Maison Law helps people that are injured by dangerous products in California. You shouldn’t have to worry about getting burned by your hot water tank–especially when you’re using it the way it’s meant to be used. But some tanks are poorly designed, have faulty parts, or don’t include proper warnings about how hot the water can get. That’s when a regular home appliance can become dangerous. If you’ve been injured or suffered burns, a California personal injury lawyer can help. Reach out today for a free consultation.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer?
If you were burned by a faulty hot water tank, you might be wondering if you need a lawyer. You don’t have to hire one–but having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference. Outside of our experience, here’s why you should turn to our team for support:
- Evaluating your case – We can look at your injuries, the product, and what went wrong to help you understand your options and what your case might be worth.
- Building your case – We build strong cases. We gather evidence, talk to experts, and do what it takes to show how the product caused your injury.
- Handling the back-and-forth – We’ll handle the paperwork, talk to the manufacturer, seller, or anyone else involved, and won’t stop until you get a fair result–so you can focus on getting better.
Most of all, we just want to make this situation easier for you and your family. Most likely, you aren’t the only one that’s been impacted by such a dangerous product. So, you’re not alone. But it’s also about the specifics.
What Kinds of Burns Happen Because of Defective Hot Water Tanks?
Burns are obviously the biggest issue when it comes to a defective hot water tank, and it’s easy to see why: when it doesn’t work properly, it seriously overheats the water you’re using–and you probably don’t know it until it’s too late. This means you (or worse, your child or older relative) could be facing burns that are severe enough to cause permanent damage. Most of the time, though, here’s what happens when there’s a defective hot water tank:
- Scald burns from hot water – If the tank’s thermostat breaks or the temperature control fails, the water can come out much hotter than it should. That can lead to scalding injuries in seconds–especially to kids, older adults, or anyone with sensitive skin.
- Temperature spikes during normal use – Sometimes, water temperature suddenly jumps while you’re taking a shower or washing your hands. These surprise bursts of hot water can cause second- or even third-degree burns.
- Pressure valve failures – If the safety valve that controls pressure doesn’t work, the tank can build up too much heat. In some cases, hot water or steam can burst out, burning anyone nearby.
- Lacking warning labels or instructions – Many people don’t realize how hot their tank is set until someone gets hurt. If there’s no warning or clear instructions, it’s easy to make a small mistake that leads to a serious burn.
While they’re painful, burns from a malfunctioning or defective hot water tank are also completely avoidable. Still, when things like this happen, it’s often you and your family that are left searching for answers. That’s where the legal process comes in.
Who’s Responsible for Hot Water Tank Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries from hot water tanks can happen suddenly—and in places you wouldn’t expect. Whether you’re in the shower, washing dishes, or helping your child with a bath, a faulty tank can send scalding water through the tap in an instant.
When that happens, it’s not just a freak accident–it might be a product defect or flaw. And if that product was unsafe, someone is usually legally responsible for the damage. In California, companies that design, make, or sell dangerous products–including hot water tanks–have a duty to keep people safe. That includes:
- Designing the product safely
- Building it with quality parts
- Providing proper warnings and instructions
- Making sure it’s safe before selling it to the public
If any part of that process goes wrong and causes a serious burn, multiple people or companies could be on the hook, like:
- The manufacturer of the tank that had a design or production flaw.
- The engineer or designer that didn’t ensure that the safety features worked properly.
- The installer that didn’t set the tank up correctly or safely.
- The parts supplier that didn’t make sure key components worked right.
- The retailer that sold a tank they knew was defective.
- The property owner or landlord that failed to maintain the system, ignored repair needs, or installed a water heater that didn’t meet safety standards.
Burn cases like this fall under California’s product liability laws, which are designed to protect you when a product fails in a way that shouldn’t happen. Figuring out who’s responsible depends on when the problem started, who knew about it, and what (if anything) was done to prevent harm. But with an injury, it also means you can file a claim.
What Are My Options For Filing a Claim After a Hot Water Tank Burn?
When a hot water tank causes a serious burn, you may be dealing with pain, medical bills, time away from work, and stress. But just like with any other type of injury, you can file a personal injury claim against the responsible party. There are usually two ways to move forward:
- An insurance claim – This is done outside of court and may lead to a quicker resolution, but the insurance company is in control–and they may try to offer you less than what your case is worth.
- A personal injury lawsuit – This goes through the court system and is handled by a judge and jury. It may take longer, but it gives you a fair shot at recovering the full value of your claim.
Either option could help you recover things like:
- Medical bills for treatment, hospital stays, or skin grafts
- Lost income if you’ve missed work or can’t return
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain of a serious burn
- Emotional distress from trauma, anxiety, or long-term effects
- Scarring or disfigurement, especially if the burn is permanent or visible
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if the injury changes how you live or interact with others
Keep in mind, California law gives you two years from the date of injury to file a claim. But the sooner you start, the stronger your case can be.
How Can I Protect My Claim After a Burn From a Hot Water Tank?
Just because you have the right to file an injury claim after you’ve been burned by a hot water tank isn’t automatic. With this situation, it’s all about taking the right steps in the aftermath to protect your claim and make sure you get what you’re owed. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get medical care – Even minor burns can turn serious. Quick treatment also creates a clear record of your injuries.
- Report the injury – Let your landlord, the seller, installer, or manufacturer know what happened. Most likely, the company that made the tank itself will have a customer support number you can call. Stick to the facts and don’t admit fault.
- Document everything – Take photos of your burns, the hot water tank, and where the incident happened. Note any unusual behavior from the tank before the injury.
- Save receipts and packaging – Anything that shows where and when you bought the product helps prove your case.
- Be careful what you say – Avoid posting about your injury online and don’t share too many details. Anything you say (whether verbally or electronically) can be used by an insurance company.
Hot water burn injuries are painful and stressful–but they’re not something you have to handle alone. If your injury was caused by a defective tank, there may be a clear path to holding the right people accountable and our team will be there to guide you through it all.
Contact Maison Law After a Hot Water Tank Burn in California
At Maison Law, we help people across California who’ve been hurt by defective products–including unsafe or poorly maintained hot water tanks. Whether the issue started with the manufacturer, the installer, or even your landlord, we’re here to help you understand your rights and what your next step should be.
Your recovery matters, and it starts with a free consultation. Set up yours today.
