The Shocking Dangers of Defective Generators

Key Takeaways

• Faulty design, fuel leaks, and poor ventilation in generators can lead to fires, electrocution, and deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Each year, dozens of consumers die and many more are injured due to defective portable generators, making them one of the deadliest household products.
• Manufacturers like Generac and Klein Tools have recalled tens of thousands of unsafe units, but victims may still pursue product liability claims.

When the power goes out, millions of households and businesses rely on generators to keep their lights on, refrigerators running, and critical medical equipment powered. 

These machines are marketed as lifesavers during storms, natural disasters, and unexpected outages, but when a generator is defective, it can turn from a safety net into a serious hazard, causing fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, or even explosions.

Unfortunately, defective generators are not uncommon. Each year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls of portable generators linked to life-threatening risks. And because generators are used in high-stress situations, like hurricanes, ice storms, and other emergencies, there’s often little margin for error.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective generator, you may be entitled to compensation. At Morgan & Morgan, we fight for victims of corporate negligence and defective products, helping families recover after devastating injuries. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

Why Defective Generators Are So Dangerous

Generators are powerful machines designed to provide temporary electricity. They work by burning fuel, usually gasoline, diesel, or propane, to generate power through an engine. But when they are poorly designed, manufactured with substandard materials, or sold with inadequate safety warnings, they can cause catastrophic harm.

The most common dangers associated with defective generators include:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning: Portable generators emit carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can kill in minutes. If the generator has faulty exhaust systems, leaks, or lacks proper ventilation safeguards, CO can accumulate indoors or in enclosed spaces. According to the CPSC, portable generators are among the deadliest consumer products on the market, killing an estimated 85 people every year in the U.S.
• Fire & Burn Hazards: Fuel leaks, overheating engines, or defective wiring can lead to fires and explosions. Consumers have reported generators igniting while in use, leaving behind burn injuries, property damage, and, in some tragic cases, fatalities.
• Electrocution Risks: Generators with faulty electrical components or inadequate insulation can cause severe electrical shocks or electrocution. These risks are heightened in emergency situations when users are often operating the machines in wet conditions.
• Mechanical Failures: Even if a generator doesn’t immediately pose a fire or poisoning risk, defective parts can lead to sudden power loss. For those relying on a generator to run life-saving equipment, this failure can be catastrophic.
  
   

What Should I Do if I Think My Generator Is Defective?

If you suspect your generator may be defective, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself, your family, and your legal rights. Here are the key steps you should take:

1. Stop Using the Generator Immediately

If your generator is showing signs of malfunction—strange noises, overheating, fuel leaks, sparks, or producing odd fumes—shut it down right away. Continuing to use it could increase your risk of fire, electrocution, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

2. Check for Recalls

Visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall database or the manufacturer’s website to see if your model has been recalled. Many defective generators are eventually recalled after injuries or complaints, but not all consumers are notified directly.

3. Document Everything

Keep records of:

• The make, model, and serial number of your generator
• Where and when you purchased it
• Any warning signs or malfunctions you noticed
• Photos or videos of the defective generator and any damage it caused
• Medical records if you or a loved one were injured
   

This documentation can be critical evidence if you need to pursue a legal claim.

4. Seek Medical Attention if Exposed

If you or anyone in your household experiences symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or shortness of breath, leave the area immediately and seek emergency medical care. Even mild symptoms can quickly become life-threatening.

5. Report the Defect

You can report the defect to the CPSC so they can investigate and potentially issue a recall. This also helps protect other consumers from being harmed.

6. Contact an Experienced Attorney at Morgan & Morgan

If your defective generator caused injuries, property damage, or the death of a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation through a product liability claim. A Morgan & Morgan attorney can investigate the defect, identify who is responsible, and fight to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the deadliest risks linked to defective generators is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) replaces oxygen in your bloodstream, depriving vital organs, including the brain and heart, of oxygen. Without rapid medical intervention, this can cause permanent damage or death.

Some of the most severe effects of CO poisoning include:

• Suffocation and oxygen deprivation
• Brain and nerve damage
• Hemorrhaging
• Heart complications, including coronary artery disease
• Death
  
   

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

Early signs of CO poisoning often mimic the flu, which can delay treatment. These include:

• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or drowsiness
  
   

As exposure worsens, symptoms can escalate to:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion and memory problems
• Trouble breathing
• Weakness and loss of coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

If multiple people in the same space begin experiencing symptoms at the same time, CO poisoning should be suspected immediately. Victims should leave the area, call emergency services, and seek medical treatment.

What Injuries Can Defective Generators Cause?

Defective generators can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:

• Burn Injuries: From fires or explosions caused by fuel leaks or overheating.
• Smoke Inhalation: Secondary injury from generator-related fires.
• Electrocution: From defective wiring or malfunctioning outlets.
• Traumatic Injuries: If a generator explodes or parts break loose.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: As discussed above, the most common and deadly risk.

These injuries often require hospitalization, long-term treatment, and rehabilitation. Victims may face permanent disabilities that impact their ability to work and support their families.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Generator?

When you purchase a generator, you expect it to work safely. But if that product causes harm, several parties could be held responsible in a product liability lawsuit:

• The Manufacturer: For defective design or flawed production.
• Parts Manufacturers: If a specific component (like wiring or fuel tank) was faulty.
• Wholesalers or Distributors: For pushing unsafe products to market.
• Retailers: For selling dangerous equipment without adequate warnings.
• Installers or Assemblers: If improper assembly contributed to the hazard.

In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. An experienced attorney can investigate the supply chain to determine who should be held accountable.

Filing a Product Liability Claim

Victims injured by defective generators may be eligible to file a product liability claim. To succeed, you typically need to prove that:

1. The generator was defective due to design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings.
2. The defect directly caused your injury or the death of a loved one.
3. You suffered damages, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Even if the generator was later recalled, you can still pursue a claim for injuries suffered beforehand.

What if My Loved One Died From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Losing a loved one to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from a defective generator is devastating, and it’s something no family should have to go through. Here’s what you should know:

1. Seek Support for Yourself and Your Family

The first priority is your well-being. CO poisoning deaths are often sudden and shocking, leaving families reeling. Lean on medical professionals, grief counselors, and support networks during this difficult time.

2. Understand That You May Have a Wrongful Death Claim

If your loved one’s death was caused by a defective generator, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims hold manufacturers and other responsible parties accountable for putting unsafe products on the market.

A wrongful death claim can provide compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to the final illness or injury
• Lost income and benefits your loved one would have provided
• Loss of companionship and guidance for surviving family members
• Emotional suffering caused by their untimely death
  
   

3. Determine Who May Be Liable

Several parties could bear responsibility, including:

• The generator manufacturer (for design or production defects)
• The parts manufacturer (if a faulty component caused the failure)
• The retailer or distributor (for selling unsafe equipment)
• In some cases, installers or assemblers (if the generator was improperly set up)

An attorney can investigate the chain of responsibility to identify all potentially liable parties.

4. Preserve Evidence

If possible, keep the generator, receipts, packaging, and any documentation related to the purchase or recall. Also, gather medical and incident reports. These items can be crucial in building a strong legal case.

5. Don’t Wait to Act

Wrongful death claims are subject to statutes of limitations, meaning you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. These deadlines vary by state, but once they expire, you may lose the right to pursue compensation.

6. Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney

At Morgan & Morgan, we have extensive experience handling both defective product cases and wrongful death claims. We can take on the legal battle while you focus on your family and healing. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.

What Compensation Can Victims Recover?

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

• Medical Expenses (past and future)
• Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
• Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Distress
• Temporary or Permanent Disability
• Wrongful Death damages for surviving family members

The exact amount depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. A skilled product liability attorney can calculate both immediate and long-term costs to ensure you’re not left paying for a company’s negligence.

Can I Still File a Lawsuit if My Generator Has Already Been Recalled?

Yes. A recall does not erase the manufacturer’s liability for harm caused before or after the recall was issued.

Can I Afford a Morgan & Morgan Attorney?

You can always afford legal representation when working with a Morgan & Morgan attorney. At Morgan & Morgan, we believe everyone should have access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial status. When we take you on as a client, you’ll come to learn that our attorneys do not charge hourly rates or generally any fees at all upfront; rather, they work on what is known as a “contingency fee” system. The contingency falls on whether or not we win your case. This arrangement allows those who have suffered an injury to gain access to a quality attorney they might not have otherwise been able to afford had they been required to pay an hourly rate.

Learn more about how the contingency fee works by connecting with a Morgan & Morgan attorney.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Product liability cases are complex. Manufacturers often have entire legal teams and insurance companies working to avoid responsibility. 

That’s where Morgan & Morgan comes in.

When you work with us, you get the nationwide reach of the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with law offices in every state and an army of over 1,000 attorneys. We have the financial and investigative resources to take on major corporations, and in over 35 years of experience, we’ve recovered over $25 billion in compensation in the process.

Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning your bank balance won’t stop you from seeking justice. Our Fee Is Free®, you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

We understand the devastation that comes with unexpected injuries or the loss of a loved one, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or worse due to a defective generator, you don’t have to face this fight alone. 

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