defects – The product lacks proper instructions or warnings
Common Types of Defective Household Electronics
Some product categories are more prone to issues than others, especially those involving heat, batteries, or power outlets. Below are some of the most common household electronics known to cause injuries when defective.
1. Space Heaters and Electric Blankets
Space heaters and electric blankets frequently top the list of fire-related product recalls. Defects may include:
- Overheating elements
- Poor temperature regulation
- Flammable casing materials
- Lack of automatic shutoff features
Injuries from these products range from minor burns to house fires resulting in severe injury or death.
2. Kitchen Appliances
Blenders, microwaves, coffee makers, and air fryers can all pose risks when poorly designed or manufactured. Common issues include:
- Electrical shorts and overheating
- Exploding glass components
- Hot liquid ejection from pressure systems
- Poor insulation of heating elements
Consumers injured while using kitchen appliances may suffer burns, lacerations, or electrical shock.
3. Rechargeable Batteries and Chargers
Lithium-ion batteries power many of our everyday electronics—but they’re also known for catching fire or exploding if defective. Problems may arise from:
- Overcharging
- Battery swelling
- Short-circuiting=
- Incompatible third-party chargers
Defective batteries in laptops, e-bikes, smartphones, and toys can lead to severe burn injuries or property damage.
4. Televisions and Wall-Mounted Screens
Wall-mounted TVs and flat screens can pose hazards if they are poorly designed or improperly installed. Common defects include:
- Faulty mounting brackets
- Unstable stands or bases
- Weak internal supports
- Electrical overheating
These defects can lead to falling injuries or house fires, especially in households with young children.
5. Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, and Personal Care Devices
Personal grooming devices that use heat or electricity often lead to injury when they malfunction. Issues may include:
- Frayed cords causing electrical shock
- Overheating leading to scalp or skin burns
- Fires caused by devices left on
- Inadequate insulation of heating elements
Manufacturers have a duty to ensure that these products are safe for consumer use, even when subjected to daily wear and tear.
How Do Product Defects Lead to Legal Claims?
To hold a manufacturer or seller accountable, it must be shown that:
- The product was defective in design, manufacture, or labeling
- You used the product as intended
- The defect directly caused your injury
In many cases, manufacturers argue that misuse or modifications were the cause of the injury. That’s why evidence preservation—such as retaining the damaged product and taking photos—is essential.
What Should You Do If A Defective Product Injures You?
If a household electronic device injured you, here are a few steps to protect your health and potential claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Save the product, packaging, and purchase receipt
- Take photos of the product and the injury
- Avoid attempting to repair or dispose of the item
- Document all expenses and missed work
- Consult a product liability attorney before speaking with manufacturers or insurance reps
These cases often require expert analysis and investigation to determine where the failure occurred—and who is responsible.
Talk to a Product Liability Lawyer About Your Injury
Defective household electronics can cause lasting injuries, damage your home, and leave you with steep medical bills. You don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone.
If a faulty device has hurt you or someone you love, Rochelle McCullough can help. We’ll investigate the defect, determine who’s liable, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.