Analyzing The Fire Pit Lawsuits

Colsen, Wayfair, and Amazon are three companies with one thing in common: They’re all facing lawsuits related to fire pits they either manufactured or sold. In this article, the Florida product liability lawyers at Halpern, Santos, & Pinkert will discuss the allegations made in the fire pit lawsuits in detail.

Hominski et al. v. Gusar, LLC; Colsen Fire Pits, LLC; Wayfair LLC 

This case was filed by Kayla and Nicholas Hominski. They allege that while they were refueling their tabletop fire pit, Kayla experienced a sudden flame “whoosh” that engulfed her in flames. This resulted in severe burns. The plaintiffs allege that design of the firepit was defective and that Colsen failed to warn purchasers about a known defect (flame jetting). The defendants are also accused of negligent distribution.

Little v. Amazon.com, Inc.; Colsen, LLC; Gusar, LLC 

In this case, the plaintiff, Sandra Little, alleged that a tabletop fire pit purchased from Amazon in December 2021 “flame-jetted” in March 2023 when her family added more fuel. This caused severe burns to her child (identified as A.L.) on their chest, hands, legs, and scalp. This included hair loss. According to the complaint, the fire pit was defectively designed. The plaintiffs also allege that the defendants failed to warn them about the dangerous defect. According to the plaintiffs, the fire pit lacked flame arrestors or visible indicators of flame.

Hurst & Jones v. Colsen Fire Pits, LLC; Gusar, LLC; Amazon.com, Inc. 

In this case, Erin Hurst and Trevor Jones claimed that they sustained severe burns after isopropyl alcohol was added to their fire pit while it was still burning. This triggered “flame jetting,” which caused second- and third-degree burns across 40% of Trevor’s body.

The lawsuit alleges that the product was unreasonably dangerous in its design and lacked adequate warnings. The plaintiffs were forced to cancel their honeymoon because their injuries were so severe. They face a long rehabilitation.

Barnhart v. Colsen Fire Pits, LLC (Class Action) 

The plaintiff, in this case, Shaneka Barnhart, brought a consumer class action claim alleging that Colsen’s tabletop fire pits are defective and pose a serious burn risk. According to her lawsuit, the plaintiff purchased the unit shortly before October 2024, when the fire pit was recalled.

The lawsuit accuses Colsen of deceptive marketing for portraying their fire pits as safe, smokeless, and odorless, while withholding the very real danger they posed. This included flame jetting and flash fires. The negligent marketing of the product prevented consumers from making informed choices. 

Thauberger v. Gusar, LLC; Amazon.com, Inc. 

Anna Thauberger alleges that a fire pit purchased from Amazon in December 2021 was marketed as “Colsen” and promoted by Gusar. It was advertised as “safe”, “smokeless”, and “easy to use.”

On September 29, 2024, she was refueling the fire pit with isopropyl alcohol as recommended, when she heard a “whoosh”. The fire pit reignited unexpectedly, causing third-degree burns on her hands and legs, second-degree burns to her face, and permanent scarring and disfigurement. She required multiple surgeries, and her treatment is ongoing.

Talk to a Florida Product Liability Lawyer Today 

Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of individuals who have been seriously injured by fire pits. Call our Florida personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps today.

Sources:

dockets.justia.com/docket/florida/flsdce/1%3A2024cv21590/666501?

news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/tabletop-fire-pit-maker-sued-for-alleged-defect-causing-burns