Burn Injuries from Defective Products in North Dakota

Whether it’s a toaster, curling iron, or many other everyday consumer products, there is a chance that a defect can lead to severe injuries, including burns. While some defective products simply don’t work, others become hazards– they may even explode, melt, or leak hazardous chemicals that shouldn’t be there in the first place. And when that happens? It can change everything.

Burn injuries aren’t just painful—they’re personal. They scar. They linger. And too often, victims are left wondering, “Was this my fault?” If a product hurt you, the law may be on your side. Let’s talk about what North Dakota law says and how a burn injury lawyer can help.

What causes burn injuries from defective products?

Products are supposed to be reasonably safe. Period. When you plug in a device or use a household chemical, you shouldn’t have to brace for injury.

But defective products can cause serious burns in more ways than one. Some examples include:

• Appliances that catch fire or overheat
• Lithium-ion batteries that explode
• Poorly made clothing that catches fire too easily
• Space heaters with faulty wiring
• Chemical products that spill or splash due to weak packaging or inadequate warnings

These aren’t isolated events. If a product has a flaw in its design, was manufactured incorrectly, or fails to warn you about risks, that’s a red flag.

What does North Dakota law say about product liability?

North Dakota has a set of rules designed to hold manufacturers accountable. These fall under what’s called product liability law (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01.3). The idea is simple: if a company makes something that harms you, they may be responsible.

There are three main types of product defects:

1. Design defects – when the product is dangerous by design, even before it’s made.
2. Manufacturing defects – something went wrong during production.
3. Failure to warn – the product lacked proper warnings or instructions.

If your injury was caused by one of these defects, the company that made—or sold— the product could be liable.

And no, you don’t have to prove they did it on purpose. Just that the product was defective, and that defect led to your injury.

What to do after a burn injury from a defective product

Burns can be deceptive. What looks like a minor blister can quickly become a serious infection. The most important thing you can do? Get medical attention immediately.

Once you’re safe, do this:

• Photograph everything – the injury, the product, any packaging, and where it happened.
• Save the product – don’t throw it away. It might be key evidence.
• Keep records – hospital bills, receipts, emails, anything related to the incident.

This might feel overwhelming. You’re hurt. You’re probably angry. But the evidence you gather now could make or break your case.

Can you sue the manufacturer?

Yes. And often, you can sue more than just the manufacturer.

Depending on the situation, you might also have a case against:

• The distributor
• The retailer
• Any third party that played a role in getting the defective product to you

These are usually civil lawsuits, meaning you’re suing for financial compensation. You could recover money for:

• Medical bills (present and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• And in extreme cases (those involving actual malice, oppression, or fraud), punitive damages—to punish the manufacturer

A burn injury lawyer can help you figure out who to hold accountable, and how much your claim is really worth.

Watch out for these common defenses

Companies don’t usually roll over and accept the blame. Their lawyers are trained to minimize payouts, or deny responsibility altogether.

The company may claim:

• “You used the product incorrectly.”
• “You modified it in a way that made it unsafe.”
• “The statute of limitations has expired.”

Let’s talk about that last one.

In North Dakota, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is six years (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16). That sounds like plenty of time, right?

Not always. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move. Medical records get buried. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Why product liability cases are different

Burn injury cases caused by defective products aren’t like other injury claims. They often require:

• Expert testimony – engineers, fire investigators, product safety specialists
• Scientific evidence – proving a defect isn’t always obvious
• Corporate documents – and the fight to get them can be brutal

This isn’t a job for just anyone. It takes a legal team that understands product liability law inside and out. Someone who’s been down this road before and knows how to deal with a company that would rather settle quietly than admit fault.

How a burn injury lawyer helps

Think of your attorney as more than just a legal voice. They’re your investigator, advocate, and negotiator. Here’s what a burn injury lawyer actually does for you:

• Secures and preserves the defective product as evidence
• Gathers all documentation and medical records
• Investigates the product’s design, warnings, and manufacturing history
• Contacts expert witnesses to support your claim
• Negotiates with insurance companies
• Prepares your case for trial, if necessary

Most importantly, they know what your injuries are really worth—and how to demand it.

Burned? Don’t wait.

Burn injuries don’t just heal and go away. They scar. They leave trauma. And they can haunt your life in ways people don’t talk about.

The burns themselves are bad enough. But the medical bills? The missed work? The fear of using anything that plugs into a wall?

It adds up.

If a defective product caused your injuries, you don’t have to handle it alone. You have rights. And you have options.

Let us help you move forward

At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we know how devastating burn injuries can be—physically, emotionally, and financially. If your injuries were caused by a defective product, we’re ready to step in and fight for what’s fair.

We can investigate the product, preserve the evidence, and hold the right people accountable. We’ve helped clients across North Dakota—including Fargo, Minot, and Bismarck—navigate cases just like yours.

Contact our burn injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Call our office or fill out our contact form to speak with someone who listens, understands, and takes action.

Because you deserve more than an apology. You deserve justice. And we know how to get it.