Glue guns are hand-held devices that dispense hot glue onto an object, or a surface where you want to attach an object. They’re a staple for handymen, crafting enthusiasts, and art teachers, as they’re easy to use for all kinds of applications. But a product’s user-friendliness doesn’t guarantee that it’s safe. Glue guns have been associated with burn injuries for many years, often due to negligence by the manufacturer.
One story you may be familiar with is the recent recall of 1 million hot glue guns by Dollar Tree. According to the discount retailer, there have been incidents of the Crafter’s Square Glue Gun malfunctioning when it’s plugged in. There have been 7 reports so far of electrical issues resulting in 4 fires and one incident of skin damage. An earlier mass recall took place in 2015, when Sears recalled 13,000 glue guns in the U.S. following reports that the guns were overheating. The guns, which were sold as a part of Sears Craftsman’s Instant-On Border Kits, posed a serious risk of fire and burn injuries.
If you sustained an injury or property damage while using a glue gun, you may be able to sue the manufacturer for compensation. However, it’s important to act quickly to ensure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner. To learn more about your rights as a burn injury victim, contact the attorneys of Normandie Law Firm.
What Makes Glue Guns Dangerous
Hot glue guns are generally safe, which is why they’re so widely used. However, there are safety measures you should take to avoid injuring yourself. For example, make sure to read the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions before using the product. Then, check for any cracks or other signs of wear and tear in the gun or nozzle. Frayed electrical cords and exposed wiring is another red flag, and a product exhibiting any of these signs should be returned immediately.
But what if you’ve taken the proper precautions and you’re still burned by a defective glue gun? In that case, you may be able to sue the manufacturer for damages that were caused by the product. We’ll talk about that later, but for now, let’s go over the injuries that you can sustain from a defective glue gun.
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Injuries Commonly Associated with Glue Guns
Glue guns are electrical devices that heat glue sticks at extremely high temperatures. These temperatures range from 170 degrees to 380 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the glue guns to get extremely hot. When you combine that with defective parts or faulty wiring, it’s only a matter of time before an accident happens. Below are some of the most common injuries that involve defective glue guns:
- First degree to third degree burns
- Eye injuries
- Permanent scarring
Glue guns can also cause electrical shocks if they short circuit while they’re plugged in. This can cause extremely serious injuries, including:
- Cataracts or another type of vision loss
- Irregular heartbeat
- Compartment syndrome (compression of the arteries from muscle damage)
- Hearing loss
- Nerve damage
If you’ve had an electric shock while using a glue gun, see a doctor immediately and keep an eye out for symptoms, like swelling, headaches, and trouble breathing. After you seek treatment, please give us a call so that we can advise you of your rights as an injury victim.
Common Glue Gun Defects
Glue guns can be cordless or plug-in, and are generally classified as low temperature, high temperature, and dual temperature. Low temperature guns are best for crafters and children, whereas experienced adult crafters may opt for a high temperature model. Dual temperature guns can switch between low and high temperature settings, making them ideal for home improvement or professional use. Any of these models can pose a risk of injury when there are manufacturer defects. These defects include:
- Faulty wiring that can result in electrical fires.
- Broken temperature gage that can lead to burns or fires.
- Leaking nozzles that can burn the user with hot glue.
- Design flaws with the placement of parts that can burn the user.
- Cracked or chipped casing that can compromise internal parts.
- Malfunctioning or insufficient power supply (cords and chargers)
One problem consumers run into when claiming damages is manufacturer liability. In order to file a glue gun injury lawsuit, you would have to prove that the above defects or any other issue that led to your injury was the fault of the manufacturer. The insurance company representing the manufacturer will often deny responsibility in the accident, saying that you had burned yourself by being careless or not following product instructions. If there is a fire, they may claim that the electrical issues were within your own home and not related to their product. A lawyer experienced in defective product lawsuits can overcome these arguments and take the necessary legal actions to recover your losses.
To learn more about your rights and legal options, schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
Compensation You Can Sue for in a Glue Gun Injury Lawsuit
A lawsuit for glue gun related injuries can include several types of compensation, including:
- Medical costs for doctor’s visits, medication, etc.
- Lost wages for time off at work as a result of your accident.
- Pain and suffering for emotional trauma.
- Property damage, particularly in the case of fires.
There may be other types of damages you can recover, depending on your own circumstances. To ensure you are fully compensated for your injuries, consult the product recall lawyers of Normandie.
Average Case Value for a Defective Glue Gun Lawsuit
The value of your case depends on many factors, including the type and degree of your injuries and the amount of your losses as a result of those injuries. If your injuries are very serious, it could be months or years before you are fully recovered. You may even have to live with the injury for the rest of your life, and need on-going treatment to manage the symptoms. Then, there’s the emotional trauma associated with your accident, which can cause depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental disorders.
While we can’t give you a specific number, we’ve settled minor injury cases for around $15,000 to $50,000. These claims typically involve first degree burns and light property damage from defective glue guns. Lawsuits with more serious injuries and major property damage were settled for $500,000 or more. As you can see, case values vary widely, so it’s best to go over the details of your accident with a knowledgeable attorney.
Our defective product lawyers look forward to reviewing your case and bringing you adequate compensation for your injuries.
How Long Does it Take to Get Paid in a Glue Gun Injury Lawsuit?
If your injuries are minor, there’s a good chance you’ll be paid within a few months. However, that all depends on the manufacturer admitting liability and cooperating to make you a fair offer. Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently offer low settlements and hope that the customer is desperate enough to accept it. They’re not wrong, frankly, especially if the victim doesn’t have an attorney. A lawyer will help you calculate an amount that will cover not just your injuries, but for your other losses, like lost wages and pain and suffering. Additionally, they will fight aggressively to hold the manufacturer responsible and take legal action when there are games or stall tactics.
For victims with serious injuries like multiple third degree burns, legal representation is an absolute necessity, as companies will fight these claims to the bitter end. Case values for these lawsuits can range in the hundreds of thousands, maybe over a million depending on the full extent of the injuries. These lawsuits may go to trial, or at least mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in which case it could be a year or more until your lawsuit is settled.
Our lawyers have the skill and knowledge to see your case through to the end. Call us today and find out how you can file for compensation in a glue gun injury lawsuit.
Normandie is On Your Side
When someone else is responsible for your injury, they should be the ones paying for your medical costs and other damages. They should also cover your legal fees, which is why you are never charged upfront for any of our services. That’s right – all the work we do for you is free. Our fees are paid by the manufacturer once we win your case, and if we lose, you pay us nothing at all. That’s our promise to you under our Zero fee guarantee. The only thing you have to lose is time between your injury and compensation for your losses, so give us a call and schedule a free consultation.
We look forward to assisting you in your path to recovery.
