Winter Home Hazards

Chicago is known as the “Windy City” for a reason. And when the frigid winter air comes in off of Lake Michigan, the first thing one wants to do is get warm. Nearly any indoor establishment will do. But when the hot chocolate or coffee is unable to solve the problem, if the schedule allows it, even the hardiest Chicagoans are usually homeward bound.

At home, they can take comfort in the pleasures of being in their own space. But wearing pajamas and curling up on the couch are sometimes not enough to overcome the chill, especially in some of the city’s older, less insulated residences. In these cases, people often resort to methods of heating a home or one’s self that, while generally safe, have the potential to be harmful, or even fatal if one does not exercise great caution or if a product is defective.

If you have been burned, suffered property damage, or poisoning due to unsafe home appliances, contact the Chicago product liability attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. at 312-466-8200.

The Usual Suspects

One of the great conveniences for those living in cold weather climates without central heating is the portable space heater. Designed to heat their immediate vicinity, these devices may either distribute heat in one direction or fill an entire space. Either may pose a safety hazard, though, because if it is gas-based, carbon monoxide and other toxic leaks are possible. If the heating mechanism malfunctions or if the stand proves to be unstable, what had been a cold room may become a terrifying blaze.

The other heat-giving help that may do more harm than good is the electric blanket. If substandard wiring is used, then the blanket may catch fire, or become burning hot with a surge in electrical flow. A short circuit might electrocute an unsuspecting sleeper. The responsibility of manufacturing a safe product lies with the company that makes the blanket, and if you are hurt by their negligence, you may be entitled to pursue a legal action against them.

Contact Us

The desire to stay warm should not have to come with the threat of severe injury or death. If a defective home heating product has burned, literally or figuratively, you or a loved one, contact the Chicago product liability attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. at 312-466-8200.