Household Appliances: Everyday Essentials, Unexpected Dangers

Most of us use household appliances without a second thought. Whether it’s reheating dinner in the microwave, doing laundry, or cooking on the stovetop, these machines are essential to modern life. But the consequences can be serious when something goes wrong, a malfunction, a defect, or a hidden hazard.

Thousands of people are injured yearly in accidents caused by faulty stoves, dryers, microwaves, and other home appliances. Burns, fires, electrocutions, and other injuries can happen in an instant, and often, the problem traces back to a product defect or design flaw.

At Morgan & Morgan, we help consumers hold manufacturers accountable when defective household appliances cause harm. If a dangerous appliance has injured you or a loved one, you may have a legal right to seek compensation.

When Appliances Turn Dangerous

While most appliances are built with safety in mind, even the best designs can fail. In some cases, the issue is a manufacturing defect; in others, it’s a lack of adequate warning or improper installation.

Common examples of appliance-related dangers include:

• Stoves and ovens: Gas leaks, faulty igniters, and overheating can lead to burns, fires, or explosions. In electric models, wiring issues can cause electric shocks or short circuits.
• Dryers: Lint buildup is a well-known fire hazard, but internal component failures can cause overheating and combustion, sometimes even when the appliance is off.
• Microwaves: Door seal failures, improper shielding, or defective components can lead to radiation leakage, sparks, and fires.
• Refrigerators: Electrical faults, faulty compressors, or flammable insulation can create serious fire hazards.
• Dishwashers: Water and electricity don’t mix, but in some defective units, poor wiring or design flaws lead to electrical shorts, fires, or flooding.

Even a minor malfunction can cause significant damage to your home and personal injury. Unfortunately, many of these issues do not result from user error; they stem from problems that should have been caught before the product reached your home.

Types of Injuries from Appliance Accidents

When an appliance fails, the resulting injuries can be severe and life-altering. Common injuries include:

• Thermal burns: Contact with overheated surfaces, flames, or boiling liquids.
• Electrical burns or shocks: Resulting from faulty wiring, exposed conductors, or defective insulation.
• Smoke inhalation or respiratory issues: Caused by appliance fires, chemical releases, or toxic fumes.
• Lacerations: From shattered components, sharp edges, or exploding parts.
• Traumatic injuries: Including falls or blunt force trauma when appliances suddenly move, fall, or explode.

In serious cases, victims may require hospitalization, surgery, or long-term care. Injuries may result in permanent scarring, disability, or even loss of life.

Understanding Product Liability

If an appliance injury occurred because of a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn, you may have a product liability case. Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for placing dangerous or defective products into the hands of consumers.

There are generally three types of product defects:

• Design defects: The product is inherently unsafe due to its design, even when used as intended.
• Manufacturing defects: The design is sound, but something went wrong during production, assembly, or shipping.
• Marketing defects (failure to warn): The manufacturer failed to provide adequate instructions, warnings, or safety information.

In these cases, proving negligence isn’t always required. If you used the appliance correctly and it still caused harm, you may be entitled to compensation under strict liability laws.

What to Do If You’re Injured

If a household appliance has hurt you, take the following steps to protect your health and rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries.
• Document the scene—take photos of the appliance, your injuries, and any damage to your home.
• Preserve the product—don’t throw it away. It may serve as vital evidence.
• Collect receipts and warranties that show proof of purchase and model information.
• Contact a product liability attorney to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we have extensive experience handling product liability cases, including those involving defective household appliances. Our attorneys work with engineers, fire investigators, and product safety experts to build strong, evidence-backed claims for our clients.

We may be able to help you recover damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

From Kitchen to Courtroom, We’ve Got Your Back

A trusted name on your countertop shouldn't be a source of danger. If a faulty household appliance has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation, and Morgan & Morgan is here to fight for you.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. When corporations put profits over safety, we stand up For The People.