Defective Deep Fryer? You May Have a Product Liability Claim

There’s nothing quite like that golden, crispy, deep-fried turkey to make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable, but if your deep fryer was a little too unforgettable (say, it caught fire, exploded, or turned your backyard into a makeshift oil geyser), your holiday may have gone from “feast” to “fiasco” in seconds.

While deep-frying disasters make for great family stories after everyone’s safe and the smoke clears, the truth is that these accidents can cause serious burns, fires, and other injuries. And sometimes, it’s not user error—it’s a defective product.

If your deep fryer malfunctioned and caused injury or property damage, you may have a product liability claim. Here’s what that means and what you can do about it.

When Deep Fryers Go Wrong

The deep fryer might be the MVP of Thanksgiving or other holiday meals, until it becomes a literal fire hazard. Maybe the temperature gauge failed, the lid didn’t seal properly, or the electrical wiring sparked like it was part of a fireworks show.

While user mistakes (like overfilling with oil or dropping in a semi-frozen bird) are common culprits, sometimes the blame lies squarely with the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.

Defects can hide inside even the most reputable brands, and when they do, they can lead to serious consequences:

• Oil explosions from faulty thermostats or inadequate pressure release mechanisms
• Electrical fires from wiring defects
• Burn injuries due to poor design or missing safety features
• Unstable bases or handles that make the fryer tip over

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to look beyond the turkey and ask whether your fryer failed you, not the other way around.

When It’s Not Your Fault: Understanding Product Liability

Product liability is the area of law that holds manufacturers, designers, and sellers responsible when their products cause harm. In plain English, if you used your fryer as intended, and it still caused injury or damage because it was unsafe, you may be entitled to compensation.

There are three main types of product defects that can lead to a claim:

1. Design Defects – The fryer was dangerous by design (think: inadequate safety cutoffs or a structure prone to tipping).
2. Manufacturing Defects – Something went wrong during production (like a faulty heating element or bad weld).
3. Marketing/Labeling Defects – The company failed to warn you about foreseeable risks or gave unclear instructions (for example, leaving out warnings about oil overflow).

So if your fryer went rogue even though you followed the manual step-by-step, don’t assume you’re to blame. It might be time to let the legal experts take a closer look.

Common Injuries Linked to Deep Fryer Defects

Deep fryer accidents can be life-changing. Victims may suffer from:

• Severe burns (thermal or oil-based)
• Smoke inhalation injuries
• Electrical shock
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Property damage from fires or explosions

And during the holidays, hospitals tend to see an uptick in these incidents. One unfortunate truth: your Thanksgiving ER visit could have been prevented if the fryer had been properly designed or tested.

What to Do After a Deep Fryer Accident

If you were injured by a malfunctioning fryer, the steps you take next can make or break your potential claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor burns can worsen if untreated, and medical documentation is critical for your case.
2. Preserve the fryer and packaging. Don’t toss it out! It’s evidence.
3. Take photos and videos. Document the product, your injuries, and any property damage.
4. Keep receipts and instruction manuals. Proof of purchase and proper use can strengthen your claim.
5. Contact a product liability attorney. A lawyer can investigate whether the fryer was defective and determine who’s responsible: the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.
   
    

A Defective Fryer May Entitle You to Compensation

If your claim is successful, you may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, burn treatments, surgery)
• Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage (like that charred siding or ruined patio furniture)

At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys have decades of experience handling product liability cases. We’ve seen firsthand how a single defective appliance can devastate a family, especially during the holidays. Our job is to make sure you’re not left footing the bill for a company’s mistake.

Deep-Frying Done Right: A Few Safety Reminders

Even if your fryer isn’t defective, it’s worth brushing up on safety basics before you fire it up:

• Always thaw the turkey completely before frying. Water and hot oil are a recipe for disaster.
• Set up your fryer outdoors, far from walls, trees, or anything flammable.
• Use oil at the recommended fill line, no freelancing.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby (not water!).
• Never leave your fryer unattended, not even to check the score.

Following safety guidelines is important, but remember: if you did everything right and still got hurt, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the blame or the cost.

If a Fryer Fails and You Get Hurt, Contact Us

The holidays should be about gratitude, good food, and spending time with family, not dealing with emergency room visits or insurance adjusters.

If a defective deep fryer ruined your Thanksgiving and left you or a loved one injured, you may have grounds for a product liability claim. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced attorneys are here to help you hold negligent manufacturers accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.