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Household appliances are part of everyday life—trusted tools that make cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a home easier and safer. But when an appliance is defective, the results can be devastating. In recent years, Michigan has seen an increase in severe injuries caused by malfunctioning appliances. These incidents often happen without warning, turning ordinary moments into emergencies.
A Growing Problem Across Michigan
Defective appliances have been linked to:
- House fires
- Electrical shocks
- Explosions
- Burns
- Smoke inhalation
- Structural damage to homes
Residents expect their ovens, dryers, space heaters, chargers, and other everyday devices to operate safely. When manufacturers cut corners or fail to test their products thoroughly, families pay the price.
LSM’s Experience in Complex Product Liability Cases
With decades of combined experience, Liss, Shapero & Mitnick has successfully handled a wide range of product liability claims throughout Michigan. Our team understands the complex engineering, manufacturing, and safety standards involved in defective appliance cases. We work tirelessly to uncover what went wrong—and who is responsible.
Committed to Compassion, Integrity & Treating Clients Like Family
At LSM, we know that injury cases are about people—not just legal claims. Clients trust us because we communicate openly, listen carefully, and approach every case with the compassion and integrity families deserve. When you choose our firm, you get a team that treats you like family and stands by your side every step of the way.
What Makes a Household Appliance “Defective”?
Under Michigan product liability law, a household appliance is considered defective when it presents an unreasonable danger during normal or foreseeable use. Defects typically fall into three main categories.
Design Defects
Design defects occur when the blueprint—or fundamental design—of the appliance is unsafe.
Examples include:
- Appliances prone to tipping or instability
- Faulty safety mechanisms that fail to shut down overheating devices
- Electrical systems lacking proper safeguards
- Products that overheat under normal use
- Insufficient or nonexistent fail-safe features
Manufacturing Defects
Manufacturing defects happen when something goes wrong during production or assembly. These defects may affect a single unit, a batch, or an entire line—depending on where the error occurred.
Common examples:
- Wiring mistakes that cause electrical shocks or fires
- Loose internal components
- Missing screws, fasteners, or insulation
- Faulty circuits or sensors
- Cheap or incorrect materials substituted during assembly
Failure to Warn / Inadequate Instructions
Even safe appliances can become dangerous if manufacturers fail to warn consumers about potential risks.
Examples include:
- Missing fire, electrical, or overheating warnings
- Incomplete safety instructions
- Poorly translated or confusing usage manuals
- Not informing customers about known hazards
- Delayed or missing recall notices
Who May Be Liable for a Defective Appliance Injury?
Defective appliance injury cases often involve multiple responsible parties. Michigan product liability law allows injured individuals to pursue claims against any entity in the chain of design, production, distribution, installation, and sale of the defective product.
Appliance Manufacturers
The primary manufacturer may be responsible for:
- Poor design
- Defective engineering
- Inadequate safety features
- Failure to conduct proper testing
Component Manufacturers
Many appliances include parts from different companies. These manufacturers may be liable if:
- A motor overheats
- Wiring is faulty
- A lithium-ion battery explodes
- Electrical components malfunction
Retailers and Online Sellers
Retailers—both large stores and online platforms—can be held responsible for selling:
- Recalled products
- Defective appliances
- Items known to be unsafe
Distributors and Supply-Chain Companies
Companies involved in packaging, transporting, or distributing the appliance may share responsibility if they contributed to damage or failed to follow safety standards.
Installers and Repair Technicians
If improper installation or negligent repair contributed to the malfunction, these individuals or companies may also be liable.
Landlords or Property Owners
When a landlord provides appliances in a rental unit, they must ensure those appliances are safe and functional. If they ignore known defects, they may be partially responsible for resulting injuries.
Multiple Defendants in Complex Cases
Many defective appliance cases involve several liable parties. LSM’s deep experience in product liability litigation allows us to build strong multi-defendant claims that maximize compensation.
Michigan Product Liability Laws in Defective Appliance Cases
Michigan’s Product Liability Statutes
Strict Liability Principles
Under strict liability, you do not have to prove negligence. You only need to show:
- The appliance was defective
- The defect made it unreasonably dangerous
- The defect caused your injury
LSM works with engineers, investigators, and product experts to prove these elements clearly and effectively.
Statute of Limitations
General Time Limits
Michigan sets strict deadlines for filing product liability lawsuits. Waiting too long can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
Exceptions for Severe Injury or Delayed Discovery
Some cases involve injuries that develop over time, such as smoke inhalation complications or internal damage from electrical shock. These situations may qualify for extended deadlines.
Role of Recalls
How Recalls Strengthen Your Claim
A recall can serve as powerful evidence that:
- The manufacturer knew the product was dangerous
- Numerous incidents had been reported
- Safety standards were not met
You Can Still Sue Even If a Product Was Recalled
Manufacturers are not excused from liability simply because they issued a recall—especially if:
- The recall was delayed
- You were never notified
- The company failed to advertise the recall adequately
What to Do After a Defective Appliance Injury
Taking the right steps immediately after an appliance-related injury can significantly strengthen your legal case and ensure your safety.
Get Immediate Medical Care
Having your injuries evaluated and documented right away:
- Protects your health
- Creates vital medical evidence
- Links the injury to the defective appliance
Preserve the Appliance
Preserve everything involved in the incident:
- Do NOT throw the appliance away
- Do NOT return it to the store or manufacturer
- Do NOT attempt to repair it
- Keep broken parts, debris, and packing materials
Save Packaging, Receipts & Manuals
Keep:
- Boxes
- Instruction manuals
- User guides
- Purchase receipts
- Warranty documents
Document the Incident
Take detailed photos or videos of:
- Burn marks or damage to walls and floors
- Scorching or melted components
- Electrical outlets and breakers
- Injury sites on your body
Report the Defective Product
File reports with:
- The manufacturer
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Contact an Attorney Early
Manufacturers and insurers often deny responsibility or blame the victim. LSM steps in early to:
- Protect your rights
- Communicate with insurers
- Preserve and evaluate key evidence
- Begin building a strong product liability claim
Compensation Available in Michigan Defective Appliance Cases
Injuries caused by defective household appliances often leave victims facing overwhelming medical costs, emotional trauma, and long-term financial strain. Michigan law allows victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Medical Bills
Covers emergency treatment, burn care, surgeries, hospitalization, and follow-up appointments.
Hospitalization and Burn Treatments
Severe appliance failures, fires, or explosions often require intensive care, specialized burn units, and ongoing medical interventions.
Rehabilitation and Therapy
Victims may require physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, or long-term rehabilitation.
Lost Wages
If injuries prevent you from working, you may recover the income lost during your recovery.
Future Earning Capacity
For serious injuries that permanently affect your ability to return to your job or earn at the same level.
Property Damage
Including damage caused by fires, smoke, water, or explosions—often affecting kitchens, laundry rooms, electrical systems, and entire homes.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Covers medical devices, prescriptions, transportation to appointments, home repairs, and other related costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering
Burns, electrical injuries, and trauma from fires often cause severe and lasting physical pain.
Emotional Trauma
Appliance-related accidents frequently result in PTSD, anxiety, nightmares, and fear of using appliances again.
Disability or Disfigurement
Burns and electrical injuries can leave permanent scars, impair mobility, or cause nerve damage.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
For victims who can no longer participate in activities they once enjoyed.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a defective appliance leads to a fatal injury, families may seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the loved one’s financial support
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
LSM handles wrongful death cases with deep compassion and unwavering dedication to the families we serve.
Punitive Damages (When Available)
These may be awarded when a manufacturer:
- Acted with reckless disregard for consumer safety
- Ignored known hazards
- Continued selling a product despite reports of injuries
Protecting Michigan Families from Dangerous Appliances
A defective appliance injury can change your life in an instant. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we understand the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burden these incidents bring. You deserve answers—and justice.
Our team approaches every case with compassion and integrity. We fight to hold manufacturers accountable and ensure families receive the compensation they need to rebuild. Early legal involvement is essential to protect evidence and secure the best possible outcome.
At LSM, your safety, recovery, and peace of mind come first. You can trust us to stand by your side, guide you through each step, and treat you with the respect and care you deserve.
Get Your Free Consultation – Your Family’s Safety Comes First
Liss, Shapero & Mitnick 2695 Coolidge Highway
Berkley, MI 48072
Phone: 248-584-1300
Toll-Free: 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529)