Injuries Caused by Smart Home Devices: Who Is Liable?

Smart home devices offer users convenience, innovation, and advanced security, all available at their fingertips. Smart home devices are becoming a commonplace feature in modern homes, allowing appliances, lighting, and security systems to be controlled remotely. While technology can make our lives easier, a malfunctioning device can lead to devastating injuries. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, our Harrisburg personal injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a smart home device, our legal team is only a call or click away.

Types of Injuries Caused by Smart Home Devices

Injuries from smart home devices may result from:

• A smart oven that overheats and causes a fire.
• A smart lock failure that traps a homeowner inside their house.
• Fires or burns caused by a faulty smart thermostat.
• Smart security system errors that leave your home vulnerable to intruders or trigger false alarms.
• Electric shocks or thermal burns from improperly installed or faulty smart outlets.
• Smart lighting that fails to properly illuminate a space, causing someone to slip and fall.
• A smart home carbon monoxide detector that is defective or stops working, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.

Potential Liable Parties When a Smart Home Device Malfunctions

The following parties may be held responsible for a defective or malfunctioning device:

Product Developer

If the product’s hardware or design caused your injuries, you may be able to pursue action against the product developer. Design defect claims are often difficult to prove, with the court requiring the plaintiff to satisfy specific requirements to recover damages.

Manufacturer

If your injuries were caused by a production issue, you may hold the product manufacturer liable. Alternatively, if the manufacturer failed to provide safety instructions or risks related to using the product in a foreseeable manner, you may make a failure to warn claim. A successful failure-to-warn claim requires the injured party to show that the manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings to help the user avoid foreseeable harm. Again, you must use the product as intended or in a foreseeable way.

Retailers

If the device was malfunctioning or broken prior to being purchased, you may have a claim against the retailer or seller. These claims can be difficult to prove, requiring that you show that the seller knew of the defect and failed to remove the recalled product from their shelves.

Installers/Contractors

If the device was broken during installation or incorrectly installed, you may file a claim against the installer or contractor. If improper installation resulted in damage to your property, you may be able to file a separate claim.

Homeowners

Homeowners have a duty to keep their property free of hazards. If a dinner guest or someone else who is legally on the premises is injured, he or she may file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance.

How Long Do I Have to File a Product Liability Lawsuit in PA?

The Commonwealth allows you two years to file a product liability claim, which begins from the date of your injury. This applies to claims filed against product developers, manufacturers, retailers, installers, and homeowners. However, there are limited exceptions that may toll the statute of limitations, allowing you extra time to file a legal claim.

Documentation is Key to Maximum Compensation

If you have been injured due to a malfunctioning or defective smart home device, it is important that you document the incident. Preservation of evidence is a key component of product liability cases. If possible, record a video of the device malfunctioning and what triggers the system error. Gathering evidence is crucial to recovering damages, which will include both evidence of the faulty device and your injuries. Keep all medical records related to your injuries, including doctor’s notes, imaging, and invoices.

Reach Out to Our Harrisburg Personal Injury Attorneys

Unfortunately, smart home device defects are not always obvious, meaning that you are not aware of your vulnerability until you are experiencing an emergency. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, our legal team is dedicated to helping you recoup physical, emotional, and financial damages. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Harrisburg personal injury lawyers, we can be reached online or by calling (267) 551-8782 today.