A 14-year-old girl is reportedly fighting for her life after she was severely burned during a New Year’s Eve bonfire in Fort Pierce, Florida. The girl was roasting marshmallows when a nearby gas can exploded and engulfed her in flames. Friends were able to put the fire out, but they were also burned. After being airlifted to Kendall Medical Center, the girl underwent multiple life-saving surgeries. However, she suffered burns to over 95 percent of her body and still has a long fight ahead. A family friend told press outlets that the girl suffered burns everywhere except the bottom of her feet.
There are cases where defective gas cans have killed or injured consumers after exploding. Blitz, a gas can manufacturer that has since gone out of business, had been hit with dozens of lawsuits since 1994 over gas can explosions. Victims and their surviving family members also filed lawsuits against Walmart, a retailer that carried Blitz gas cans.
Manufacturers failed to implement a basic and inexpensive safety device in its gas cans. It is known that flame arrestors could have prevented gas cans from exploding without warning. Walmart and Blitz reached a $161 million settlement with gas can explosion victims. Lawsuits are still being filed for injuries and deaths caused by defective gas cans.
Colson Hicks Eidson Has Experience with Product Liability Lawsuits
Colson Hicks Eidson has extensive experience with product liability cases. Our Florida product liability attorneys have brought consumer products cases against major corporations, such as Honda, Bridgestone/Firestone, General Motors and Chrysler. If you or a loved one were harmed by a defective consumer product, then you can speak with one of our attorneys at no cost.
We can answer any questions you may have, and which options might be available for seeking damages against the manufacturer or other parties. You may call us at 305-476-7400 or you could describe your situation by filling out our online contact form.
