A house explosion that killed a 75-year-old woman in Lexington, North Carolina, highlights the fire hazards of electric recliners and other flammable furniture.
On July 5th, 75-year-old June Leonard died after her house in Lexington, North Carolina, tragically caught fire and exploded. The South Lexington Fire Chief says the house explosion on Old Mountain Road was caused by an “electrical problem linked to an electrical recliner.” When the recliner caught on fire, the flames spread to a nearby propane tank, which then exploded. Initial reports from the scene suggested the house explosion was connected to an oxygen tank, but the South Lexington Volunteer Fire Department later confirmed that it was a 100-gallon propane tank.
June’s son rescued her from the burning house, and she was airlifted to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where she sadly later died. June’s granddaughter told WFMY-TV, “If you ask anybody about June they will tell you she was a feisty redhead and always said what was on her mind. But everyone loved her for that.”
Furniture Fire Lawsuit and Recall Information
While the specific product in the Lexington, NC house explosion has not yet been identified, there have been previous safety concerns related to electric furniture. Electric furniture can pose a fire hazard due to the combination of electrical components and flammable upholstery materials, which can lead to overheating, short circuits, or electrical malfunctions.
In June 2023, Ashley Furniture issued a recall for Party Time power loveseats, sofas, and recliners due to the potential for the cupholder with LED lighting to overheat, posing a fire hazard. Several explosion lawsuits were filed on behalf of burn survivors whose recliners caught fire.
In 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) implemented a new mandatory federal flammability standard for upholstered furniture to address the significant fire risks associated with these products, which are often the first items to ignite house fires and contribute to approximately 390 deaths annually.
Legal Action After a House Explosion
In the wake of a devastating house explosion like the one in Lexington, NC, families who lost a loved one may have grounds to file an explosion wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of money could ever make up for your family’s loss, holding wrongdoers accountable can bring a measure of justice and help ease the financial burdens you face during this difficult time.
An experienced explosion attorney will thoroughly investigate the cause and origin of the explosion and identify all potentially responsible parties.
How Pritzker Hageman Can Help
If your family has been affected by a house explosion, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Our experienced burn injury legal team at Pritzker Hageman can guide you through the complex legal process, fighting to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
Time is of the essence in these situations, as laws called “statutes of limitations” can limit the amount of time you have to file a claim.
Contact the Pritzker Hageman Explosion and Wrongful Death Legal Team
Our experienced explosion attorneys stand ready to support your family. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please contact our office online or at 1-800-377-8900. Let us help you through this difficult time by ensuring justice is served, and future tragedies are prevented. Our firm offers comprehensive consultations to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.
Contact Eric today and find out how you can get compensation and justice
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