Faulty Fridge Fire: Compensation Claim For Injuries & Property Damage From A Defective Fridge
Using an online faulty fridge fire question – we explain how to claim compensation when a new fridge catches fire due to a manufacturing defect causing breathing difficulties, carbon monoxide poisoning, psychological injury and property damage.
Faulty Fridge Fire Question
Is there a possibility of claiming compensation for a faulty fridge fire?
New fridge purchase
We purchased a new fridge freezer from a kitchen appliance store. It was delivered and installed by the store and we were told not to turn it on until the next day to let the fluids settle.
Smoke detector sounding
As instructed, we turned it on for the first time the next day and that night we were woken up by the smoke detector sounding. We quickly realised the house was on fire & was blocking our exit, so we called the fire brigade who rescued us from a bedroom window and put out the fire.
House fire caused by fridge freezer
An investigation took place and we were told that the cause of the fire was the fridge freezer. The fridge had a fault and caught fire, causing a fire in kitchen, spreading toxic smoke through the whole of our terraced house.
Smoke exposure
We were in the house with the fire for about an hour and thick black smoke was billowing into our bedroom. It was a terrifying experience.
Ambulance attended and blood tests performed
An ambulance attended at the scene, we were given oxygen and later at hospital tests were done showing severe carbon monoxide poisoning – the content of carboxyhaemoglobin in our blood was found to be over 30%.
Breathing difficulties
Both my husband and I have a cough, breathing difficulties and chest pains – we have been referred to see a specialist at the hospital for smoke inhalation.
Other reports of fires from same model of fridge
We later learned that there had been other reports of fires from the same make and model of fridge freezer. We understand a recall of this particular fridge has now been commissioned by the manufacturer.
Psychological injuries
As well as our carbon monoxide poisoning and breathing difficulties, I am struggling sleeping at night due to nightmares. In the day I suffer from flashbacks and panic attacks.
Property damage
We also lost a lot of property in the fire.
Faulty Fridge Fire Solicitor Response
Claim from manufacturer
There would seem to be a strong possibility of a claim from the manufacturer for product liability.
Must show fridge defect led to injury
It would need to be proven that the fridge was defective and this defect led to injury & property loss.
Model recall
You have already indicated that an investigation revealed the faulty fridge fire as the cause of the house fire and the recall of the model is supportive of this fact.
The claim would primarily be against the fridge freezer manufacturer.
See our product liability injury claims article explaining how to prove a product liability claim.
Proving a product liability claim
Compensation for injury, property damage and financial loss
Your claim would be for compensation for personal injury, property damage and any other financial losses and expenses.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
It sounds that the carbon monoxide poisoning was severe with a reading of over 30% carboxyhaemoglobin in the blood.
The extent of the carbon monoxide poisoning would need to be explored by an independent medical expert for the purpose of the claim. The expert will examine you, have access to your hospital and GP notes to produce a report describing the extent of your injuries, how long any ongoing symptoms may last and any permanent damage that might have been caused.
Psychological injury
In addition, you would likely need to be assessed by a further medical expert for psychological injury, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or some other form of adjustment disorder.
For the symptoms and risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation – see the NHS online guidance.
Specialist Solicitor Free Help
We find the most people prefer to discuss making a claim before deciding whether to go ahead with a faulty fridge fire claim.
We offer a number of online and telephone free help services. options include asking a question online or by direct dial call, claim assessments, and much more.
Personal injury claims guides
We have also set out the claims process for all manner of personal injury claim in our compensation claims process guide.
