Details To Prove In A Lighter Explosion Injury Case
If you use lighters to light cigarettes or fires in your fireplace or for other similar, everyday purposes, you've probably done so countless times without incident. There's a small chance, however, of a lighter exploding when you use it—and this could lead to a serious injury. The average lighter is unlikely to explode, but if you happen to be using one with a defect from the manufacturer, such a situation could arise. You may face burns on your fingers, hand, or even up your arm as a result of this issue. You'll want to hire a personal injury attorney and bring a suit against the lighter manufacturer. Here are some details about the lighter and the explosion that you'll want to prove.
You Were Using It Normally
You shouldn't be surprised to know that the legal team of the lighter manufacturer is going to point blame at you once legal proceedings begin. The attorneys may insinuate that you were using the lighter in an irresponsible manner, and that was why it exploded. Proving that you were using the lighter normally can seem like a challenge, but several details can work in your favor. For example, if you were trying to light a cigarette while drinking your morning coffee, it's unlikely that you were using the lighter abnormally or irresponsibly.
It Was Filled With The Right Fuel
If you were injured by a non-disposable lighter, the defendant's legal team might suggest that you'd filled the lighter with an unapproved product that was more volatile. A chemical assessment of the accident scene may work in your favor, but there is other evidence that can help. For example, if you used standard lighter fluid and have the bottle on hand, this can be helpful to you. It would be far-fetched for the defendant's attorneys to suggest that you had regular lighter fluid in the house but decided to fill the lighter with something more dangerous.
You Hadn't Tampered With It
The defendant's attorneys might also suggest that you'd somehow tampered with the lighter in a manner that made it dangerous to use, thus absolving their client from any legal responsibility for your accident and subsequent injury. Physical proof in the form of the lighter will be helpful, but if it was severely damaged in the explosion, this proof may be difficult to get. Other factors can help you. For example, if you just bought the lighter at a convenience store and it exploded while you were using it a short while later, the receipt that shows the time of the purchase may help. It's difficult to argue that you bought the lighter, immediately tampered with it, and then caused harm to yourself.
For more information, reach out to a personal injury attorney service.