Not all burn injuries come from open flames or accidents in public spaces. In some cases, the danger is hidden inside the home. As a burn injury lawyer can share, defective or poorly maintained HVAC systems are a growing cause of residential fire and burn claims, especially in rented properties where tenants may have little control over maintenance. Failures are often due to lack of management, updating, or oversight by the property owner.
How HVAC Units Cause Fire Or Burn Injuries
HVAC systems are meant to regulate temperature safely. But when they fail through faulty wiring, overheating components, or poor installation, they can become dangerous. Burn injuries may result from:
- Direct contact with overheated surfaces
- Electrical shorts that ignite surrounding materials
- Steam bursts from pressure buildup
- Fires started by neglected or outdated equipment
In older properties, these risks are even higher. Some systems are decades out of code, while others were installed improperly and never inspected. These risks extend to both people and pets in the household.
When Landlords Hold Responsibility
Tenants rely on landlords to provide safe, habitable living spaces. That includes proper upkeep of heating and air systems. If an HVAC system malfunctions due to neglect such as skipped inspections, delayed repairs, or ignored complaints, the landlord may be liable. According to our friends at Palmintier Law Group, liability hinges on whether the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard. Documentation matters: past complaints, visible wear, warning signs, or prior incidents all help show the danger wasn’t sudden or unforeseeable.
Legal Claims That May Apply
When a faulty HVAC system leads to burns or smoke-related injuries, the legal claim may fall under premises liability. A personal injury lawyer may pursue compensation for:
- Medical treatment and hospital stays
- Lost income or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Burn injuries can require long-term care with skin grafts, therapy, or psychological support. The scope of damages often goes beyond surface wounds. Where a fire spreads to multiple units or causes death, wrongful death claims or class actions may follow, depending on the facts.
How Tenants Can Strengthen Their Case
The success of a legal claim often depends on what the tenant did and documented before and after the incident. Tenants should:
- Report HVAC issues in writing and keep copies
- Take photos or video of the system and any visible problems
- Keep records of injuries, doctor visits, and diagnoses
- Preserve damaged property or appliances if safe to do so
- Avoid modifying or removing the unit post-incident
In cases where the HVAC unit was installed by a third-party contractor or vendor, there may also be a product liability angle. Defects in design, warnings, or performance could shift blame beyond the property owner. It is possible to hold multiple parties accountable at the same time. Midway through these cases, a personal injury lawyer may bring in professional witnesses such as HVAC technicians or fire safety professionals to explain what went wrong and how it could have been avoided.
Prevention Often Gets Ignored
Many landlords skip HVAC servicing to save costs. Filters go unchanged. Thermostats malfunction. Warning signs like burnt smells, loud operation, inconsistent airflow are ignored until someone gets hurt. Unfortunately, tenants may not realize the risk until it’s too late.
For renters, this lack of control creates exposure. HVAC systems that should bring comfort can end up causing serious harm when corners are cut. Talk to a lawyer in your area today.