What to Do If a Defective Appliance Causes a Fire

Do you know what to do if an appliance in your home catches fire? The steps you take in the seconds, minutes, and hours that follow can have a huge impact on your ability to restore your property and recover compensation from your insurer. Here’s an overview of what to do if a defective appliance causes a fire, the immediate steps you should take to keep yourself safe, and what you should do in the aftermath to protect your rights. Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group for a free personal injury consultation.

Immediate Safety Response When an Appliance Fire Occurs

If you’re at home when an appliance fire breaks out, safety should be your top priority. Start by unplugging the appliance if it’s safe to do so. If flames or smoke begin to spread, evacuate immediately and call 911 from outside. Warn others in your home, close the doors behind you to slow the fire, and stay out until firefighters give you the all clear to go back inside.

If you’re away when the fire starts, notify the fire department and utility companies, such as gas and electric, to prevent further damage. Do not re-enter the home until the authorities confirm it’s safe.

If someone suffers burns or experiences breathing trouble, make sure they get medical care right away. Once the fire is contained, avoid disturbing the scene or handling the appliance. Investigators might need to inspect it later to determine whether a defect contributed to the fire.

Document Everything for Your Records

The documentation you collect can make or break your insurance claim after a defective appliance fire. Once firefighters confirm the property is safe, take wide and close-up photos of every affected area, including the appliance, surrounding walls, outlets, and any burned items. Record the damage thoroughly before you start any cleanup or repairs.

Keep all fire reports, hospital records, and repair estimates together in one place. Save receipts for hotel stays, cleanup services, and replacement items, too. Write down a timeline of the event, including when you first noticed signs of trouble, who responded, and how the fire was handled. Record the brand, model, and serial number of the appliance and save the user manual and packaging if you still have them. Avoid discarding any parts, cords, or debris. These details can help investigators identify whether the appliance failed because of a design flaw or other defect.

Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately

Report the fire to your homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible. Share the date, time, and general circumstances of the fire, but be careful with your wording. Avoid giving opinions about what caused the fire or accepting fault. Simply state what you observed and what first responders told you. Insurance adjusters record conversations and may use your statements to limit payouts later.

Ask for your claim number, the adjuster’s contact information, and a full copy of your policy. Document each conversation and save all emails and letters from your insurer. If the company sends inspectors or contractors to your home, note their visits and ask for written reports.

Do not sign any settlement documents or release forms without reviewing them carefully. A lawyer familiar with fire-related product liability claims can review your policy, communicate with adjusters for you, and help you pursue compensation from both your insurer and any responsible parties.

Identifying Product Defects That Cause Fires

In a recent three-year span, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported an average of more than 20,000 residential structure fires each year involving electrical cooking equipment and other home appliances. These incidents cause thousands of injuries and millions in property losses.

Many appliance fires start because of product defects that make normal use unsafe. Common defects include faulty wiring, overheating components, or electrical shorts. Poor-quality materials, missing safety shutoff features, and bad design choices can also lead to dangerous malfunctions. Even small appliances like toasters can ignite if a defect causes them to draw too much current or fail to turn off properly.

If your fire started because of a malfunctioning product, save the appliance and any remaining parts. A product liability lawyer can help you arrange expert testing to confirm whether a manufacturing, design, or labeling defect might have caused the fire.

Legal Options and Manufacturer Liability

If a defective appliance caused a fire in your home, you could have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. Georgia law allows consumers to hold these parties responsible if their products fail to meet reasonable safety standards and cause harm as a result.

With a product liability claim, you can seek compensation for property damage, medical bills, income losses, and emotional distress. You’ll need evidence linking the fire directly to the defect to build a strong case. That might include inspection reports, expert analyses, and maintenance or purchase records.

Even if you used the appliance correctly, the manufacturer might try to blame you for misuse. Avoid discussing fault with anyone representing the manufacturer or insurer. An attorney can handle communication and negotiations on your behalf while you focus on recovery. Holding manufacturers accountable not only helps you recover from your losses but can also push companies to fix dangerous designs or issue recalls that protect other consumers.

Preventing Future Appliance Fires

While you can’t prevent every product defect, you can take simple steps to reduce your risk of another appliance fire. Here’s what you can do:

Unplug small appliances when not in use and inspect cords for fraying or discoloration.
Replace damaged cords immediately instead of taping or twisting them.
Avoid overloading outlets. Use only surge protectors that meet safety standards.
Follow manufacturer instructions and register new appliances so you’ll receive recall alerts.
Schedule regular maintenance for larger systems such as stoves, dryers, and HVAC units.
Keep flammable materials away from heat-producing devices.
Never leave cooking equipment unattended.
If an appliance gives off a burning smell, sparks, or trips a breaker, stop using it until a qualified technician checks it.

Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group

If a defective appliance fire damaged your home or caused harm to you or your loved ones, The Scott Pryor Law Group can review your situation and help you explore your legal options. Our team fights for Georgia families dealing with serious loss and has achieved multimillion-dollar results for clients across the state. Contact us today for your free consultation to learn how we can help you recover.

Scott Pryor

Managing Attorney | CEO

Scott is a U.S. Marine Veteran. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is listed in the top 1% of trial attorneys in the nation by the Litigator Awards. He is also a member of Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association—Champion Level and sits on the Communications Committee of GTLA and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.