More than 20 incidents of burn injuries and fire-related property damage have prompted Big Lots to recall 30,000 tabletop torches, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced last week. The torches were made in India and sold in two sizes for $8 to $20 at Big Lot stores nationwide between March and June. St. Louis residents who purchased the defective torches should stop using them immediately and return them to the store for a full refund.

Used to deter insects on outdoor patios and porches, the mosaic colored-glass vessels have a wick and burn liquid citronella. Hot liquid fuel can erupt from the torches, creating high flames that have caused serious personal injury and property damage. In several incidents, people have suffered traumatic second and third degree burns, including one victim who was burned all over the body. Property damage occurred in every incident.

Product liability laws hold manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers liable for injuries resulting from defective products such as the Big Lots tabletop torch. With an estimated annual cost of $700 billion, dangerous or defective products cause more than 29.4 million injuries and 21,400 deaths every year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

If you or a family member has suffered injuries or property loss due to a defective or dangerous product, contact the compassionate St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman. Our experienced defective product lawyers will work aggressively to help you obtain full compensation for injuries and property damage resulting from defective products.