Winter has arrived, which means any source of heat is beneficial and appreciated.
One increasingly popular commodity to spread warmth is gas fireplaces. These fireplaces are a convenient, cozy place to gather with your loved ones, but they pose a dangerous threat, particularly fireplaces protected by a glass front. The glass can reach 1,300 degrees and can remain hot for up to an hour after use. The glass barriers also heat up incredibly quick – heating to more than 200º F in just 6 minutes.
While the purpose of the glass front is to protect people from fire-related accidents or burns, the glass itself has been the cause of many gas fireplace-related burns. Sealed glass-front gas fireplaces have been responsible for causing severe and disfiguring burn injuries, often requiring skin grafts.
Gas Fireplace Glass Burn Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one was burned from a glass-front gas fireplace, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Call (877) 562-0000 now or fill out our free consultation form.
Who is at Most Risk for Gas Fireplace Burn Injuries?
Studies show that young children and the elderly, who may not be fully aware of the potential risks that glass-front gas fireplaces can pose, are most at risk. These groups are also more likely to accidentally stumble into the hot glass.
More than 2,000 children ages 5 and under were burned by glass-front gas fireplaces over a 10-year period, according to pediatric burn studies.
One Wisconsin hospital alone saw 25 children admitted for serious fireplace glass burn injuries to their hands and fingers in just one year. Hospitals nationwide have seen an influx of these burns over time as fireplace glass doors have increased in popularity among homeowners and renters alike.
Protecting Your Child from Gas Fireplaces
Perhaps the biggest reason gas fireplaces are so dangerous for infants and toddlers in particular is because they simply do not understand the danger that fire poses. If they are old enough to understand, they may not yet be aware that the glass itself can also get incredibly hot. As a parent, you can help ensure your child’s safety in the following ways:
- Most importantly, if your child is old enough, tell them to never touch the glass.
- Place a second barrier in front of the glass – a small gate, screen, or other natural shield – far enough away to keep the fireplace doors and any brick out of reach.
- Always keep your eyes on your child. Remember that it takes up to an hour for the glass to fully cool down after turning off the fire.
- Ensure that your child cannot easily obtain, or flip, the on/off switch or remote.
- Remember the acronym G.L.A.S.S.– developed by Children’s Hospital Colorado:
- "G" for Gate
- "L" for Look
- "A" for Aware
- "S" for Switch
- "S" for Shut off
Unfortunately, many fireplace manufacturers have failed to properly warn consumers of the potentially catastrophic dangers their products pose. They have also failed to offer consumers screens, guards, or other barriers designed to reduce the burn risk associated with these glass-front gas fireplaces.
Popular manufacturers and brands of glass front gas fireplaces include:
- Innovative Hearth Products
- Lennox Hearth Products
- Superior Fireplaces
- Astria Fireplaces
- Heath and Home Technologies (HHT)
- Heatilator
- Heat & Glo
- Majestic
- Monessen
Gas Fireplace Burn Injury Lawyers
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we help people nationwide get the help they deserve after they’ve been injured. We’re available to help 24/7– call (877) 562-0000 or fill out our free consultation form online.
The legal team at Cory Watson Attorneys has 38 years of experience dealing with personal injury cases nationwide. We have the resources and knowledge necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one were burned by a glass-front gas fireplace.
Don’t wait to reach out. Give us a call at (877) 562-0000 or fill out our free consultation form to get started today.
ABOUT CORY WATSON ATTORNEYS
Cory Watson Attorneys is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm with offices in Birmingham, Alabama as well as Memphis, and Nashville, Tennessee. The firm has recovered more than $4 Billion for clients across the country. Cory Watson Attorneys are frequently at the forefront of major class actions and multidistrict litigations involving product liability related to serious injuries from defective products and are often appointed to leadership positions in national cases. Firm practice areas include Personal Injury, Product Liability, Class Action, Asbestos, Business & Commercial Litigation, Dangerous Pharmaceuticals, Defective Medical Devices, and Environmental/Toxic Torts