Can You Sue for a Burn Injury Caused by a Defective Product in Colorado?

When a Product Turns Dangerous

We rely on consumer products every day—from phones and laptops to kitchen appliances, vehicles, and tools. Most of us never consider the possibility that these everyday items could cause serious harm. Unfortunately, defective products are a common cause of injuries, especially burn injuries. When a product malfunctions or lacks proper warnings, the results can be catastrophic. Burns are not only physically painful, but they also come with emotional trauma, permanent scarring, and high medical costs.

If you’ve suffered a burn injury due to a faulty product in Colorado, you may be wondering if you have legal grounds to hold someone responsible. The answer is yes. In many cases, Colorado law allows injured consumers to file a lawsuit against manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and others involved in the product’s design, production, or sale. These are known as product liability claims, and they’re a crucial way for injury victims to pursue compensation for their losses.

What Makes a Product Legally “Defective”?

To win a burn injury lawsuit based on a defective product, you must prove that the item was flawed in some way that made it unreasonably dangerous. Colorado recognizes three primary types of defects that can form the foundation of a legal claim:

• Design Defects: The product is inherently unsafe due to its original design. Even if manufactured properly, it poses a danger during normal use.
• Manufacturing Defects: A problem occurs during the manufacturing process that results in a one-off or batch of unsafe products, even though the design is sound.
• Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn): The product lacked proper instructions or warnings, which made it dangerous in certain foreseeable situations.

For example, if a space heater overheats and ignites nearby furniture despite being used according to the manual, that could point to a design or manufacturing defect. If the heater lacked a warning label cautioning against placement near flammable objects, that could support a claim based on failure to warn.

In Colorado, many of these cases fall under the concept of strict liability. That means you don’t necessarily have to prove that the manufacturer was careless or negligent. You only need to prove that the product was defective, you used it as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way, and the defect caused your injury.

Products Commonly Linked to Burn Injuries

Burn injuries caused by faulty products can happen in homes, vehicles, workplaces, and public spaces. Here are some of the most common products known to cause serious burns when defective:

• Electrical appliances like toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers
• Chargers, power banks, and lithium-ion batteries
• Hair dryers, curling irons, and other grooming devices
• Portable heaters and heating pads
• Flammable children’s toys or clothing
• Kitchen gadgets with overheating issues
• Automobiles with faulty fuel systems or electrical issues
• Industrial equipment and tools without proper safeguards

These items, when poorly manufactured or designed, can cause fires, explosions, or intense surface temperatures. In some cases, defects may not be immediately obvious, but they can still pose serious long-term risks.

Building a Strong Legal Case

To pursue compensation successfully, your legal team must build a clear and compelling case. That means proving several key facts:

1. The product was defective: Evidence may include expert analysis, recall history, and prior consumer complaints.
2. The defect caused your injuries: Your attorney will establish a direct connection between the flaw and your burn injury.
3. You were using the product as intended: Or in a way that could be reasonably expected.
4. You suffered losses: Including physical injuries, medical costs, lost income, pain, and emotional suffering.

Preserving the defective product is vital. Don’t discard it or attempt to repair it. Keep the item in a safe place, take photos, and gather any packaging, receipts, or instruction manuals. These can serve as crucial evidence in your case.

Our burn injury attorneys understand how to investigate these types of incidents, consult with experts, and hold large manufacturers accountable. The sooner we can evaluate the details of your injury, the more effectively we can begin developing a case strategy.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover?

Burn injury victims often deal with intense physical pain, emotional distress, and significant disruption to their daily lives. The financial impact can be overwhelming, especially when treatment includes hospital stays, skin grafts, or long-term care. When you file a claim, your compensation may cover:

• Medical expenses—both current and future
• Rehabilitation and reconstructive surgery
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement and loss of mobility
• Loss of quality of life or emotional trauma

In some cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These are awarded when a company’s behavior was especially reckless or dangerous—for example, if they ignored known safety issues or failed to recall a hazardous product.

Colorado’s Legal Deadlines for Filing a Claim

Every state has a legal time limit for filing personal injury claims, and Colorado is no exception. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If the injury occurred due to a motor vehicle defect, you may have three years under Colorado’s car accident statute.

Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to recover compensation altogether, so it’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence, gather witness statements, and secure documentation before it becomes unavailable.

Contact Pribila & Fields Today For Your Burn Injury Case

A burn injury can change your life in seconds. When that injury is caused by a defective product, you shouldn’t be left to deal with the consequences alone. Manufacturers, designers, and retailers must be held to high safety standards. If their failure to do so has caused you harm, you deserve justice.

Contact us today to discuss your case with a burn injury attorney in Colorado Springs. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, evaluate your options, and work hard to secure the compensation you need to move forward with strength and peace of mind.