Maison Law can help you through an injury claim if you suffer burn injuries from a hot water tank in California. While you might not think about it, hot water tanks at your apartment can cause serious burns—which usually happens if they’re poorly maintained or set too high. If you’ve been hurt, our team can help you. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
Every situation is different–even one involving burns from a malfunctioning or poorly maintained hot water tank. Basically, it all comes down to the level of your injuries and how much help you need. Our team understands what you’re going through and can help you by:
- Explaining your options and rights
- Gathering evidence, information, and other records that help your case
- Deal with your landlord or their insurance company directly
- Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit
When you sign your lease for your apartment, you have certain expectations when it comes to your safety–and that includes your hot water tank. This isn’t just what you pay for every month with a rent check, it’s a legal protection also. So, when your landlord or apartment manager doesn’t do what they’re supposed to do and you are hurt, you have legal options.
What Should I Do After I’m Burnt By a Hot Water Tank in My Apartment?
Getting burned by scalding water in your apartment is the kind of injury no one expects—but in California, it happens more often than you’d think. A water heater that’s set too high or hasn’t been maintained can quickly turn an ordinary shower into a serious emergency. If this happens to you, what you do right after matters—for your recovery and your legal options. Here’s what to focus on:
- Get medical care right away – Burns can get worse quickly. Even if it doesn’t seem bad at first, get checked out. Keep all your paperwork—bills, records, and anything the doctor gives you.
- Let your landlord know – Tell your landlord or apartment manager what happened as soon as possible. Put it in writing. If they don’t give you an official report, make your own—write down when and how it happened, and anything you noticed about the water heater.
- Take pictures and videos – If you can, snap photos of the water heater, its temperature settings, any damage, and where the injury happened. Also take pictures of your burns over time.
- Save damaged items – Clothes, towels, or anything else damaged in the incident could help your case. Don’t throw them away.
- Talk to neighbors or others – If someone else witnessed what happened or knew the water temperature was too high, get their name and contact information. Start with your neighbors.
These steps protect your health—and also help if you decide to file an injury claim later. The more information you have, the stronger your case can be.
Is My Landlord Responsible for a Burn from a Hot Water Tank?
This is an extremely important question–and the answer is that your landlord (or apartment management company) very well could be liable when you’re burnt by a hot water tank. In California, landlords are legally required to keep water heaters in safe, working condition. That includes:
- Making sure the unit is properly installed
- Regularly maintained
- Set at a safe temperature.
If they fail to do any of that—and you get hurt—they may be legally responsible for your injuries. It depends on a couple questions:
- Did they know—or should they have known—there was a problem? – If they were warned about fluctuating water temperatures or complaints from other tenants and didn’t fix it, that can be used to show negligence.
- Was the heater broken, outdated, or set too high? – Water heaters should follow California safety codes, including having proper temperature controls. If the water was above 120°F, it could be considered unreasonably dangerous.
- Was the unit inspected or repaired recently? – Landlords have a duty to inspect and maintain hot water systems. Skipping regular checks or hiring unqualified workers could point to careless management.
- Have there been similar complaints in your building? – If other tenants reported hot water issues or burns and the problem was ignored, that strengthens your claim.
Sometimes, a landlord isn’t the only party at fault. Other people or companies may also be responsible, like:
- A repair technician who did faulty work
- The manufacturer of a defective water heater
- A property management company that failed to respond to maintenance requests
Every case is different, but what matters is showing that someone had a duty to keep you safe—and didn’t.
What Can You Recover in a Burn Injury Claim?
Burns from a hot water tank can be more than painful—they can impact every part of your life. When the injury wasn’t your fault, California law gives you the right to file a claim for what you’ve lost. This includes both financial and emotional damages. To do that, though, you can either:
- File an insurance claim out of court.
- File a personal injury lawsuit.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Costs related to any scarring or disfigurement from the burn
- Lost income from missed work or lost earning potential
- Reimbursement for any damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of companionship
You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim in California. But waiting too long can make your case harder to prove—witnesses forget, evidence disappears, and insurance companies become more difficult to deal with.
Maison Law Is Here to Help After a Burn Injury From Your Apartment’s Hot Water Tank
If you’ve been burned by hot water in your California apartment, you’re likely dealing with more than just the pain. You might be missing work, worried about bills, and unsure if your landlord is to blame.
At Maison Law, we help people in your situation every day. We know how to hold landlords accountable when they don’t keep tenants safe—and we make the process easier during a stressful time.
We’ll explain your rights, help gather proof, and deal with the insurance side of things. If a claim makes sense, we’ll guide you through it—get started today with a free consultation.
